meet an oyster farmer | Saint-Malo – Mont-Saint-Michel Bay

One meeting, one job!

©SMBMSM - Olivier Bernier - SCEA Fine de Cancale - Saint-Méloir-des-Ondes (5)|©Smbmsm

©SMBMSM - SCEA Fine de Cancale - Saint-Méloir-des-Ondes (9)|©Smbmsm

Cancale oysters told by a pro!

Olivier Bernier opened the doors of his oyster farm, located at Les Nielles in the commune of Saint-Méloir-des-Ondes.

Through an immersive encounter, he shared with us his passion for this very special shellfish. Or should I say for THOSE very special shellfish! Because we’re not talking about one oyster here, but two: the flat and the hollow.

Back in the days of the kings: Cancale boasts a natural deposit of flat oysters, so tasty that they were eaten at the table of François 1st, a privilege that earned Cancale the title of town as early as 1545.

Then they were joined by creuses, originally from Portugal, then replaced by Japanese oysters, which were more resistant.

2 types of oyster, and 2 different farming methods: one occupies the bed of the Bay, while the other, creuse, grows in the famous bags spread out on the tables of the oyster beds.

While each has its own flavour, they both benefit from a unique environment, stirred by the highest tides in Europe, watched by the benevolent silhouette of Mont, in the distance.

Back to the farm

©SMBMSM - Olivier Bernier - SCEA Fine de Cancale - Saint-Méloir-des-Ondes (2)|©Smbmsm

Here, the oysters are brought in once they have come out of the sea, before being sorted and taught to close properly outside the water, a sort of reverse apnea apprenticeship!

Rearing an oyster requires unique know-how and time … It takes around 3 years for an oyster to be perfect for tasting!

The job of oyster farmer is a passion, a passion for these little oysters that give us so much joy on our palates! And one thing’s for sure, it’s that Olivier shares the passion of his profession like no other.

A profession with an open-plan office, with hours depending on the season and the tides. Appropriate clothing, because in the oyster beds you need waders and boots that go up to your waist. It’s a job where you don’t just stick your hands in your pockets, you put the bags down, move them around, turn them over and take them out of the water.
The job of an oyster farmer also involves making sure that the oysters don’t clump together by regularly stirring the bags.

And all for our great pleasure!