Just imagine how lucky Fouras locals are, whether for a day or a lifetime: a market open every day, all year round (except 1st January and 1st May), with numerous stalls selling fresh produce from the ocean and from the local night-time catch.
Stroll along the pedestrianised street with its small shops where you'll find everything you need, and reach the fish market. Under its canopy, the tables of the "Le Maritime" bar, lit up by the rays of the morning sun, will be a temptation hard to resist. This hall was built 150 years ago to house the fish auction. At that time, the 2 ports of Fouras, Port Nord and Port Sud, were havens for a large fleet of fishing boats. Today, the fish come in every morning from the auctions in La Rochelle and La Cotinière (Ile d'Oléron).
Fishmongers will be selling Le Maigre and Le Céteau, local gastronomic champions, alongside Sea Bass, Mullet, Saint Pierre and many other better-known varieties of fish. Oyster and mussel farmers will be offering their seasonal oysters and mussels to take away or enjoy on the spot. It's also hard not to be tempted by the shellfish and prawns on your seafood platter.
Finally, there's the lively, friendly atmosphere, with producers who know how to take the time to give you good advice. That's the spirit of the Fouras peninsula!
A good deal at the market
If you like oysters, there's a great way to enjoy them!
Sit down at a table in the market square (Bar "Le Maritime") and order your oyster platter. This will be accompanied by a glass of white wine, bread, butter and a lemon towel. The tray comes empty but you can use it to go into the market hall to buy your oysters. Ask to have them opened. Come back and enjoy them at your table with your glass of white wine. All for the price of a glass of wine (€5.5 in 2022).
Another great place to sample shellfish is in the oyster farmers' huts. On a terrace facing the parks, with a view of the ocean, you can indulge in a variety of shellfish platters!
Local fish
Le MaigreA carnivorous fish that hides its game!
An adult Maigre can weigh over 100kg. This fish returns to spawn in the estuary where it was born, i.e. in the estuaries of Charente. Its adult life is spent off the coast of Africa (Ivory Coast). This is why fishmongers usually sell small specimens weighing between 1 and 3 kg. These are very young fish with delicate, tender flesh. Some fishmongers will also sell you adult sea bass steaks. The largest Leans are best served in restaurants.
The ceteauThis is an adult sole measuring around 15 cm. Ceteau is best eaten fried. All you have to do is coat it with flour and fry it. It's delicious!
And if you don't want to try your hand at cooking during the holidays, you can find them on the menus of restaurants in and around Fouras.
