Oysters for three kopecks or a fish market on the shores of the English Channel

Sergei Anashkevich aka aquatek-filips writes: “Every time I come to the fishing spots at the Sevastopol Central Market, I am simply amazed at the choice of Black Sea gifts on sale - on good days, several types of small fresh fish, - under the floor, a shrimp-antennae, and, well, frozen gifts from other people's seas in various types and quantities. There is no smell of a fish market in the city by the sea... And then you are amazed at the choice on the opposite coast of the Black Sea, in Istanbul, or here, in Normandy, on the very shore of the English Channel.

By the way, this market can also be called a fish market with a stretch - of course, there are not several types of fish here, but it occupies a very modest place in the total amount of marine life sold. Dozens of species of shrimp and scallops, lobsters and lobsters, mussels, various types of crabs, all kinds of snails and, of course, oysters rule the ball here. Oysters here in general, like apples, in the Sevastopol market - a lot and surprisingly cheap - from half a euro apiece ... "

(Total 23 photos)

1. The fish market in question is located in the town of Trouville, in northern France. It seems that the town is small, and the market is just a market, but here is a choice ... Only for the sake of the freshest seafood is it worth visiting the coastal towns if you are traveling around Normandy! By the way, in this photo you can clearly see the ratio of fish to non-fish in this "fish" market)

2. Shrimps. Their choice after oysters is probably the largest. From small ones (which, however, are larger than the royal ones sold with us) to quite huge, the size of a small lobster!

3. Boiled blue lobsters, giant prawns and coastal crabs

4. Local crabs. The taste is noticeably different from the Black Sea stone crab. By the way, I noticed that in a restaurant the French eat not only meat from massive claws, but also the contents of the body under the shell ... I don’t know, I don’t know ....

5. And here is the fresh blue lobster or, as they are also called, lobsters. Their prices are quite democratic - 15-20 euros apiece (even on the Greek islands, fishermen sold them more expensive)

6. And again shrimp. Larger than lemons.

7. Lobsters are also right there with their ever-falling eyes and huge stiff mustaches.

8. Shrimp Paradise

9. But still, in the most prominent and honorable place of the oyster

10. There are just a huge number of oyster farms in the area, so the markets of all the surrounding towns are literally littered with this stuff. Prices for Europe are very, very attractive - from 6.5 euros for a dozen oysters 4 caliber ...

11. ... up to 16 euros for caliber No. 2 and 22 euros for No. 1. Personally, I like the second number the most. Well, in addition to the caliber, oysters also differ in types - fin de clair, bellon, special, brittany, black noir, etc.

12. But the real gastronomic discovery for me was snails. Boiled, incredibly tasty and ... no less effective than oysters)

13. There are, of course, some fish here too…. And not only Nemo from the cartoon

14. Sad looks directed at the buyer: "me, buy me ..."

15. What I especially love about fish markets is the layout. Wherever this market is, the vendors are always very creative with their showcase.

16. These banks were very surprised. It would seem, canned food and canned food. But no. This is soup. It is often drunk straight from the can, according to vendors.

17. The Lord of Seafood. There is no particular obsession with sellers, as, for example, in the Istanbul fish market, but still they are ready to tenaciously “talk” with the buyer.

18. They will almost certainly come out from behind the counter, chat, talk about the product, help you choose the most beautiful and delicious items. Very pleasant and friendly!

19. How can you not buy a couple of lobsters or crabs here?

20. By the way, the sellers here are very colorful. This comrade is straight Paganel from the movie "Children of Captain Grant"

21. Someone came to buy, and someone to have fun. In general, no one will say a word. just smile)

22. Well, traditionally for Normandy - bought seafood can be tasted or used for its intended purpose right on the spot. There are also special tables with high chairs, urns for shells and shells are fixed - sit down, eat shrimp or oysters ....

23. And someone does not need tables. I bought a pound of snails and immediately, at the pedestrian crossing, refreshed myself before going on about my business ...