Oysters

On Oleron there is really only one game in town – Huitres (Oysters).

The north coast of the island is dominated by the cultivation of this slimy crustacean that is a real favourite of the French and I have to admit that I am quite partial to a dozen myself.  The importance to the local economy is fairly obvious as you drive around the island.

On the island itself the creeks that run into the Pertuis d’Antioche straits are crammed with the flat-bottomed boats, sheds and other ephemera used by the Oyster farmers.

Offshore many hectares of the tidal mudflats are covered with the racks, sacks and other paraphernalia of the industry – largely not visible from sea level the Oyster beds make a interesting sight at low tide from the air where the sheer extent of their cultivation can be appreciated.

And the end product.