The source of information on delicious oysters from Oléron

The Marennes-Oléron basin is quite simply Europe’s leading oyster basin, producing half the volume of French oyster production. Don’t miss your chance to discover the subtleties of this delicious local speciality!

Do you have to wait for the “r” months to eat oysters?

Now you can enjoy oysters all year round, because the idea of respecting the “bre” months is a thing of the past! Traditionally, the best time to eat oysters is between September and April, including all the months of the year that include the letter “r”. And it’s true that in May, June, July and August, oysters reproduce… However, the spawning period doesn’t make oysters inedible, just milky, and some gourmets prefer them that way! It’s possible that this myth of “bre” months dates back to a time when refrigerated transport didn’t exist and it was too hot to transport oysters from their production basin to their place of consumption.

What makes Oléron oysters special?

In the past, oysters in the Marennes-Oléron basin were all flat oysters, until a damaged Portuguese ship was forced to dump its cargo of hollow oysters at sea, enriching the diversity of production! Unfortunately, epizootics decimated these two species, and today it’s oysters from Japan, of a more resistant hollow variety, that can be tasted on Oléron. The specific taste and texture come from maturing in oyster beds, as oysters mature like cheese or wine! You’ve probably already heard of claires in the names of certain oysters, such as “Fine de claires”, without actually knowing what they are! These are former salt marshes that have been converted into ripening basins, where the clay soil and the mixture of fresh and sea water create an alchemy conducive to the maturing of the oysters, which remain there for between one and six months.

Fine de claires, Spéciale de claires, Fine de claires verte and Pousse en claires: the four varieties in the basin all have IGP (Protected Geographical Indication) status. Two of them also have the Label Rouge, awarded by the French government, indicating a level of quality superior to that of a similar common product.

Where can you enjoy oysters on Oléron?

During your stay at the Saint Tro’Park campsite, we recommend reserving a table at one of the restaurants belonging to the Assiette Saveurs île d’Oléron Marennes association. The members of this group of passionate restaurateurs are dedicated to promoting the region’s culinary heritage, including of course the Marennes Oléron oyster. The list of Assiette Saveur restaurants can be found on the association’s Facebook page, or on the website of the tourist office for the Ile d’Oléron and Marennes Basin.

Enjoy your meal!

Photo “Les claires d’Oléron” (credit: www.huitresmarennesoleron.info/)