EXPERT


kitchen implements. I still have the original enamel sink tucked into one corner of my kitchen and have found it wise to install a skilful ‘volunteer’ with a crate of several dozen oysters, the knife and a wee libation as a ‘starter’ apéro, ready to prise them open. Oysters are farmed along


France’s Atlantic sea coast, from Normandy down to Arcachon in the Gironde, as well as in the great coastal lakes between Sète and Narbonne on the Mediterranean coast.


SEAFOOD AND EAT IT My other great shellfish love is scallops – known as coquilles St-Jacques – they thrive in the cool waters of the Channel and Bay of the Seine, and in particular in the bay around St-Brieuc in Brittany. This is definitely a seasonal delicacy, and is only sold on fish stalls from October until 15 May. Often the star of holiday


meals, scallops can be simply pan-fried with the addition perhaps of vermouth or lemon, baked in their shell or sliced thinly as carpaccio. I think the best way to serve them is with plenty more to come! Named after Saint James


(Jacques) of Compostela, originally pilgrims to his shrine would collect scallop shells from the beaches of Galicia as proof they had completed their rite of passage or pilgrimage. They’d hang an (empty) shell on their bag, hat, cape or staff to distinguish themselves from other travellers to gain access to alms or shelter. When a scallop shell


appeared on a house, it signified that pilgrims were welcome – when I moved into my home I found one engraved into the mantel of the ancient stone fireplace. I like to think of my home as welcoming – clearly it has had a seasonal history of being exactly that! ■


Joanna Leggett is theMarketing Director at Leggett Immobilier Tel: 08700 11 51 51 (UK) 0033 (0)5 53 60 84 88 (INT) leggettfrance.com


€299,999 €426,000


SCALLOPED EDGES Not far from the northern Brittany coast and bays famed for scallops, this beautiful property consists of two interconnected yet independent houses. The main house has spacious living rooms and kitchen, master suite with two more bedrooms. The secondary house has a living room and one bedroom on the ground floor with a second bedroom upstairs – ideal for visitors or extra income. There’s a garage, pretty garden, paved courtyard and wooded plot.


JUST ADD TRUFFLES You’ll find this charming south- facing property surrounded by fields and lovely views in Sorges, known for its truffles. The four- bedroom house and detached barn are sited around a charming, pretty courtyard with mature plants. The garden is mainly laid to lawn with walnut and plum trees. Just a short drive from Périgueux, you could aspire to making your own truffle creation with its eponymous sauce – who knows there might even be truffles in your garden?


€399,000


LUSCIOUS CAMEMBERT With its lush countryside, Normandy is famed for its Camembert cheese, the perfect way to finish any seasonal celebration. This large nine-bedroom stone house overlooking Vimoutiers, originally designed for two households, would make a perfect B&B with separate entrances and large terrasse. Positioned to take advantage of views over the small town and hilly countryside, it’s split over three levels with the large four-bedroom family apartment on the first floor.


MORE ONLINE READ MORE STORIES TO WHET YOUR APPETITE FRENCHENTREE.COM 48 FRENCH PROPERTY NEWS:November/December 2023


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