Gujan-Mestras, the town of 7 oyster ports

First of all, let's take a look at the famous oysters from the Basin! By the 4th century, oysters from the Bay of Arcachon were already highly prized by the Romans. Little eaten throughout the Middle Ages, they once again became a favourite with gourmets in the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries.

Originally, the Bassin d'Arcachon was populated by the flat oyster, or gravette (ostrea-edulis). But in 1868, a Breton ship loaded with Portuguese oysters was caught in a storm and had to take shelter in the Basin. Stranded for several days, the crew discovered that the oysters were all spoiled, or would be by the time they reached port, and threw them overboard. A few die-hards didn't give up, however, and for many years they shared the Bassin with the gravel oyster. With a higher yield than the flat oyster, the Portuguese hollow oyster was finally favoured by oyster-farmers, and is the one we can enjoy today.

The Bassin d'Arcachon has also launched the Route de l'huître (Oyster Route), a series of festivals, concerts and regattas held at some of the region's most remarkable sites during the summer months. To discover the many flavours of oysters from the Bay of Arcachon, there's nothing like a tasting in an oyster farmer's hut. He'll be delighted to tell you all about his trade and the fruits of his labour over a table of lemon, bread, butter and white wine!

With its many colourful shacks, oyster farmers and oyster tastings, there's no shortage of opportunities to stop off in Gujan-Mestras. There are no fewer than 7 oyster ports here. You can visit from east to west, or from west to east, as the ports are arranged in a linear fashion: the port of La Hume, the port of Meyran, the port of Gujan, the port of Larros, the port of Canal, the port of Barbotière, and finally the port of La Mole. The port of Larros is the best known, because it is authentic and very friendly, with its restaurants and numerous oyster huts. This is undoubtedly the best port in Gujan-Mestras for observing the day-to-day work of the oyster farmers and sampling the oysters, accompanied by a few prawns, pâté and, of course, white wine!

And to find out everything you need to know about oysters, make the most of your stroll around Larros harbour to visit the Maison de l'Huître. You'll discover videos, models and the whole history of this pearl of the Basin. The museum also has an outdoor trail telling the story of the environment around you: traditional boats, harbours, the flora of the Basin...

For fans of traditional boats, this port is also home to the Dubourdieu shipyard, one of the oldest in France, which has been building pinnaces since 1800! You may be lucky enough to spot one on its way out of the yard. Last but not least, every Thursday during the summer months, there's entertainment in Larros harbour: concerts, theatre, cinema, animation... Friendly evenings guaranteed!

The coastal path links the 7 ports of Gujan-Mestras along a 7-kilometre route through unspoilt countryside. You can follow it on foot or by bike to admire the basin, the salt meadows, the oyster-farming harbours and former fish farms, as well as the beautiful architect-designed houses and footbridges over the water. This trail can be explored at any time of year, at high or low tide, the landscape is constantly changing and taking on magnificent colours.

For a totally immersive experience and to discover the Bassin in a different way, get on board a flat with an oyster farmer for a trip out to sea. This is undoubtedly the best way to discover this fascinating profession and learn all about the oysters of the Basin. The oyster farmers offering these sea trips are delighted to share their daily lives and their passion with you. As well as discovering first-hand the expertise of the oyster farmers at work in the breeding beds, this experience will allow you to admire all the beauty of the Bay of Arcachon: the Dune du Pilat, the cabanes tchanquées, the Cap Ferret lighthouse... And, of course, these excursions end with a tasting of ultra-fresh oysters right on the boat!

⭐ Les 12 de Larros

Located on the port of Larros in Gujan-Mestras, Les 12 de Larros blends into the scenery with its architecture and natural surroundings. It's the ideal place for an immersive stay, surrounded by oyster-farming huts!