The oysters of Cancale in Brittany
The true taste of the sea in Cancale.
Delimiting the Mont St Michel bay from the west, Cancale enjoys an advanced position on the coast and owes its resources to the sea.
In 1994, the National Council of Culinary Arts awarded Cancale "remarkable site of taste" for the fame of its hollow and flat oysters.
Born in 1858 as a result of the depletion of natural deposits, oyster farming has evolved as epidemics and technical evolutions. Today, at low tide you can discover the oyster farms located on 365 ha. Every year 1000 tons of flat oysters (Ostrea edulis) are grown in deep water. The oyster (Crassostrea gigas) are grown in pockets on raised tables 50 cm that can be seen at low tide. After 3 or 4 years of magnification during which the pockets are returned regularly, the oyster is harvested, washed, and sorted by size. 3 to 4000 tons are produced each year.
The flesh of the oyster is firm and supple, a salty and iodine flavor with a deep nutty taste. Over time she contributed to the gastronomic reputation of the city of Cancale where many restaurants offer their specialties of shells and fish.
To learn more, visit "The Marine Farm" which will explain the secrets of the gardeners of the sea. Tel: 02 99 89 69 99 -
www: ferme-marine.com
The tourist office of Cancale - 44, rue du Port - tel: 02 99 89 63 72 - www.cancale-tourisme.fr - also offers you visits to the oyster beds.
Cancale, a typical fishing village is less than an hour's drive from our B & B located in Céaux near Mt St Michel.