Rénald, Breizh Coquillages | La Baule-Guérande

To the rhythm from the sea

In Pénestin, Rénald Bernard starts his day facing the ocean. With his boots on, he watches the tide, checks his bouchots and adjusts the work of his team. Here, the sea dictates the tempo. Every day, you have to deal with the conditions and the seasons. And it’s precisely this natural rhythm that Rénald loves: the rhythm of a job where nothing is ever set in stone, where patience and the right gesture make all the difference.

As head of Breizh Coquillages, he is passionate about carrying on the expertise passed down by his familyfor three generations, while sharing his trade with those who want to discover what goes on behind the scenes.

Rénald grew up by the water, surrounded by boats and bouchots. When he was very young, he knew he would be taking up the torch. What motivates him to this day is producing quality shellfish, with respect for the sea and the time it demands. His business is a production site, a local fishmonger’s and a meeting place all rolled into one. Those who come here leave with shellfish, but also with a piece of local history and pride.

Bouchots at the heart

The star product here is the Bouchot mussel from Pénestin, naturally reared in the sea near the mouth of the Vilaine. Following the rhythm of the tides, these mussels develop a solid shell and flesh that takes on delicate shades of cream to orange-yellow when cooked.

The farming process is certified by the European STG (Spécialité Traditionnelle Garantie) label, guaranteeing an exceptional product. This label imposes strict criteria: minimum mussel size (4 cm), flesh content of over 24%, absence of sand and parasites, etc. Rigorous audits are carried out every year to check compliance with these requirements.

Rénald and his team are driven by a genuine passion for the sea and its environment. Each tide is a new adventure, each harvest an opportunity to share his love of the trade and the land. Between family traditions and new perspectives, he is the embodiment of modern, certified shellfish farming, deeply rooted in the Pénestin region.

For several years now, Rénald has been keen to develop the Breizh Coquillages business by offering a range of products and services for different types of public. On the shellfish site in Pénestin, a fishmonger’s shop is open several days a week to lovers of good food and short distribution channels. Oysters, clams, periwinkles and shellfish make up a rich and high-quality offer, complemented by fresh fish depending on arrivals. At the same time, the tasting area lets you savour a few oysters and other riches from the sea in front of a breathtaking view over the bay of Pont Mahé.

Breizh Coquillages is more than just a business: it’s an experience. It’s the experience of a passionate profession, a living territory and a simple, genuine welcome. Rénald and his team open the doors to their world – between the sea, know-how and gourmet delights.

📍 Pointe du Bile, 56760 Pénestin

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