Local flavours and specialities

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Between land and sea, Pornic and its surrounding region are brimming with local specialities that will delight food lovers and curious visitors alike. Seafood and fish, mature cheeses, gourmet desserts, craft beers, spirits... Each product tells a story of expertise and passion. Between meetings with producers, tastings and tours, immerse yourself in an authentic terroir where every bite is an invitation to travel.

Get ready for a veritable festival of local flavours! 🍴✨

Presentation

Treasures of the sea

Seafood and fish

Anyone who has tasted pikeperch in white butter sauce understands that simplicity is sometimes the greatest refinement...

On the Jade Coast, seafood takes centre stage, much to the delight of food lovers. With its fresh fish and delicious seafood, the region is brimming with treasures from the sea that are best enjoyed in all their simplicity.
The region's fish-filled waters offer a wide variety of species: sea bass, sardines, mackerel, pollock, sole and turbot are a delight for fishermen and lovers of fresh produce. Bouchot mussels, another local treasure, can be enjoyed at the famous "mussel festivals", convivial events organised in season by local associations. For lovers of home cooking, the shellfish farming area of the marshes allows you to buy these freshly harvested delicacies directly.

For an authentic gourmet experience, Poiskaï Sud is the place to go for lovers of smoked fish. Bluefin tuna, pollock, salmon, octopus or mackerel, the selection changes with the seasons and the catch of the day. Here you can enjoy generous plates of expertly prepared fish, enhanced by homemade recipes. Accompanied by a good glass of wine, these flavours of the sea promise an unrivalled moment of pleasure, combining tradition and local expertise.

Fish and seafood restaurants

Treasures of the sea

Oysters from Bourgneuf Bay

Thanks to its rich phytoplankton, Bourgneuf Bay is particularly conducive to oyster production, where oyster farming is an ancestral tradition. Here, oysters grow at the rhythm of the tides, refining their unique taste between sweetness and salinity.

Oyster production follows several precise steps that require patience and expertise.
It all starts with collecting larvae, which attach themselves to collectors. The young oysters, or spat, are then raised in nurseries before being placed in oyster bags at sea, where they grow for 2 to 3 years, feeding on phytoplankton. Some are refined in salt ponds to enhance their flavour. Once mature, they are harvested, purified and sorted. They are then graded according to size (from No. 5 for the smallest to No. 0 for the largest) and sold directly to consumers, at markets or in restaurants. This expertise makes Bourgneuf Bay oysters an exceptional product. 🦪

This meticulous process makes Bourgneuf Bay oysters exceptional products, prized for their flesh, freshness and unique taste.

Oyster producers

Treasures of the sea

White gold

Did you know that salt is also produced here ? Yes, our neighbours Guérande and Noirmoutier are better known for their salt than our region, but this has not always been the case...
Les Moutiers-en-Retz is home to the "little Chinese port" of Le Collet, located in the heart of the Lyarne marshes. This picturesque fishing and yachting port is a former salt trading centre that provided port activity for Le Collet between the 15th and 18th centuries. The ‘Bay of Brittany’ (now Bourgneuf Bay) was the largest salt production area in Europe ! Salt was very important at the time, as it was used to preserve meat, fish and cheese. Ships from the Iberian Peninsula, the British Isles and particularly Northern Europe docked in the ports of Bouin, Bourgneuf and Le Collet to load up on ‘white gold’. Unfortunately, this strategic position also brought misery and desolation to the Pays de Retz during the Hundred Years' War (between 1337 and 1453). Ultimately, silting prevented this activity from continuing.

Today, three salt workers operate around ten salt pans in Villeneuve-en-Retz and Les Moutiers-en-Retz. Salt, considered a naturally rich source of trace elements, is harvested and produced using traditional methods. Passionate about the area, local history and this excellent product, they have worked tirelessly to clear the salt pans of silt and restart production. 🧂

Want to find out more ? Come and meet our salt workers during a visit. Enjoy moments of sharing, stories of traditions and unique exchanges !

The salt workers

Treasures of the sea

Edible seaweed

Our coastlines are teeming with seaweed that has many beneficial properties !
A true superfood, seaweed is rich in minerals, trace elements, proteins and antioxidants. On the coastline of Pornic and the Jade Coast, seaweed harvesters carefully gather edible species such as sea lettuce, nori, dulse and sea beans. Appreciated for their subtle taste and nutritional richness, these seaweeds are used fresh, dried or processed into condiments.

