Everything you need to know about Arcachon Basin oysters
A must-try local delicacy, the cupped oyster from the Arcachon Basin enjoys an international reputation. It is distinguished by its pronounced flavor and fleshy texture, which even characterizes the smallest-sized shells. The Arcachon Basin oyster has replaced the wild flat oyster, known as “gravette,” which was intensively marketed in the 19th century. Today, 23 oyster-farming ports surround the basin. The oysters are raised in the basin's waters, in parks that are submerged and exposed with the tides. They feed on plankton carried by the currents, renewed with every tide. Tasting oysters by the sea in one of the many oyster shacks around the basin is an essential activity near La Forge, a camping site in the Arcachon Basin, along with visiting oyster farms and learning about oyster farming during a tide. Meet the oyster farmers, explore the oyster parks, and visit the oyster shacks.
The Oyster Ports
Gujan-Mestras: Known as the oyster capital of the basin, this town is also called the "city of seven ports."
Port of Larros: Home to the Oyster House, an essential visit to learn about the history and craftsmanship of oyster farming, especially the oysters of the Arcachon Basin.
La Teste de Buch: Famous for hosting the Pilat Dune, this town also boasts a renowned oyster port in its center and one of the largest markets in Gironde.
Arès: Located in the northern part of the basin, nestled between forest and salt marshes, the oyster port of Arès is one of the most authentic places to savor these precious shellfish in peace.
Biganos: At the heart of the basin, this port enjoys an exceptionally preserved natural environment, making it an ideal starting point for a canoe trip.
Andernos-les-Bains: Both an oyster port and a seaside resort, Andernos enchants swimmers and relaxation seekers as much as oyster lovers!
Oyster Huts on the Arcachon Basin
La Cabane de l’Aiguillon: From April to September, enjoy oysters under a canopy in La Teste de Buch, served with bread, butter, lemon, and fine white wine.
L'Atelier n°3: From May to September, Ludovic Ortiz welcomes you to his hut in Lanton, on the eastern side of the basin, for tastings of oysters, whelks, winkles, and mussels.
La Cabane d’Hortense: Located on the Cap Ferret, on the basin side, Hortense’s hut invites you to sink your feet in the sand and savor oysters cultivated by the family-run oyster farm for four generations. Open from February to December, the hut also welcomes you by the fireplace in winter!
Les Hippocampes: Situated in Arès, at the northern edge of the basin, Les Hippocampes is best reached by bike. Here, you can taste the farm’s oysters, as well as whelks and shrimp.
La Cabane aux Volets Bleus: During your stay at our Biganos campsite, discover the Blue Shutter Hut, which offers oyster tastings from the Arcachon Basin every lunchtime in July and August, along with retail sales every Sunday from January to December. Savor your fresh oysters with a glass of white wine.