Brittany oyster speciality le Belon, Brittany, France, is one of the most prized oysters in all the world.
The river Belon lies a few kilometres east of the historic fishing port of Concarneau in the Finistere region of southern Brittany. It is here that the Belon oyster or Ostra edulis more commonly known as the European flat got its name. The Belon oyster is native to Europe although nowadays it is farmed in Maine in Calafornia as the Americans love the sweet slightly metallic flavour. Overall the Belon oyster is considered superior.
We have a lot of superb holiday villas in Brittany and many are located near the river Belon in villages such as Riec sur Belon, Moelan sur Mer, Clohars Carnoet, Nevez and Doelan. Having visited some of our Brittany villas in the area I had the pleasure of lunching with our local agent who’s father used to have a concession to fish the Belon oyster.
Naturally we ate Belon oysters along with a fabulous bottle of Sancerre, a Loire valley white, which if you have the right year and vineyard can be sensational. It was an unforgettable meal in a super trendy restaurant in nearby Concarneau and I learned about this very Breton speciality.
Why not treat yourself to the delights of the Belon oyster whilst on a villa holiday in Brittany. Or if you prefer to be further south why not try a self catering holiday base in Aquitaine where you can enjoy the highly reputed oysters of the Arcachon basin.
Please do contact us if you would like any further information regarding the Belon oyster or tips on where to stay and how to get there. You can trust us to provide the information you need without trying to influence your decision, our aim is for you to enjoy the holiday you envisaged.
Author – Peter Horrocks