Enjoying a suite of international oysters with friends in Hong Kong. We always aim to show our VIP clients the secrets of Frances best producers and top culinary talents. Keep in mind that the tides here raise and lower the water by about 15 meters. You can even taste them onsite in the areas many informal yet wonderfully authentic cabanes huitres (oyster-tasting cabins), where you might enjoy breathtaking views over the Arcachon Bay, the astrounding Dune Pilat and the Cap Ferret. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Beer: Guinness is Good forEating Oysters. The oysters are harvested and sorted by size after being hand-harvested. Miyagi Oysters Also called the Pacific oyster, this oyster originated from Japan and is raised in America from the Gulf of Mexico to British Columbia. They are large, juicy and have an intense flavour, earning them a place among the finest oysters in the world. If youre looking for the best oysters in France, head to Marennes. Go for a Brut (dry), bright, citrusy, non-vintage champagne. This creates different types of oysters, and the most common are Olympia Oysters, Kumamoto Oysters, European Flats (or Belon Oysters), Sydney Rock Oysters, Pacific Oysters, and Atlantic Oysters. Have we managed to intrigue your palate? From North to South there are seven distinct growing regions: Normandy, North-Brittany, South-Brittany, West-Central, Marennes-Olron, Arcachon, and the Mediterranean. Sancerre is another excellent pairing. It should be mentioned that oysters are produced in an environmentally friendly way. The half-shell oyster is a standard unit of purchase in these parts because oysters are abundant. There, their golden flesh firms and the shellfish attain their full wild flavour. Whether youre a connoisseur or are keen to experience a new culinary delight weve put together this ultimate guide for you to get the most out of your experience enjoying French oysters. The latter two offer types known as Fines and Fines de Claire, although they traditionally hail from the Marennes-Olron region. Save. They have a slightly sweet flavor that is generously filling in their semi-round shell. 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Finally, another destination in Nouvelle Aquitaine that reserves some of France's best oysters is the town of Marennes-Olron, famous for its "La Pousse en Clair" variety that is elevated in low density conditions and in shallow ponds called "claires". Pacific oysters and native oysters have different measurement systems in France. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Tauck moved up two places in T+L's 2021 rankings to grab the No. However, no country in the world can offer a more complete oyster experience than France. Known as the Royals Royce of oysters, these very fine oysters come at a premium. Kumamoto oysters have gained popularity due to their sweet taste as well as their mild brininess. Oysters are among the best in France, as they are found in towns along the countrys coast. Australia is famed for its Sydney Rock oysters which are found in a variety of locations around the country including - Shark Bay, the Wingan Inlet and the east coast of New South Wales. During your next private, high-luxury tour of Brittany, make sure to spend some time tasting and learning about their fantastic oysters. Due to their unique taste, their longer maturation (up to 6 years), as well as their relative scarcity compared to the Pacific oyster, the native Kelly Galway oysters are prized by connoisseurs and chefs alike. The Glidden Point oysters in Maine are known as the gold standard, and they are some of the best oysters in the state. Marennes-Olron is famous for its La Pousse en Clair variety, which is elevated in low density ponds and shallow waters. Some of the more popular places include Le Bouchon du Palais in Paris, LEcailler du Bistrot in Lyon, and La Cote des Monts in Bordeaux. If you like buttery Chardonnays, these pair well . If youre looking for the perfect French oyster, the Gillardeau oyster is without a doubt the one to go with. The legendary French oyster cultivation areas are Cancale, Marennes-Olron, and Arcachon. The waters are cold, fresh and salty and contain prawns, langoustine, lobster, mussels, oysters - and fantastic fish. Hennessey also provides the restaurant with big, meaty seven- to 10-year-old oysters, which chef Andrew Taylor roasts in a thick, Korean-style barbecue sauce. From Strasbourg to Colmar to Paris. If youre going to Normandy, here are a few posts to help you plan your trip. The plants are difficult to grow and require a small amount of production, so they are more expensive to produce. Determined by a complicated calculation that only the French understand; this designation means small- to medium-sized. But the French are also far from alone in their love and pride of their home grown oysters, with many other countries across the world vying for the title of the worlds best oyster. Meaty, nutty, firm and savoury, the oysters are grown and carefully tended for four years, and due to their cultivation process are less briny than many other varieties. Because of their unique flavor and texture, this type of oyster