French oysters, sample the Vendée’s unique variety
Oysters are a speciality in the Vendée since the 18th century. Vendée Atlantique is the name given to the popular variety of the oyster farmed along the coastline. To discover these famous oysters, why not try out the Vendée Atlantique Oyster Route ? A journey over 80km. An invigorating salty experience.
Historically, Oysters have been farmed in the bay of Bourgneuf since the 18th century. In the 50’s, other oyster farms became established along the Vendée’s coastline, south of the Loire. The area was ideal, due to its unique features, namely the quantity of marshes as well as the favourable climatic conditions, needed for oyster farming.
Oyster farming expertise: taste the Vendée Atlantique variety
Three main basins became key oyster farming centres, that of the Talmont Saint Hilaire and the Baie de l’Aiguillon zones, Noirmoutier, and the Baie de Bourgneuf. Over an area of almost 80km, over 7,700 tonnes of oyster are produced every year.
The “Vendée Atlantique” variety is very popular for its authentic taste and salty aromas. This breeding technique is quite special as the oysters are raised at sea and then refined in clear, less salty water basins with more plankton.
In 2019, the "Brunes de casiers" expertise (oysters from Talmont Saint Hilaire, raised in wooden crates) was awarded a medal at the Agricultural show in Paris.
Did you know?
The oyster port La Guittière in Talmont-Saint-Hilaire is the smallest in France.
Discover the Vendée Atlantique Oyster Route in different stages:
- With David Lecossois at Barre de Monts - L'Huîtrière de Fromentine,
- With Jean-Louis Lheriau in Beauvoir sur Mer,
- With Sébastien Lusseau in Bouin.
- Alternating between marshes and the ocean, you will appreciate this introductory journey.
Where to buy or sample french oysters?
OYSTERS AND SEAFOOD FROM L'HUÎTRIER PIE AT TALMONT SAINT HILAIRE
Freddy, an oyster farmer at La Guittière in Talmont Saint Hilaire, settled here after falling under the charm of the environment, and bought the la cabane l’Huîtrier Pie. This exceptional place is classified Natura 2000, then an exceptional French site and very soon a European site. Here you can buy seafood or taste some oysters and have a drink.
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OYSTER FARMING CHEZ GREG'S AT L'AIGUILLON SUR MER
Greg invites you to discover oyster farming on a protected natural site. From 15th June to 15th September 15, oyster tastings are possible.
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LA CABANE - OYSTER TASTINGS IN THE HEART OF THE MARAIS OF BREM SUR MER
This former oyster hut has become a starting point for canoe-kayak or stand-up paddle trips on the Vertonne and Auzance rivers. Converted into an oyster bar, its sunny terrace and panoramic view offer exceptional sunsets across the marshes. Here, you can sample the oysters from La Gachère, accompanied by a glass of wine from Brem sur Mer in a friendly relaxing atmosphere.
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