Huîtres et ma RÉ Oyster farmers on the Île de Ré for five generations

OYSTERS AND MA RÉ IN RIVEDOUX-PLAGE, OYSTER FARMERS ON THE ÎLE DE RÉ

A family story centered around oyster farming

In Rivedoux-Plage, at the entrance to the Île de Ré, Huîtres et ma Ré perpetuates a family history closely linked to the sea and oyster farming. The Bouyer family has been cultivating oysters on the Île de Ré for five generations, passing on their know-how and knowledge of the marine environment over the years.

In 2016, Karine and her husband David took over the family business and created Huîtres et ma Ré. They thus continued the activity developed by previous generations, while giving their own identity to the operation.

The company has opted for a completely local approach: Huîtres et ma Ré oysters are cultivated exclusively on the Île de Ré. This maintains a direct link between the product, its growing region, and the daily work of the oyster farmers.

Oysters farmed on the island of Ré

Oyster farming on the Île de Ré plays a significant role in the island's identity and economy. The landscapes of the north coast are particularly characterized by oyster beds, huts, and activities related to shellfish production.

It is in this environment that the oysters of Huîtres et ma Ré are cultivated. Their development follows natural cycles, the tides, and the various stages of oyster farming. Cultivation requires regular presence on the oyster beds, where the oysters are monitored and handled throughout their growth.

This activity allows Huîtres et ma Ré to offer locally produced oysters, directly linked to the waters and maritime terroir of Ré.

Rivedoux-Plage, at the gateway to the Île de Ré

Located in Rivedoux-Plage, the company benefits from a location that is particularly representative of oyster farming on the Île de Ré. The town has a long history of involvement in the development of this industry and is one of the island's main oyster-farming areas.

Located immediately after the bridge to Île de Ré, Rivedoux-Plage reveals a wide bay bordered by beaches and shaped by the tides. At low tide, the landscape changes dramatically, revealing vast stretches of coastline as well as areas dedicated to aquaculture.

This proximity to the parks also allows us to better understand the link that unites the oyster producers of the island of Ré with their environment.

A local product resulting from five generations of expertise

Choosing oysters from Huîtres et ma Ré means discovering the work of a family present in oyster farming on the Île de Ré for five generations.

Behind each production are the various stages that define the profession: working in the oyster beds, monitoring growth, handling the bags, sorting and preparing the oysters. This activity is highly dependent on the tides and natural conditions, requiring precise knowledge of the coastline.

Karine and David are now continuing this family tradition with a simple goal: to maintain local oyster production on the island of Ré and to keep alive a know-how passed down for several generations.

What to discover within a 30km radius of Huîtres et ma Ré?

Rivedoux-Plage 's location makes it easy to explore the Île de Ré. The cycle paths are one of the best ways to explore the surrounding landscapes, between coastline, marshes, villages and natural areas.

A few kilometers away are Sainte-Marie-de-Ré and La Flotte, a village prized for its port, narrow streets, and market. Further west, Saint-Martin-de-Ré is also worth a visit for its port and fortifications designed by Vauban, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Nature lovers can explore the beaches and coastal paths of Rivedoux-Plage, discover the landscapes of vineyards and marshes of the island or take the many cycling routes linking the villages of Ré.

On the other side of the bridge, La Rochelle is also nearby. Its Old Port, towers, historic center, and markets offer opportunities to extend your exploration of the region.

The surrounding area is ideal for meeting local producers from Île de Ré : oyster farmers, salt producers, winegrowers, and market gardeners all contribute to the island's unique culinary identity. It's a wonderful opportunity to discover local products while exploring the landscapes of Charente-Maritime.

For your health, avoid eating too fatty, too sweet, too salty