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Oyster beds in the bay at Cancale at low tide

Cancale Oyster Market

Eat oysters straight from the stalls, looking out over the oyster beds of the bay.

Photo: Héric SAMSON, CC BY-SA 3.0
  • From Saint-Malo~20 min
  • SpecialtyOysters
  • Best timeLow tide
  • Time2–3 h

Cancale has been famous for its oysters for centuries. At low tide the bay reveals vast grids of oyster tables stretching towards Mont-Saint-Michel, which you can see on the horizon.

The oyster market

At the end of the port of La Houle, by the jetty, a row of stalls sells oysters by the dozen, opened while you wait, with a slice of lemon. Locals eat them sitting on the steps of the seawall; tossing the shells onto the beach below is a tradition. It's one of Brittany's simple pleasures.

More to see

  • The Ferme Marine oyster museum explains how oysters are farmed.
  • The Pointe du Grouin, 4 km north, has wonderful views of the coast and the Île des Landes bird reserve.
  • The GR34 path runs from Cancale to the Pointe du Grouin and on towards Saint-Malo.

Tips

  • Cancale is about 20 minutes from Saint-Malo.
  • The port restaurants are busy on summer weekends; book or go early.

Tours: Cancale Oyster Market

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Oyster beds in the bay at Cancale at low tide
Oyster beds in the bay at Cancale at low tide. Photo: Héric SAMSON, CC BY-SA 3.0

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