will satisfy even the most ardent oyster lover. Boat International Media Ltd 2008 - 2022. Its lovely cucumber notes make Hendricks Gin a standout for oyster accompaniments, but any good gin will do. Last but certainly not least, the northern region of Normandy (which borders Brittany) is also home to some outstanding oyster producers and gastronomic restaurants that make creative delicious use of the shellfish. If so, get in touch with now. Best Overall West Coast Oysters: Hog Island Oyster - CA. The oysters also benefit from a perfect climate that is not too cold and not too warm. They are also delicious when cooked with herbs, garlic, or other seasonings. Easily accessible by superyacht, these oysters alone make Rhode Island a destination to cruise by. Due to the way they are cultivated, Gillardeau oysters can be eaten more than eight days after packaging so ensure your chef orders some in if you are in the country on your private yacht or enjoying a luxury yacht charter in France. La Subhasta Restaurant, where a dozen will cost you35, Picture courtesy of Iakov Filimonov/Shutterstock.com. Fans may have their favourites such as the special oysters of Isigny, tasty and pulpy, and those of Saint-Vaast, which are known for their nutty flavour. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Best Oyster Gifts; 2020 Holiday Newsletter; Solstice Spirit; Rebuttal to Oyster Herpes Op-Ed; . The fresh ocean taste of an oyster while relaxing on a luxury yacht is hard to beat. They can be found in the coastal areas of the country, as well as in the rivers and lakes. Exceptional but relaxed tastings can be enjoyed at places including Au Pied dCheval on the Cancale Port, whose oyster platters (sourced from the restaurants own local production site) are remarkably fresh and delicious; the seaside views are breathtaking, too. The Chesapeake Bay used to appear as if it were teeming with oysters as if it were a giant Milky Way. Besides, oyster preference is an extremely personal thing, and one that does not always correspond with either fame or price tag. Where to Taste the Best Oysters in Aquitaine?Your private oyster-tasting tour in the region may include visits to producers and local gastronomic tables specialised in fresh shellfish paired with excellent wines. France is home to four different oyster varieties. McDonagh's, where a dozen oysters will cost you22. Hailing from Brittany, France these oysters are beloved throughout Europe. By . Although fabulous oysters are still served in London and New York, Paris remains supreme. Although less intensely flavoured than the plate, the creuse is equally seductive. Juice of 2 limes (about 2 tbsp.) Oysters are a common ingredient in most restaurants, from humble bistros to fine dining establishments. How to Eat an Oyster Like the French: This is a list of some tips for how to eat oysters like the French. The oyster is a French delicacy that has been popular among kings and peasants for centuries. Some oysters in particular, known as La Gravette feed on local plankton that lend them a unique, highly-prized flavour. At sunset, follow the Rance west to St-Malo, a fortified citadel with ramparts at the mouth of the Rance. These are among the most sought-after. The oysters are said to have a unique flavour as they combine the saltiness of the Mediterranean with the sweet freshness of the River Ebro. The countrys long coastline and diverse climate provide the perfect conditions for oyster farming. West Sweden. France produces over 50% of the worlds oysters, and the majority of these come from the countrys southwest coast. Grown by Caminada Bay Oysters, this variety is giant, meaty, and fit for frying. You will have the most delicious gourmet adventures, as well as the most expensive huatres, on our unique culinary tours. If youve eaten them before, or whether youre curious and about to experience them for the first time, theres nothing in the world quite like French oysters. If youre looking for a more intense oyster flavor, consider California oysters. When it comes to Christmas and New Years Eve in France, oysters (Hu*tres) are the second most popular product. Malpeque Oysters Oyster prices vary significantly from one location to the next. France is known for producing oysters in three forms: plates, creuses, and fines. Heres a summary of some of the terms you are likely to encounter: France produces two types of oysters, plates and creuses. Huitrerie Regis. Fresh Shipped; Oysters. Because most oysters raised in aquaculture do not spawn, they have a good season. The French oysters are meaty and nutty in taste. You will pass by the region if you are cruising on a superyacht from Barcelona to Valencia. If youre looking for a tasty, low-cost dish, try some of the more well-known French dishes like macaroni and cheese and croisins. Ask any Frenchman or woman and theyd look at you as if youre crazy to even think they may not be. The oysters are said to have a unique flavour as they combine the saltiness of the Mediterranean with the sweet freshness of the River Ebro. Plus Hotels, Restaurants, Beach Clubs, Cars, Sport, Events and much, much more. True Belon oysters are produced in the area around