The island of Oléron and the Charente-Maritime region are brimming with delicious produce that can be found on many tables during the holiday season. Here's a quick gastronomic overview of the local specialties that most often grace our plates for Christmas and New Year's Eve.
Marennes-Oléron oysters
Undisputed stars of festive meals, the Marennes-Oléron oysters are also the pride of Charente-Maritime! Thanks to refining in the claire, the Oléron oyster acquires a very particular taste. Fine de Claire, Fine de Claire Verte, Spéciale de Claire or even Pousse en Claire, we take a bite! Our favorite? The "Fine de Claire" for its sweet taste with hints of hazelnuts!
The Christmas fish has arrived at La Cotinière
Charente-Maritime's leading fishing port, the small port of La Cotinière in Saint-Pierre-d'Oléron is bustling with activity during the holiday season! People come here to stock up on prime fish like sea bass, sole, and monkfish, as well as lobster and langoustines. Want to cook Armoricaine-style monkfish or grilled lobster with cognac? Head straight to the Victorine market or the markets in Rochefort, Royan, or La Rochelle.
Salt, the white gold of the Marennes-Oléron marshes
The famous fleur de sel from the island of Oléron, a natural 100% marine product, is recognizable by its subtle aroma, its inimitable crunchiness and its lightness. It accompanies the simplest dishes as well as the most festive ones such as a scallop carpaccio, duck foie gras or even macaroons, chocolates, caramels and other sweets "Made in Oléron" that we like to treat ourselves to during the holidays.
Charente-Maritime, the other truffle country
Of the truffles in Charente-Maritime Who would have thought it? Yet the department has no fewer than 250 truffle producers! It's in Surgères, 60 km from our campsite, that a large truffle market takes place every year. For your information, the "black diamond" of Charente can fetch a fortune, up to 800 euros per kilo for top-quality truffles!
A Cognac among the Christmas spirits
In the 1820s, the island of Oléron boasted no fewer than 10 distilleries. Today, the cooperative winery brings together 21 winemakers and 9 independent winegrowers who perpetuate true expertise in a historic terroir by producing pineau, local wines, but also cognac and liqueurs whose reputation is well established. The result is high-quality spirits highly valued by connoisseurs. Cognac XO Oléron, to name just one, stands out for its great finesse and beautiful aromatic complexity. To be consumed in moderation of course! All that remains is for us to wish you a wonderful holiday season and a Merry Christmas! Eat well, have fun and enjoy your family and friends!