Easy hikes and walks around Saint-Malo

Oyster farming in Cancale has a long tradition dating back to the Middle Ages. Even then, the inhabitants made use of the rich natural oyster stocks along the coast. Written sources document oyster fishing in the region as early as the 13th century. The European oysters, which occurred wild at the time, were harvested using the fishing methods common for the period and transported via the port of Cancale to numerous French cities, including Paris. During the late 19th century, pure oyster fishing gradually transformed into targeted oyster farming. Since then, the mussels have been raised under controlled conditions on oyster farms and in specially developed breeding facilities. While the European oyster was primarily dominant in the stocks in the past, today the Pacific oyster largely dominates, making up the largest part of the production.

The oyster market of Cancale, called Marché aux Huîtres in French, is one of the most famous places for fresh oysters in France. It is located at the port of La Houle in the Bay of Mont-Saint-Michel, a coastal section that offers ideal conditions for oyster farming due to its exceptionally high tides. Along the harbor promenade, only oyster farmers from the region sell their products directly to visitors. Intermediaries are deliberately avoided, so the oysters come directly from the producer. Many guests enjoy the freshly opened oysters right on the quay with a view of the extensive oyster fields and the impressive bay, while others take them along for later. The market is open daily all year round and has established itself as a permanent fixture of life in Cancale. It is one of the few oyster markets in France where regional producers market their products permanently in this traditional, direct form.

The Sémaphore, built in 1861, was originally used for observing ship traffic off the coast. Its signals could warn ships of dangers and inform rescue services in emergencies. Weather data, important for navigation and national weather monitoring, was also collected there. After being acquired by the ministry in 2000, the Sémaphore continues its surveillance tasks during the summer months. From June to September, the ground floor is used as an exhibition area, attracting numerous visitors. Surrounded by a wooden terrace, the site now offers an impressive view of the bay of Mont-Saint-Michel to the east and the Côte d’Émeraude to the west.

When looking from the Zöllnerpfad towards the Île des Landes, one can observe the impressive tidal range between the mainland and the Île des Landes at the narrow point.

Everything here revolves around oysters. The whole bay is full of oyster banks, which are consumed right at the harbor.

Everything here is about oysters. The whole bay is full of oyster beds, which are immediately consumed at the harbor.

This is all about oysters. The whole bay is full of oyster beds, which are immediately consumed at the harbor.

Here everything revolves around oysters. The whole bay is full of oyster beds, which are consumed right at the harbor.