My First Time Collecting Shellfish at Saint-Cast-le-Guildo: A Coastal Memory to Treasure
Introduction
There are days that quietly carve a place in your heart and for me, one of those days was the first time I went shellfish gathering at the beautiful beach of Saint-Cast-le-Guildo. I hadn’t planned for anything grand. Just a walk by the sea, a bit of fresh air… but it turned into something more magical than I expected.
I started around 1 p.m., the tide was just right, and the soft breeze carried the scent of salt and adventure. The beach stretched endlessly in both directions, with little pools of water shimmering under the sun. It was peaceful yet full of life families digging around, locals expertly searching under seaweed, and the occasional excited cry of someone who had just discovered a prize hidden beneath the sand.
With a small bucket, my bare hands and feet, I joined in.
At first, I felt unsure. Where do I start? What do I look for? But soon, the rhythm came naturally. I learned to brush away sand and look for the familiar round shape of palourdes (clams). It was almost meditative the sea, the breeze, and the joy of the search. I even found a few moules (mussels) and oysters nestled among the rocks.
Over the course of three hours, I managed to collect around 2 kilograms of shellfish. And yes, I made sure every single one followed the legal size requirement nothing smaller than 4 cm. It felt good to respect the ocean while enjoying what it had to offer.
I also came across a few huge crabs, which was a thrill! But, being unprepared and unsure how to handle them, I decided to leave them be. Next time, though, I’ll bring proper tools and maybe even learn how to manage crabs safely and ethically.
I wrapped up around 4 p.m., feeling a mix of satisfaction and sun-kissed fatigue. My hands were sandy, my shoes soaked, but my heart? Full. There’s something deeply grounding about foraging with your own two hands, connecting with nature and the tides.
As I left the shore, I promised myself: this won’t be the last time. I’ll come better prepared, maybe bring a friend along, and continue learning from this beautiful coastal tradition.
How to Get There & What to Expect
Saint-Cast-le-Guildo is a charming seaside town on the northern coast of Brittany. The Grande Plage (main beach) is easy to access, with plenty of parking and clear walking paths from the town center. You’ll find posted signs near the beach access points with information about tide times and shellfish harvesting rules.
The scenery is stunning with views of Fort La Latte in the distance, golden sand stretching for miles, and little fishing boats gently rocking in the tide. It’s a peaceful, postcard-perfect place to explore.
What I Found
As a beginner, I was thrilled to discover a lovely mix of local shellfish. Most of what I collected were:
- Amandes de mer (sea almonds) – with their slightly ridged shells and firm texture
- Praires – rounder and cream-colored, with a slightly sweet flavor
- Palourdes (clams) – the classic favorite, delicate and delicious
- Scallop clams – beautifully shaped with fan-like ridges, a surprise find that added extra charm to the day
I also spotted a few small crabs, but since I wasn’t sure how to handle them and didn’t have the right tools, I let them go this time, next time, I’ll come prepared!
The Reward After the Hunt
That evening, I rinsed my shellfish thoroughly with clean seawater and then, considering my baby-level cooking skills, I decided not to risk ruining such a beautiful catch. Instead, I carefully stored them in the fridge and waited for my chef husband to come home and work his magic with white wine, garlic, and herbs.
Even without cooking them myself, the satisfaction of gathering them with my own hands made the whole experience feel special. The anticipation of tasting a dish made with love and skill made it all the more meaningful.
What I’ll Bring Next Time
- A mesh bag or sturdy basket
- A small rake or claw tool for easier digging
- Non-slip beach shoes (the rocks are slippery!)
- A guide or app to identify species
- Maybe even some gloves for better grip and protection
Tips for First-Time Shellfish Gathering
- Check if shellfish gathering is allowed that day. Look for beach signs, or check Atlas Sanitaire Coquillages for sanitary alerts and water quality updates.
- Respect size regulations - Most species must be at least 4 cm in size.
- Go during low tide, when shellfish are exposed and easier to find.
- Rinse your shellfish well in clean sea water and keep them cool until cooking.
- Be gentle with the environment - return overturned rocks, and only take what you need.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a nature lover, a seafood fan, or simply curious, I highly recommend giving shellfish gathering a try. It’s not just about the food, it’s about slowing down, connecting with nature, and learning something new with every tide.
Have you ever tried shellfish gathering in Brittany or somewhere else? I’d love to hear your story or your tips! 🌊✨
