On markets, in fishmongers, in supermarkets and, on Sundays on little stands that pop up everywhere.
The Marennes Oléron Basin has a particular ecosystem which allows Marennes Oléron oysters to develop in the oyster beds (traditionally shallow salt marshes). Poitou-Charentes is the leading oyster-producing region under the quality and origin label. Since February 2009, Marennes Oléron Oysters have benefited from a P.G.I. (Protected Geographical Indication) carried today by the quality group ‘Oysters Marennes Oléron’.
These oysters are raised in an area covering 27 Charente-Maritime communes. They are refined and matured in oyster beds for a period of time and at a refinement density which varies, depending on the time year. These oysters are calibrated according to their filling rate and regularly checked by an independent national certification body.
There are 4 qualities of oysters in P.G.I.: ‘Fine de Claire’, ‘Fine de Claire Verte’, ‘Spéciale de Claire’ and ‘Pousse en Claire’.
Note that ‘Fine de Claire Verte’ and ‘Pousse en Claire’ are also branded Label Rouge for their exceptional quality.