Looking for a breath of fresh air, a briny escape, and the soothing sounds of seagulls and the sea while savoring oysters? Discover the oysters of Île de Ré, from production to plate—a must-try delicacy of the island.
Oyster farming on Île de Ré
The production process
Oyster farmers "catch" oyster larvae using collectors designed to gather them. After collection, the young oysters (called "spat") are immersed in plankton-rich water, which nourishes them as they grow. After several months in the sea, during which they are cradled by tides and seaweed, the oysters are detached (a process called "detroquing") and then transferred to tidal cultivation parks. These are located on the foreshore, where the oysters are placed in mesh bags on metal tables to protect them and foster growth. The final stage involves placing the oysters in refining ponds, where farmers work on their flavor and texture.
The oyster farmers of Île de Ré
Every year, oyster farmers on Île de Ré harvest between 6,000 and 8,000 tons of oysters. Around sixty oyster farmers work on the island, cultivating approximately 540 hectares of oyster beds in the sea. Oyster farming is a deeply rooted tradition on the island, and most farms are family-run. You’ll find three main types of oysters here: fines de claire, known for their plump flesh; claires, which are greener and less briny; and spéciales de claire, with firm and generously fleshed oysters raised in salt marshes. The farmers work in harmony with a delicate ecosystem and follow the rhythm of the seasons. They face the challenges of their trade while striving for the highest quality. After three years of care and patience, the oysters are finally ready to be sold and enjoyed.
The Oyster Huts on Île de Ré
You’ll find numerous oyster huts scattered across Île de Ré. These huts are typically arranged in a similar fashion. They include a basin filled at high tide, purification tanks where oysters are stored for a few hours, a shucking area where young oysters are separated before being placed in farming parks, and others are sorted and graded. Finally, there is a packaging space where oysters are packed into baskets. Some huts offer tastings of hollow and flat oysters of various sizes, typically served with shallots and a good white wine. Presented on trays, these delicacies with their refined shells and delightful briny flavor outshine the ever-popular mussels. Whether hollow or flat, you’re sure to find oysters that suit your palate, regardless of the type or size you prefer. Take a gourmet break at one of Île de Ré's oyster huts where you can enjoy oysters and other delicious seafood before purchasing them in baskets:
- Oyster Hut of Saint-Clément-des-Baleines
- Cabane du Grouin (organic producer) in Loix
- Cabane de l'Huître du Saunier
- Cabane du Feneau and La Rhétaise in La Couarde-sur-Mer
- Les Copains Bâbord
- Cabane Océane and the Le Corre Family’s Oyster Hut in La Flotte-en-Ré
- Les Huîtres de Trousse-Chemise in Les Portes-en-Ré
- Ré Ostra, Auberge Paysanne de la Mer, QG de la Mer, and Cabanajam Maison Gillardeau in Saint-Martin-de-Ré
- Huîtres et ma Ré in Rivedoux-Plage
Oysters can be enjoyed on-site or taken away, and some huts even allow you to order them online—perfect for savoring the treasures of Île de Ré anytime!