Fishing is inscribed in the French DNA and especially in the spirit of the people who work on or by the sea. With nearly 200km of coastline stretching from Bray Dunes by the Belgian border to Mers-les-Bains on the border with Normandy – a coastline dotted not only with old fishing villages but also home to Boulogne-sur-Mer, France’s biggest fishing port – Hauts-de-France is the place to taste seafood from the North Sea and the Channel.
Whether buying them from local suppliers with minimal food miles involved, tasting them in a res-taurant with sea views, going out on a boat trip to fish for them, or attending a festival dedicated to them, fish and shellfish are a quintessential part of the experience of being on holiday in Hauts-de-France. And seafood is both delicious and very healthy!
Norwegian salmon most consumed fish in France.
Where can I buy super-fresh North Sea fish?
By buying North Sea seafood direct from the fishing boats, you’re mixing conviviality with the eco-friendly practice of keeping food miles to a minimum. At Boulogne-sur-Mer on the Opal Coast, you can do this every day,on the Quai Gambetta. In Etaples-sur-Mer, fishermen’s wives sell their wares from a dozen covered stalls along the Canche. In Calais, you’ll find them on Quai de la Colonne, clustered around the stall of Myriam Pont, who fishes mussels on foot.
In Le Crotoy in the Baie de Somme (Bay of Somme – one of the most beautiful bays in the world), head to the fish and seafood kiosks set up on on the quays at weekends. In Cayeux-sur-Mer, the last of the artisan fishermen sell their products from their trawlers after sailing back into the little port of Le Hourdel. In Equihen-Plage, known for its mussel beds, and in Audresselles, famous for its shellfish, some locals set up stalls right in front of their houses. A case of fishing boat to fork!
Where’s best for an unforgettable meal of North Sea fish?
There’s an embarrassment of choice for those in the mood to treat themselves to a super-fresh fish served by friendly locals, in restaurants with panoramic views or unique locations.
In Boulogne, take a seat in Le Chatillon in the Capécure district, where those in the fishing industry themselves come to eat. It’s decorated in the style of a trawler and serves impeccably fresh produce.
In Calais, Aquar’aile is a place to drink in glorious views of the sea and the coming and going of ferries while feasting on sole or a lobster stew carrying the Mr Goodfish seal of approval. In Wime-reux, Hôtel Atlantic and its restaurants – the Michelin-starred La Liégeoise and the relaxed L’Aloze brasserie – offer the full-on seaside experience for both eyes and tastebuds. At Le Poisson à Hélices, the restaurant of the charming Le Cise ‘Relai du Silence’ (‘Silent Inn’) in Ault, savour a fish brochette accompanied by breathtaking views over the mouth of the Baie de Somme and its cliffs.
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FAQ
What is the most common fish eaten in France?
What fish are native to France?
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Order
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Family
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Species
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Perciformes
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Moronidae
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Dicentrarchus labrax
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Esociformes
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Esocidae
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Esox lucius
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Cyprinodontiformes
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Poeciliidae
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Gambusia affinis
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Cyprinodontiformes
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Poeciliidae
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Gambusia holbrooki
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What fish are caught in France?
Why is seafood so popular in France?
Seafood is a significant part of the cuisine in France and is widely consumed by the French people. The country has a long coastline along the Atlantic Ocean and the English Channel, which provides a rich source of seafood for the local population. The southern French Côte d’Azur region brings out some of the best Mediterranean dishes from France.
Why is fishing important in France?
Fishing is inscribed in the French DNA and especially in the spirit of the people who work on or by the sea.
What kind of fish is Halibut flétan?
This tender, white, flaky fish can be served poached, baked, grilled, fried, or smoked. This is a very firm fish with a delicate flavour. Halibut cheeks ( joues de flétan) are a delicacy. Lieu comes in two varieties, lieu noir (black pollack) and the rarer and more expensive lieu jaune (yellow pollack).
What are the different types of French shrimp?
French shrimp come in different sizes and colors. There are the small and tasty crevette gris (grey shrimp), the slightly larger crevette rose (pink shrimp) found in cocktails, and the super-sized gambas (a word borrowed from Spanish.) I once ordered a starter of gambas —big, whole shrimp that I peeled and then dipped in homemade mayonnaise.