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The Covered Market Hall of Royan
All the fish
look almost human, because they are so fresh.
It is not easy to go around
the market at Royan. But when you see the covered market hall, you don’t
mind at all. If it is possible, it is better to leave your car in one of
the side streets. Crossing the market, passing the stalls of fruit and
vegetables, you will find the corner where the fish is sold.
"Excuse me madam " This is Frédéric, who invites you to make
a choice and holds out to you for your inspection the fish which you
select. You are in the fishmonger's shop Patric Drouillard.
All the fish
look almost human, because they are so fresh. Please, choose a good ‘maigre’,
a fish of the region, for your barbecue …or some ‘céteaux’, or
maybe mussels and whelks.
The "maigre", a fish of the region
The maigre is found in coastal
water. The adult maigre is at least 50 cms long. It
reproduces during
May - June in the estuary of the
Gironde. It is caught along the
coast by fishermen from the harbours of La Rochelle, La Cotinière, in
the island of Oléron, and Royan.
The maigre is little known except in the region. It
is said that this typical sort of
Charente-Maritime fish
has flesh so fine and is
so full of flavour that it compares favourably with sea
bass.
The melon
Charentais
Asparagus
of Blayais
The asparagus
grown in Blaye's soil is famous for its tenderness and its gourmet
qualities.
The high season extends from March to May and it can be found
from mid-March in Royan's market.
You can even buy direct in the Blaye
region from the producers.
Green
garlic or "aillet"
This is a local speciality
which one finds in March and for a limited period.
The stalks of garlic
are picked when they are green which gives a very special flavour to
numerous regional recipes.
The market is open every morning |
