Cancale is a charming fishing port known as the “oyster capital” of Brittany. This picturesque coastal town offers visitors a delightful blend of fresh seafood, maritime history, and scenic beauty.
Visitors can stroll along picturesque harbours filled with colourful fishing boats, savour fresh oysters straight from the sea, and explore quaint shops nestled in narrow streets overlooking the bay.
Where is Cancale?
Cancale is situated on northern Brittany’s stunning Emerald Coast, with a natural harbour that played a crucial role in its development as an oyster farming centre.
The town is located in the department of Ille-et-Vilaine, approximately 15 kilometres (9 miles) east of Saint-Malo, the nearest major city.
How to get to Cancale
Nearest airport to Cancale
The closest international airport to Cancale was Dinard–Pleurtuit–Saint-Malo Airport, about 15 miles (40 kilometres) to the west, but at the time of writing it does not offer any commercial flights. Previously flights to various UK destinations and seasonal routes to other European cities were available (and may be in the future).
That leaves the best option for visitors travelling by air as Rennes Bretagne Airport to the south, which offers direct flights to London and Dublin.
Distances
Cancale to Rennes Bretagne Airport: 48 miles (78 kilometres)
Cancale to Caen Carpiquet Airport: 100 miles (160 kilometres)
Cancale to Nantes Atlantique Airport: 117 miles (188 kilometres)
Cancale to Brest Bretagne Airport: 140 miles (226 kilometres)
For those arriving on long-haul flights, Cancale is just under a five-hour drive from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport.
Rail travel
There is no direct train service to Cancale. The nearest train station is in Saint-Malo, about 9 miles (15 kilometres) away. Regular bus services connect Saint-Malo to Cancale, with the journey taking around 30 minutes.
Driving to Cancale
The easiest way to reach Cancale by car is via Saint-Malo. From there, take the D355 coastal road east towards Cancale. If you’re driving from Paris, the journey takes about 4 hours via the A13 and A84 motorways.
History of Cancale
The history of Cancale is closely linked to the sea and oyster farming. The town’s association with oysters dates back to Roman times, with archaeological evidence of oyster farming in the area dating back to the 1st century AD.
The Middle Ages saw Cancale became famous throughout France for its oysters, which were favoured by French royalty. Louis XIV, the Sun King, is said to have had fresh Cancale oysters delivered daily to Versailles.
The 19th century saw Cancale’s oyster industry reach its peak. The town’s oyster beds stretched for miles along the coast, and Cancale oysters were exported across Europe. This period of prosperity led to the construction of many of the grand houses that still line the port today.
Cancale’s maritime history extends beyond oysters. The town has a long tradition of cod fishing off the coast of Newfoundland. Many local men embarked on long and perilous voyages to these distant fishing grounds, a practice that continued until the mid-20th century.
Today, while oyster farming remains an important part of Cancale’s economy and identity, the town has also embraced tourism. Its picturesque setting, rich maritime heritage, and gastronomic offerings attract visitors from around the world.
What’s Cancale known for?
- World-famous oysters and seafood
- Picturesque fishing port
- Beautiful coastal walks
- The town’s maritime history
Top things to do in Cancale
1. Sample fresh oysters at the market
Visit the oyster market on the seafront and enjoy freshly shucked oysters with a squeeze of lemon while overlooking the bay. It’s a quintessential Cancale experience!
2. Explore Port de la Houle
Wander through La Houle, the old fishing port, with its charming narrow streets and colourful houses. Don’t miss the Église Saint-Méen with its maritime-themed stained glass windows.
3. Walk to Pointe du Grouin
Take a scenic coastal walk to La Pointe du Grouin, a dramatic headland offering panoramic views of Mont Saint Michel Bay and the Chausey Islands.
4. Visit La Ferme Marine
Discover the secrets of oyster farming at La Ferme Marine, an interactive museum where you can learn about the cultivation process and even taste some oysters.
5. Enjoy the beaches
Relax on Cancale’s lovely beaches. Port-Mer beach is perfect for families, while Port-Pican offers beautiful views of the oyster beds at low tide.
Mont Saint Michel
While not in Cancale itself, the iconic Mont Saint Michel is visible from the town on a clear day and makes for an excellent day trip. This UNESCO World Heritage site is one of France’s most recognisable landmarks and is just a 45-minute drive from Cancale.
Those with a car can take the 30-mile (50 km) journey inland from the bay to the compulsory parking on the mainland just before the Mont Saint Michel. Free shuttle buses are available to the island or alternatively visitors can walk over the causeway.
Book abbey tickets in advance online to skip ticket lines. (Audio guides are available.) Anyone looking for an experience of a lifetime should consider booking one of the guided tours on foot across the bay at low tide. Details are available on the Mont Saint Michel website (link below).
Cancale Tourist Office
The Cancale Tourist Office is located at 44 Rue du Port. It’s open year-round, with extended hours during the summer season.
The office provides information on local attractions, accommodation, and activities. They can also advise on oyster tasting experiences and coastal walks in the area.
Cancale Information
Saint Malo Tourism: www.saint-malo-tourisme.co.uk
Brittany Tourism – Cancale: www.brittanytourism.com
La Ferme Marine: www.ferme-marine.com
