Mont-Saint-Michel Bay is one of France's most productive seafood areas. Between Cancale oysters, PDO bay bouchot mussels, local grey shrimps and spectacular seafood platters, seafood lovers have everything they need. Here's the complete guide.
Cancale Oysters: An Absolute Must
25,000 tonnes of oysters produced annually. Flat oysters (Ostrea edulis): rare, nutty, €2.50-5 each, best Oct-Apr. Pacific creuse: €5-8/dozen, available year-round, most requested calibre is n°3. Best eaten at the criée market on port de la Houle — dozens of direct-from-producer stalls open 7am-8pm in high season, with lemon provided.
Bay Bouchot Mussels (PGI)
PGI-certified since 2006, grown on wooden stakes along 400 km of bay coast. Season: mid-July to January. Best served marinières-style with Norman cider, butter and shallots. Most authentic in the fishing villages of Cherrueix, Hirel and Le Vivier-sur-Mer.
Seafood Platters
La Bisquine (Cancale): royal platter for 2 with whole Breton lobster, €80-120. L'Armoricaine (Cancale): Cancale platter with flat oysters from €55 for 2. Le Grain de Sel (Pontorson): affordable Norman platter with grey shrimps, mussels, and periwinkles, €35-55 for 2.