ITINERARY
Visiting Cancale, we take a journey from Normandy to Brittany. This charming town gives a sense of transition between the two regions, each with its unique character and charm. The Cancale oyster market is an attraction not to be missed. Whether you love oysters or not, it doesn’t matter. Arriving here and finding yourself in front of the stone steps right by the shore, near the market filled with people holding plates of oysters, it’s impossible to resist trying at least one.
If you love oysters as much as we do, this is the place for you! For a small fee, you can buy a dozen freshly caught oysters, which a skillful vendor will open for you in seconds. Don’t forget to buy a lemon from the vendor if you didn’t bring one with you. The oysters here are grown and sold in two types: flat and elongated, and in various sizes from number 0 to number 5. The smaller the number, the larger the oyster.
Information boards are set up along the shore, where you can read about the history, technology, and culture of oyster farming. These boards offer interesting information about the oyster farming process, which requires time and meticulous care. You will learn how oysters go through various stages of growth, how they are tended to, and prepared for sale.
The history of Cancale’s oyster culture is rich and fascinating. The boards provide details on how local residents have perfected oyster farming methods over centuries, turning this craft into a true art.
Such attention to detail and tradition creates a unique atmosphere, making a visit to the oyster market not only a gastronomic experience but also a cultural event. By learning more about these marine delicacies, you can better appreciate their taste and significance to the region.
After parking in the free parking lot (Rue Jean Marie de Lamennais, 35260 Cancale, France), you can walk down through the park until you get a view of the bay. From here, walking left along the shore offers a delightful stroll. The beautiful views, the sea in all shades of blue—from aquamarine to turquoise—and the neatly arranged clouds in the sky create a unique atmosphere. In good weather, Mont-Saint-Michel is visible from here.
Returning the same way and descending to the shore, you reach the promenade and find yourself at a small market that sells only one product—oysters—right by the oyster farm. Sitting on the stone steps with oysters and a glass of wine, watching the sea gardeners at work on the oyster beds during low tide, you lose track of time. Breathing in the fresh sea air and savoring the taste of the oysters, you immerse yourself in the atmosphere of this unique place. It’s customary to throw the shells of eaten oysters directly down to the shore, creating a natural carpet of mother-of-pearl.
Brazen and impatient seagulls wander around hoping for hearty oyster leftovers, adding to the picturesque charm of this corner of Cancale. A trip to Cancale requires some preparation. Bring along a baguette, wine, glasses, and sauce for the oysters, or you can buy all of these right there on the shore.
Sauce Recipe for Oysters
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 small fresh cucumber
- 2-3 radishes
- Gin to taste (or non-alcoholic gin Tanqueray 0.0%)
- Lemon (for squeezing)
PREPARATION:
- Finely chop the cucumber and radishes and mix them in a small bowl.
- Add gin to taste. If you prefer a non-alcoholic option, use Tanqueray 0.0% gin.
- Optionally, simply squeeze fresh lemon juice over the oysters for additional freshness and aroma.
Add the prepared sauce to taste or simply drizzle the oysters with lemon. Enjoy your meal!
For the most curious visitors, during low tide, there’s an opportunity to walk on the seabed between oyster beds and pools, adding uniqueness and unforgettable experiences to your visit to Cancale.
A stroll through Cancale is a visual delight. Small, neat houses adorned with flowers create a magical corner, hidden from the hustle and bustle of the big world. Here, a quiet and measured life reigns, occasionally interrupted by chatty tourists.
Cafés filled with people peacefully enjoying seafood invite you to sit down and savor fresh oysters amidst the gentle sounds of the sea breeze. Souvenir shops with their timeless assortment—mugs, keychains, postcards depicting views of Cancale—add a special charm and allure to the town.
Take a walk along the picturesque waterfront, breathe in the fresh sea air, and immerse yourself in the atmosphere of this place. As you return to the market, relish every moment, every sight, and sound, taking with you a piece of this beautiful corner of France. Cancale is a place where every detail, from blooming gardens to ancient buildings, harmoniously fits into the overall landscape, creating an unforgettable symphony of colors and sounds that remains in memory for a long time.
Saint-Suliac: If you have some time left, it’s definitely worth visiting Saint-Suliac—one of the most beautiful villages in France. (Free parking at 14 Rue du Clos Gilcourt, 35430 Saint-Suliac, France). An hour spent here leaves unforgettable impressions. Ancient streets surrounded by houses made of gray granite are adorned with blooming roses. Everything around is immersed in a sea of flowers, creating a unique atmosphere of peace and harmony. The tranquility and beauty of Saint-Suliac leave an incredible impression, and these magical moments linger in the hearts of every visitor for a long time.
