L'effet Mer — Restaurant in Arcachon

We arrived in Gujan-Mestras on a public holiday and the area around the Oyster Museum was absolutely rammed. We decided to venture a bit further and I am so glad we did.

L’effet Mer is located at the entrance to the Port de Larros opposite the statue of Christ. The view of the Bay of Arcachon is exceptional and it is fun to watch the working oyster boats going past from our table.

We arrived fairly late and but the owner’s wife welcomed us to a table and presented us was huge menu board - I believe there is only outside (covered) seating.

It is all about the Oysters here, and rightly so. They were delicious, as was the pate and bread. We had a wonderful chilled bottle of white wine and I was given an impromptu French lesson on how to pronounce Huitres correctly (causing much laughter!) - many thanks for being so patient.

In fact a few days later I was in a shop in the village and suddenly someone behind me said ‘Huitres’ - it was the owner of the restaurant - more laughter at my terrible pronunciation!

There is some parking outside the restaurant which is handy.

Check opening times, as they were not open every day when we visited at the beginning of June.

I can strongly recommend this lovely restaurant and the couple who...

L’effet mer est une véritable pépite au bout de la jetée, à Gujan Mestras ! La dégustation y est tout simplement sublime, avec une vue imprenable sur le Bassin. Tenue par de véritables ostréiculteurs passionnés, l’équipe prend plaisir à partager leur savoir et à répondre à toutes vos questions. Les huîtres, crevettes, vins et autres produits proposés sont d'une qualité exceptionnelle. Une expérience incontournable pour les amoureux du Bassin...

From the tank Thursday afternoon in Gujan Mestras to my carry on to my plate Saturday in Vienna, Austria. The best souvenir de vacances...