Oyster bars in the Vendée: 5 incredible spots to try
The Vendée has some incredible oyster bars. So, come and enjoy not only the amazing surroundings but also these delicious local delicacies. Oysters are a culinary heritage for the people of the Vendée and many rank them among the best in France! From Noirmoutier to l'Aiguillon, here are 5 oyster bars where you can sample these delicious, sea-scented delicacies.
So, what exactly is an oyster BAR ?
In the Vendée, almost 8,000 tonnes of oysters are produced every year. Oysters from the Vendée are allowed to mature to give them an authentic flavour. This gives them subtle salty aromas which enhances their taste on the palate.
A natural product which is excellent for your health, oysters can be enjoyed with friends, family or as a couple... Oyster bars (also known as oyster huts) are ideal places for a simple, informal meal. Served with just a hint of lemon juice, peppered to taste, or even dressed in vinegar, Vendéen oysters are eaten by the dozen in oyster bars up and down the coast. Can you visualise this - stunning views, oysters, bread, butter, a drop of bubbly or a glass of Vendean wine. The 'dolce vita' is what the Vendée is all about.
Did you know? In 2023, Jacques Petitgas' Célestine oysters from Le Veillon won two gold medals in the Concours Général Agricole at the Salon de l'Agriculture!
LA CABANE D’ADRIEN AT LA GUÉRINIÈRE IN NOIRMOUTIER
La Cabane d'Adrien welcomes all seafood lovers to its oyster bar in La Guérinière, on the Noirmoutier island. It has a cosy atmosphere, with a wooden terrace, parasols made from wicker and other natural materials... You can enjoy delicious oysters, shellfish, or other delicacies in this friendly setting. The panoramic view over the Guérinière marshes adds to the charm of the Île de Noirmoutier. A real pleasure to visit...
Opening times: open from April to December, these times may vary according to the season.
Address : Zone ostréicole de la Nouvelle Brille, 85680 La Guérinière
L'HUÎTRIÈRE DE FROMENTINE, LOCATED IN THE "PAYS DE SAINT JEAN DE MONTS"
L'Huîtrière de Fromentine is a must for visitors to Saint Jean de Monts. David Lecossois invites you to discover this remarkable place. It used to be a fishmonger's! Since 2017, the company’s motto has remained the same: selling directly to consumers and tasting oysters from Fromentine's renowned oyster beds. On site, you can visit the oyster farm to find out more about how the oysters are aged. Don't hesitate to take advantage of the terrace with its sea view to enjoy these delicious oysters. L'Huîtrière has some impressive figures: 1,260,000 oysters sold per year, or 22,385 cases dispatched... And more than 1,240 pairs of gloves used!
Opening times: open every day from 9am to 12.30pm and 3.30pm to 7pm. Summer: 8.30am to 8pm non-stop.
Address: chemin des ostréiculteurs, 85550 La Barre-de-Monts
LA CABANE, AN INTERESTING OYSTER BAR IN BREM SUR MER
Are you on holiday in the Vendée, on a weekend break or just having a drink after work? Come and discover the Cabane de Brem, set in the very heart of the marshes, at the confluence of the Auzance and Vertonne rivers. This oyster bar has an unusual atmosphere with an open terrace overlooking wide waterways. From 6 p.m. onwards, depending on the season, you can enjoy the sunset while sampling some delicious oysters with friends. Something you won't find anywhere else. You can also hire paddles and canoes for an even more relaxing experience. In fact, the Cabane de Brem is a great place to recharge your batteries: it offers excellent oysters full of omega-3 fatty acids, water sports and, of course, white wine with its antioxidant properties!
Opening times and period: every day from 1st April 2024 to 30th September 2024, including Easter weekends and public holidays.
Address: île de la Chabossière, Chemin de la Ch'noue, 85470 Brem sur Mer
LES VIVIERS DE LA GUITTIÈRE, NEAR TALMONT SAINT HILAIRE
"Hello there! My name's La Guittière, in the Vendée. You may not know, but I'm the smallest oyster port in France, if you please! So, now you’ve been introduced to the Port de la Guittière, in Talmont Saint Hilaire. The oysters here are bred in so-called "brackish" water: a mixture of fresh and salt water. The result is a refined taste, almost nutty! At Les Viviers de la Guittière, you can sample a range of oysters, including fine, fine de claires, brown de casiers and special oysters. François Dewalles and his colleagues have been producing and selling their precious shellfish since 2008. So, what's in store for you? A delicious treat, away from it all, opposite the Payré Estuary.
Opening times: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 9.30am to 1.00pm and from 3pm to 6.30pm, closed on Wednesdays (except July and August).
Address: 337 rue des parcs 85440 Saint Hilaire De Talmont.
CHEZ GREG, at L’AIGUILLON LA PRESQU’ÎLE
Are you based in the south of the Vendée, close to the coast? Fancy some oysters and a glass of wine? Then head for the “Chez Greg” oyster hut in l’Aiguillon la Presqu’île! You’re sure to love this place! The dishes are generously topped with prawns, langoustines, and freshly harvested oysters. Would you like a little advice? Why not start your day with a sunbathing-swimming session on a beautiful beach in La Tranche sur Mer, which is just 20 minutes from the hut. Then, round off the day with a trio of oysters, some Vendean wine and the setting sun. The view over the oyster beds and the Lay is dazzling. Our Vendée is so beautiful!
Opening times: Tuesday to Sunday, 9am to midday.
Address: route de la Pointe, 85460 L'Aiguillon la Presqu'île
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