Among these marine treasures, spirulina stands out. Unlike seaweed, this freshwater microalgae is cultivated in ponds, particularly by passionate producers in the Pays de Retz region. Naturally rich in protein, iron and vitamins, it is prized for its benefits on energy, immunity and vitality !

Local producers offer spirulina in various forms : flakes to sprinkle, tablets or incorporated into gourmet recipes. It can be found in breakfast mixes, spreads for aperitifs, crackers, flavoured salts and even sweet treats: how about a square of spirulina chocolate ?

An original way to enjoy its benefits while discovering new sea-inspired flavours!

During your stay in Pornic, treat yourself to an introduction to seaweed harvesting or a visit to a spirulina producer to learn more about these superfoods from the sea. A delicious and enriching experience that will connect you to the natural wealth of our region...

Seaweed producers

Here, fish reign supreme, cradled by the Loire and caressed by the Atlantic.

Local delicacies

Curé Nantais

Created in 1880 in Saint-Julien-de-Concelles, Curé Nantais is a soft, washed-rind cow's milk cheese known for its strong flavour and melt-in-the-mouth texture. Its name pays tribute to its creator, an inventive priest who is said to have developed the recipe based on local cheese-making traditions. Relocated to Pornic in the 1980s, the cheese dairy continues to use traditional methods, maturing its cheeses on spruce boards and washing them regularly with salt water or Muscadet wine, which gives them their unique flavour.

The milk used comes exclusively from nearby farms, guaranteeing impeccable quality and strong local roots. In 2024, the Curé Nantais cheese dairy was bought by Beillevaire, a renowned player in the cheese world, which is committed to preserving traditional methods while developing the reputation of this iconic product.

Available in several sizes and maturities, Curé Nantais can be enjoyed on its own or melted in gourmet recipes. It is sold directly at the Pornic cheese dairy, in local creamery shops and delicatessens, as well as at markets in the Pays de Retz region. Highly prized by chefs in the region, it features on the menus of many restaurants, where it enhances savoury dishes, from revisited burgers to traditional cheese tarts. When staying in Pornic, be sure to visit the cheese dairy to observe the manufacturing process and taste this treasure of the local gastronomic heritage !

Curé Nantais

Local delicacies

Red berries

In Pornic, red berries are a real institution, and La Fraiseraie is their undisputed ambassador. Founded in the 1970s, this local brand first made a name for itself with its artisan jams before becoming a benchmark with its authentic flavoured ice creams.

In summer, enjoying an ice cream at La Fraiseraie while sitting on the Lèche wall in the old port is a tradition for visitors and regulars alike! Strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, blackcurrants... all the fruits are carefully selected and enhanced in a wide range of products: sorbets, jams, but also condiments, spirits, teas and infusions with fruity notes.

A little further south, in La Bernerie-en-Retz, another producer continues the passion for red fruits : Les Petits Fruits de la Baie. Here, the fruit is carefully picked by hand and then transformed into artisanal syrups, true concentrates of flavour. With no artificial flavours or preservatives, these syrups can be enjoyed as a refreshing drink or incorporated into cocktails and gourmet desserts.

Whether in a delicious ice cream, homemade jam or fragrant syrup, the red berries of the Jade Coast are an invitation to indulge and enjoy. A stop at these local shops is a must to take a little bit of Pornic home with you !

Local delicacies

Delicious desserts

Pornic and its surroundings are full of delicacies that are not to be missed, starting with the Armoricain from the Gavet patisserie. Created in the 1950s, this dessert is a real local institution. This moist cake combines almond sponge cake with praline buttercream, offering a melt-in-the-mouth texture and a delicately balanced flavour. A must for lovers of traditional sweets !

It is impossible to talk about sweet specialities without mentioning Saint-Michel galettes

. Created in 1905 in a family bakery in Saint-Michel-Chef-Chef, they have conquered France with their simple and tasty recipe: butter, fresh eggs and a pinch of salt. A symbol of Breton biscuits, the famous Saint-Michel galette continues to be made in western France, perpetuating a century-old local tradition.

Finally, in La Bernerie-en-Retz, a typical speciality delights food lovers : the P'tit flan bernerien. Mattéo received the recipe for this delicious flan, thicker and more generous than a classic flan, from his grandmother. He set himself the challenge of reintroducing it to foodies in the area. It can be enjoyed plain or lightly caramelised for an even more indulgent treat.

