The Saint-Brieuc bay scallop is a rare and wild seashell that lives 30 metres deep in the waters between Cape Fréhel and the Bréhat archipelago
The Saint-Brieuc bay is quite exceptionnal: It is the 5th bay in the world in terms of tide ranges and the 2nd scallop deposit in France. It is labelled a nature reserve since 1998.
White gold
The scallop, the bay's iconic produce
Fished since the middle age, the scallop (pecten maximus) quickly becomes the symbol of the Way of Saint-James’s pilgrims. It is now our local chefs’ favourite!
It is collected from October to March with the advantage of having no developed roe.
Restaurants cooking scallops
Sustainable fishing
A protected resource
People started fishing the Saint-Brieuc bay scallop quite intensively in the 60s. The deposit declined rapidly and 20 years later measures were taken to preserve the seashell population. Nowadays, more than 200 licensed trawlers fish outside the scallop mating season (from October to March), two days a week for 45 minutes.
Submersion
Scuba diving for scallops
Embark with licensed Saint-Brieuc scallop fishermen for a unique bay experience!
Embark with fishermen
More information
Visit Saint-Quay-Portrieux's fish market
Discover how the harbour works. Learn about the different types of boats and fishing techniques.
Book a visit
Saint-Quay-Portrieux tourist information centre
Contact: 02 96 70 40 64