the French river Belon, and some say that they are some of the rarest oysters in the world. Bartenders are getting creative with their martini and oyster collaborations; some now make martinis with an actual oyster thrown in there to take place of the vermouth, while others pop the oysters own salty, delicious juice in there to take the traditional olives dirty role. As mentioned above, theres a language of terroir and crus that accompanies oysters, particularly in the French oyster industry, and some of the very best pairings are when an oyster is paired with a local wine, particularly in regions where the soil the vines are grown in was once seabed, and therefore rich in marine sediment. The oysters are harvested when they are three years old and have a slightly briny taste with a hint of sweetness. If you want an unforgettable seafood experience, visit the East Coast. The coast of France also offers fantastic oyster experiences. The oyster is Frances national dish because it was the countrys invention. The meat is briny and firm, with only a hint of sweet sweetness and a refreshing acidity, as compared to cucumbers. Oysters are calibrated from 000 to 6, with the smaller number indicating the larger-sized oyster. Born in 1953, Savoy began training to be a chef at the age of 15 and spent the next few years working with chefs around the world. Calibre oysters have a tangy flavor that goes well with their succulent flesh. - Luxembourg) +33 1 44 41 10 07 Website E-mail Improve this listing Ranked #700 of 19,809 Restaurants in Paris 698 Reviews Price range: $28 - $38 Cuisines: Seafood More restaurant details nyctravelbug6018 The number of oysters in France varies from 1000 to 6, with the smaller the number, the larger the oyster. White Wine: Chablis and Sancerre, if you please. Located between Barcelona and Valencia in the pristine wetlands of the Delta de lEbre National Park, these delicious oysters benefit from the salt water of the Mediterranean and the fresh water of the River Ebro. French oysters are known as the best oysters in the world and are served in a variety of restaurants across the country. Level 1 has the highest weight, but level 2 has the most texture. While most French oysters are now Pacific Oysters, the Kelly Galway native oyster is an extremely fine example of the native flat European oyster that used to be prevalent in France, before disease and overconsumption almost entirely wiped them out. There are numerous other good oyster farms in Europe, but the Delta de lEbre, a region between Barcelona and Valencia, is widely regarded as one of the best in the world. There are both flat (native European) and creased (Pacific rock) varieties cultivated in the lake, some have an almost hazelnut aftertaste, while some are reminiscent of watermelon. Virtus. The word Aquitaine is derived from the French words Bonjour (for oysters and pronounced WEE-truh). "Best oysters in the world" Review of Huitrerie Regis 393 photos Huitrerie Regis 3 rue de Montfaucon, 75006 Paris, France (6th Arr. Oysters are grown in seven different regions in France, including Normandy, Brittany, Arcachon, and Aquitaine. One of life's little luxuries during summer in Bordeaux is having your toes in the sand while slurping up a dozen oysters in Cap Ferret's no-frills oyster shacks. In appearance creuse are typically a pale ivory lined with black and brown. The rolls Royce of French huitres are the oysters from Maison Gillardeau. And the French know this. No matter how you enjoy them, French oysters are a truly delicious treat. The simplicity of the dishs flavors highlights its ability to showcase each ingredient. When I wasn't working or sleeping, I was hunting for oysters. France is known for its western seaboard with three separate oyster growing regions: Cancale, Marennes-Olron, & Arcachon. According to First We Feast, each one of these oysters can measure up to 7.09 inches long and weigh up to 2.2 pounds. Although France is normally the first place that springs to mind for the world's best oysters, the Delta de l'Ebre, situated between Barcelona and Valencia, it a top contender. Around 164,000 years ago, it was common for humans to consume oysters, which were introduced to Europe by hominids. (Dont tell the French, but nearly 80% of the oysters here are exported to France and many are then sold in France and internationally under a French label. 9. Oyster Reviews Julie Qiu May 25, 2020 Australia , France , Africa , Brazil , Ireland , Japan , Scotland , Tasmania , international , best oysters , Loch Ryan , Bouzigues , Senpoushi , Fines de Claire , Kelly Galway 31 Comments Because of their smoother shells and saltier flavors, the oysters on the East Coast are more popular than those on the West Coast. