Cancale, Fishing port in northwestern Brittany, France
Cancale sits on Brittany's northern coast, split between an upper town and the waterfront district called La Houle, linked by winding cobbled streets. The harbor serves as the economic heart, defined by rows of fishing vessels and the extensive oyster farms that dominate the bay.
The port rose to prominence in the 18th century when French royalty specifically requested oysters from here to supply the royal court. This demand from the palace established the town as a major supplier and cemented oyster farming as the foundation of its economy.
Maritime traditions continue to shape the waterfront, where fishing crews land their daily catches and oyster farmers work the beds during low tide. The rhythm of the tides and the seasons still governs how people live and work here.
The town has two main levels: the upper town with shops and services, and the harbor area below with the fish market and oyster stalls. Walking between the sections reveals different parts of the local economy and gives a full sense of how the place functions.
The bay holds one of the largest oyster farming areas in the region, where producers manage extensive beds fed by nutrient-rich waters. This concentration makes it one of France's major oyster centers, drawing interest from seafood enthusiasts across Europe.
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