the queens of Christmas in Vendée

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They are essential on many tables during the end of year celebrations and particularly in Vendée. Oysters attract many customers on the Sables-d’Olonne market. “We are here, in Les Sables-d’Olonne, for the sea. We come from the land so we take advantage of the sea for the holidays.” confides a couple of customers. “We are responsible for taking care of the oysters, so I wanted to order them today and then like that, we will have everything we need for New Year’s Eve.” says another.

William Guyon, oyster seller, specifies: “There are orders that will go out today for throughout the week, since it keeps perfectly, customers can avoid the crowds that there will be at the last minute. The real big shot will be Wednesday.”

A few kilometers away, oyster farmers are working to keep up with this frantic demand. Despite a loyal clientele in all seasons, Christmas and New Years still represent nearly a third of the year’s sales for François Caillaud, producer:“We’re putting everything in motion for customers, it’s going to the retail markets. Until the first of the year, we’re going to do that every day.”

Fleshy, iodized, firm or tender, whatever the adjective that describes them, oysters remain for many essential for successful Christmas celebrations.