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. When youre ready to eat the oysters, use a short, sharp knife with a short, sharp blade. Get yourself a coffee and a pastry because its a long read. Grown in the cold waters of the Foveaux Strait, the number of oysters harvested has been limited for decades, partially due to a suddenly wide-spreading a disease in the late 1980s that turned oysters black and watery. Gillardeau Marenne-Oleron Belon (France) Belon River, Brittany As an affiliate and publisher, we earn commissions for purchases made through links in this post and third party advertising. Manage Settings Also raised on the Cotentin Peninsula but further to the east, the huitre de Saint-Vaast la Hougue is another noble oyster with a fleshy texture, rich in iodine and featuring a subtle suggestion of hazelnut. When oysters spawn in the spring and summer, their meat becomes soggy and thin. There is no finer experience than dining on oysters overlooking the Thau lagoon as the sun goes down. The Hog Island Oyster Company of Tomales Bay, California, is famous for its hog Island Sweetwater oyster. Matunuck Oyster Bar, where a dozen oysters will cost you $24. Our unique culinary tours will take you on gourmet adventures leading you to the best, and most expensive, oysters. Sydney Rock Oysters are small and soft and have a distinctive taste although their flavours can differ depending on which location they have come from. We particularly recommend tables including Le Patio, a Michelin-starred restaurant on Arcachons main beach thats headed be French chef Thierry Renou and features outstandingly fresh oysters and creative regional cuisine, as well as the recently opened Skiff Club in gorgeous Pyla-sur-Mer, with fantastic views over the dunes, remarkable gastronomy from chef Stphane Carrade, and a superb wine list. 1. Oysters can be eaten raw or, if desired, eaten in warm temperatures, but true oyster lovers prefer to eat them raw. You can very rarely go wrong with a Pouilly Fuisse when eating oysters, or a pale, crisp Provencal rose could also be considered. "Great service, great food!". Another popular standard for judging oyster meat is the Worth Index. Spciales de claire mature for at least two months. France controls more than 2,000 miles of coastline, featuring some of the finest oyster beds in the world. Delta de l'Ebre, Catalonia, Spain When you think of eating oysters in Europe, you may automatically think of France. Small diced red meat radish (about 1 tbsp., with a little for a garnish) Salt, to taste. You wont be disappointed. Cancale, Marennes-Olron, and Arcachondre are three legendary oyster cultivation areas in France. The region, with roots in Celtic roots that stretch back thousands of years and fishing practices that are just about as ancient, has perfected the art of the huitre through a combination of treasured tradition and present-day innovation. The French have a proud history of oyster growing, with cultivation stretching back to ancient Roman times, and world-beating rates of oyster consumption, eating an impressive 4.4 pounds per person per yearmore than anywhere else in Europe. Website. The majority of the plates oysters come from Brittany or at least France, but the creuse may be imported. We'd like to introduce you to one of the best oysters in the world: the Belon oyster. There are many reasons why French oysters are the best. The Isigny oyster is one of the most well-known, with a rich and flavorful flavor. Oysters are such an established part of Irelands culinary background that it has its own dedicated oyster season with food festivals all over the country. Oysters, according to popular belief, have a distinct flavor that is influenced by the Mediterranean's salty taste and the River Ebro's sweet freshness. The harbour views are are charming and memorable, too. Arcachon Bay Oysters in France Piret Ilver Oysters are "affordable luxury" - always special, different in every corner of the world, and every moment while eating oysters is special. When raw oysters are served, they are typically chilled or heated at room temperature, or they can be served raw in a cold or room temperature dish. Their Rappahannocks are part of a long legacy of oyster growing (started in 1899) and carry with them a mild minerality and lingering sweetness. Loch Ryan is the only active oyster fishery remaining in Scotland and has been run by the Wallace family since 1701 when the beds were given a royal charter by King William II. Oyster farming is a thriving part of the culture and economy of the tang de Thau (the Thau Lagoon between Ste and Bouzigues) in the Languedoc Roussillon and the picturesque town of Bouzigues produces the most sought-after oysters in Europe. The plates are flatter in shape and are also known as Belons or Marennes, two of the locales where they are produced. It is thought some of them even return to Catalonia but under a Gallic guise. Generally raised in the plankton-rich Bay of Veys, these are oysters likely to please most palates for their soft, delicate flavours and pleasingly firm texture. Although not a traditional superyacht destination, the oysters in Ireland are reason enough to make a visit. Here is our guide on where to find six of the best oysters in the world. This region produces one out of every four French oysters, which are prized by locals and visitors alike because of their variety and complex flavor. Generally, there is a small fork provided for this purpose, so that it is not attached to the shell. Oysters cost between 8 and 20 euros per kilogram, but they are not as affordable as sushi. They explain