Top 5 oyster huts to sample oysters on the island of Re

Oyster lovers, a gourmet escapade awaits you on the island of Ré. We invite you to the pleasure to taste a good dozen oysters in an oyster hut! This is an essential ritual, which you will not be able to escape during a getaway on this small island off La Rochelle. A table !

Venture off the beaten path

In the heart of nature and open from April to November, the oyster huts perfectly embody the charm of gastronomy "retaise" (from Ré island) local, simple and authentic. Not always easy to find, they are usually located in production sites, between the ocean where oysters grow in the open sea and the salt marshes, where they are refined (in le "Claire") to reveal all their flavors. Directly brought back from the oyster beds that shape the landscapes of the island, these shells are simply invited from the sea to the plate, promising to treat your taste buds! Direct sale from the producer or to taste on the spot, this ultra-short circuit guarantees an absolute freshness and a gustative intensity, which makes the greatest happiness of the gourmets!

Oysters: local and ancestral product 

For centuries, the production of oysters has been an integral part of the Ile de Ré maritime culture, as evidenced by the small Huitrière museum: It is a traditional farm located in the Martray, which traces the history and the evolution of farming techniques on this island land since the Middle Ages. Even today, the work and passion of the 62 conchycole farms, which are generally family-run, continue from generation to generation. Punctuated by the cycle of water and tides, oysters are produced throughout the year on nearly 550 hectares of concession at sea, shared by oyster farmers in the Fleet, Loix, Sainte-Marie-de Ré, Ars-en-Ré and the Martray.

The 5 essential oyster huts on Ré island

• Les Copains Babord at la Flotte

Fief of the Corre family since 1966, this oyster farm is located on the bike path that runs along the coast between the Fleet and Saint-Martin-de-Ré. Facing the sea, under wooden pergolas, oysters fresh from the pools are served with great pride by Dean Hubert Corre or daughter-in-law Charlene, the wife of Eric, who now manages the farm. Rustic and charming atmosphere overlooking the ocean, what more can you ask for a good plate of homemade oysters or local shells?

> Consult the page of the Oysters Corre on the Guide Charente Maritime

Tasting at Copains Babord at la Flotte

An attractive cabin

• La Cabane de l’Huître du Saunier at Loix

Producers of oysters refined on the spot, Jean and Thierry warmly welcome you in this small quasi-secret tasting located in the heart of the salt marshes. Served by the bike path between Couarde and Loix, towards the small port and its famous tide mill, you can access by car while remaining alert to cyclists. In an enchanting calm with a view of the marshes, lulled by the songs of migratory birds, enjoy their fine or special oysters but also clams, organic local shrimps, raised in the marshes, whelks à la plancha or other typical products like the fish soup or the velouté of salicorne! A real treat !

Let's go there by bike 

• RéOstrea at Saint-Martin-de-Ré

For Didier Fournier, oyster farming is a real life choice, a profession unlike any other in an idyllic landscape in the heart of nature. Reostréa, the oyster farm of the family farm is a real tasting of oysters, shells and delights of the sea. The Réostréa terrace is located along the bike path on the coast of Saint-Martin, surrounded by pergolas and facing a breathtaking view of the ocean and its shades of blue. A warm, authentic and relaxed atmosphere to satisfy your desires for exquisite iodized delicacies awaits you ... You will certainly meet Didier who will be happy to explain his job and his passion for this precious shell!

Beautiful view for a tasting of choice

• La Cabane du Féneau on the road to Loix

In the heart of the marshes between the Couarde and Loix, come live an authentic experience of the art of living on the Ile de Ré. Visible from the road that leads to Loix after the roundabout La Passe, do not venture by chance: here word of mouth operates and you must generally book in advance! In this peaceful and wild setting, this family tasting serves platters of seafood whose star is still the oyster, of course. Presented on a bed of seaweed, these seafood platters consist of shrimps, langoustines, cakes, oysters, whelks, periwinkles, sea almonds and clams. Let yourself be seduced by this exceptional environment, rocked by the rippling water that feeds the salt marshes.

Beautiful seafood platters

• Les Huîtres de Trousse Chemise at Portes-en-Ré

With its end-of-the-world look, this magical place offers an exceptional natural setting. Again, impossible to come across by chance, you have to cross the golf shirt Kit at the end of the island to find this little wonder. Franck Moreau, the oyster farmer, has built a natural terrace overlooking the marshes to make you taste its shells and other cold seafood (whelks, shrimps). Enjoy the view of Ars, a stone's throw from the nature reserve where hundreds of migratory birds nest. To eat without moderation, accompanied by a good glass of white wine, rye bread and half-salted butter. A delight!

Beautiful place

You already have water in your mouth? Do not wait any longer to enjoy the iodized feasts of the Ile de Ré, live from the producers!

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Article written by Lesley Williamson for the Guide Charente Maritime

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