Whether for a sweet break by the sea or to take home a delicious souvenir, these desserts reflect all the expertise and authenticity of the Jade Coast. Enjoy without moderation!

Gourmet shops

Divine nectars

Breweries

Around Pornic, craft breweries are flourishing, offering local beers with varied and authentic flavours. Among them, La Brigantine is undoubtedly the most iconic. Founded in 2001 in Pornic, this Côte de Jade brewery produces beers with character, ranging from light lagers to more full-bodied brews such as amber ales and triples. Their secret ? High fermentation and carefully selected ingredients, guaranteeing consistent quality and a unique taste.

But Brigantine isn't the only one making waves on the Jade Coast! Other craft breweries stand out, such as Ouest Coast Brewery and D'Ici l'Aurore, which offer beers brewed in Saint-Hilaire-de-Chaléons, and L'Ours Jack Brasse in Sainte-Pazanne, known for its original recipes inspired by the local terroir.

These local beers can be found in bars, restaurants and beer cellars throughout the region, as well as in delicatessens and markets. For hop lovers curious to learn more, some breweries open their doors to visitors, offering tastings and tours to discover the behind-the-scenes of craft brewing. It's the perfect opportunity to enjoy a local beer while chatting with passionate brewers!

Whether you're enjoying a drink on the terrace, an aperitif with friends or looking for a souvenir to take home, the craft beers of the Côte de Jade invite you to explore a burgeoning brewing tradition. Cheers !

Alcohol is dangerous for your health, consume in moderation.

Divine nectars

Wines and spirits

The Pornic and Pays de Retz region is not just about its coastal landscapes; it is also a land of vineyards and distilleries. The local vineyards, part of the Muscadet-Côtes-de-Grandlieu appellation, produce fresh, mineral white wines, mainly from the Melon de Bourgogne grape variety. These wines, both lively and fruity, are the perfect accompaniment to seafood. Other grape varieties such as Merlot, Pinot Gris, Grolleau Gris, Chardonnay, Gamay and Cabernet Sauvignon are used to produce light and delicious white, red and rosé wines, perfect for summer aperitifs.

Some winegrowers in the Pays de Retz are happy to open their doors to visitors, offering tastings and cellar tours to share their expertise and the richness of their terroir. Some also offer original vintages, incorporating organic or biodynamic practices to enhance the expression of the grapes.

When it comes to spirits, Distillerie 168, based in Pornic, brings an innovative touch to the local heritage. It produces artisanal gin, pastis and liqueurs, highlighting carefully selected citrus and spice infusions. Its sea-inspired gin evokes the sea spray of the Jade coast with fresh, herbaceous notes.

Whether you are a wine lover or curious to discover spirits with local flavours, the vineyards and Distillerie 168 offer wonderful tasting experiences. A sensory immersion not to be missed during your visit to Pornic!
Alcohol is dangerous for your health, consume in moderation.

Divine nectars

Ti Ced Rums

Finally, here is a brand of flavoured rums produced near Pornic ! Founded in Pornic in 2011, the Ti Ced brand has revolutionised the world of flavoured rum by offering artisanal and 100% natural recipes. Passionate about this world, its founder, Cédric Brément, wanted to enhance the Caribbean tradition by selecting AOC rums from Martinique and Guadeloupe, in which carefully hand-cut fresh fruits are macerated. Mango, passion fruit, Victoria pineapple, raspberry, coconut milk...

Each bottle is a concentrate of exotic and local flavours, with no artificial flavours or preservatives.

Now recognised as a benchmark in the world of flavoured rum, Maison Ti Ced' stands out for its creativity and the quality of its products. Iconic recipes such as Caramelised Pineapple, Mango Passion Fruit and the surprising Vanilla Pecan appeal to amateurs and connoisseurs alike.

These spirits have won several competitions and awards, including the International Sugarcane Spirits Awards and the International Wine & Spirits Competition.

Distributed in numerous wine cellars, delicatessens and specialised bars in France, Ti Ced' flavoured rums can also be discovered directly in Saint-Hilaire-de-Chaléons, where the brand offers tastings (by reservation, in summer). A great way to learn about this art and appreciate all the expertise behind these gourmet creations.

Alcohol is dangerous for your health, consume in moderation.

Discover Ti Ced'