every aspect of oyster history and nurturing. Their stance is visitors and tourists should feel privileged to be served the finest in the world. They are raised in shallow water from 4 to 6 months, producing only two to five oysters per square meter of water, producing a nearly crunchy oyster shell. Provence & French Riviera. The country is well-known for its oyster farms, which are an important part of the French culinary culture. I succeeded in finding them in 10 of the 14 countries that I visited. Types of Oysters. Every coastal community in Brittany produces non-plus ultra oysters. Grand Isle. Bourdain enjoys oysters from the coast in both regions, as well as seafood from the local region. He takes the time to appreciate the natural beauty of the region not only because it is rugged on the coastline but also because it is rolling and rural. Terroir (pronounced "tehr-wahr") means the characteristics of a placeits climate, geology, and wildlife, for examplethat impact . In fact, one in four French oysters hail from this region and are prized by locals and visitors alike for their variety and frank, complex flavours. In the flavor of the Hama oyster, there is a cucumber aftertaste and a pleasant salinity. It is simple, but delicious, to serve as a showcase for each of the ingredients. Although Normandy is more well-known for its French cheeses and Calvados liqueur than for huitres and other related products, this region should be an important factor when selecting huitres. Despite the fact that oysters are a small but important part of the French culinary culture, they can be quite pricey. Some say a crisp, dry pilsner is just the ticket, but the Irish beg to differ. Shells. France is home to some of the best oysters in the world. Are French oysters the best in the world? For white wines, they should be young rather than aged as complexity competes with the oyster flavour, and only the very bravest attempt red wine, although some spirits and stouts can be excellent choices. Wild oysters are well-known in the northwestern harbor city of Brest. A Guide to Oysters. Best for Chesapeake Bay Oysters: Rappahannock Oyster Co. - VA. Best for Themed Bushels: Real Oyster Cult. Some of the world's best oysters can be found along the stunning coasts of Brittany and Normandy in France. Are grown at just 10 to the square yard. Chez Pierre in Arcachon is also prized by locals for its fine platters and excellent wines. The oyster can be served plain, with a splash of lemon juice, vinegar, or a shallots sauce, or with vinegar and a dash of lemon juice. Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress, The Best Places To Use Your Oyster Freedom Pass, Oysters As A Potential Treatment For Cancer, The Florida Keys: Home Of The Worlds Largest Oysters, The Pros And Cons Of Eating Snails And Oysters. This allows them to grow fatter and more substantial than fines de claire. There is no doubt about it: oysters are extremely popular in France. To get the best sense of oysters' individual flavors, it's best to eat them unadorned before adding garnishes like mignonette or cocktail sauce. This results in oysters that are plump and full of flavor. Nouvelle AquitaineHeading to Nouvelle Aquitaine and the relaxed seaside town of Bourcfranc le Chapus, you can taste some of Frances most-prized and expensive oysters at Maison Gillardeau, established during the nineteenth century and lauded by gourmets as unusually flavourful, fresh, and aromatic. For those of you celebrating the festive season in Europe, here are a selection of the finest oysters available in Europe this Christmas, as well as what to drink with them. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Learn how your comment data is processed. For other strong white wine accompaniments, a very dry Muscadet from the Loire Valley promises a clean and crisp flavour profile, while a dry German Riesling is outstanding with meatier, creamier oysters. As the only oyster fishery still operating in Scotland, and a very slow maturation time of up to 8 years, the Loch Ryan oysters are a true delicacy to savour over Christmas and New Year. Some kind of dry white wine or Champagne is generally suggested as an accompaniment. The crisp fruitiness of the oyster is derived from the way they are cultivated, with a minimum fattening period of two months spent in the nutrient-rich water of salty marsh beds. These oysters are flat and round, with rippled green shells. However, the reigning champion must always be true Champagne from the Champagne region, partly because it is grown in soil which is rich in marine sediments and chalky notes, creating a magnificent mineral, almost saline partnership with the salty oysters. Oyster regions of France Normandy Oysters Known for its highly iodised and fleshy oysters. Best for Beach Cultivated: Hama Hama - WA. For true oyster lovers, theres really nothing better than tucking into a dozen on the half-shell at a seaside bistro. French Riviera Luxury is a blog about all things luxury related on the French Riviera and Cte dAzur, including but by no means limited to: Yachting Luxury yacht charters and boat rentals, popular yachting destinations, new yacht launches etc.