Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Cycling on île d'Oléron

Well, we've pretty much cycled every day, to the beaches, restaurants, the salt museum. But after the worst of the heat wave was over, we've decided to explore the island a bit further, into the heart of the salty marshes on the east coast of the island.
In France you always have farms close-by. It contributes to the rural feel of the country.
The salty marshes occupied by the oyster farmers
Above: the tied is coming in, so some boats are going out onto the sea
Below: we've cycled to a point called Bellevue (beautiful view) and after walking through this wild area covered by salicornia and other plants, along a small sandy path, we got to a long sandy beach with, yes, you've guessed it, a beautiful view
JL was good enough to gather from the map that we're not too far from an oyster seller/restaurant, Chez Mamadou, which was fully booked when we've stopped there a few days earlier with the car. They were packed, but we've managed to got a table and waited patiently for them to come and clean the table, and then for the food - but it was worth the waiting. We've enjoyed the view on the colourful cabins and the salty mashes flowing into the sea.  As one could have églade there, I've decided, looking at the omie below doing it, to give it a try - he seemed like an old hand. We had a laugh at a couple who arrived and pulled up their noses for this restaurant which looks a bit like your friends' backyard where you're going for a braai.  Never pull up your nose for such a place in France - they are the hidden gems!!
The broom was standing next to us - until the omie needed it and I've realised it is to sweep all the pine needles falling from the bag to the barbeque
And he is the waiter as well (for the églade, the other dishes are served from the kitchen by others)
Below: JL decided to try a bigger oyster than usually (a nr 2 vs a nr 3)
The églade in preparation - removed from the fire, but the mussels that didn't open are painstakingly removed
Below: mmm, it looks good! (and it was!!)
The entrance to the restaurant is the area selling the oysters and mussels
And our (rented) bikes!

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