Christopher Coutanceau's good addresses

Christopher Coutanceau, chef at the eponymous restaurant in La Rochelle, shares his tips for buying oysters, bread and good fish in the region.

Mathilde Bourge Published on 2/23/25 at 9:22 AM

Christopher Coutanceau, chef of 4 toques at Gault & Millau, is not only a virtuoso in the kitchen. A great defender of ocean preservation and artisanal know-how, he cultivates a passion for exceptional local products. In his La Rochelle restaurant, he sublimates fish, shellfish and crustaceans using ingredients sourced from the finest producers and artisans.

Today, the "fisherman-cook" shares with us his favorite addresses for tasting oysters and mussels of impeccable quality, or for finding bread worthy of the finest tables. These treasures reflect his commitment to gastronomy that respects people and nature.

Moreau fishmonger's, La Rochelle

For Christopher Coutanceau, Poissonnerie Moreau is a model of excellence. Founded in the 1950s, this family-run business has evolved over three generations to become a local benchmark. Today, located on Place de l'Île-de-France, it combines tradition and modernity, with a selection of fresh fish and homemade preparations by Jeremy Moreau and his team. An address not to be missed for exceptional seafood.

Where to find us Poissonnerie Moreau, place de l'île-de-France, 17000 La Rochelle
www.poissonnerie-moreau.fr

Le Fournil de Nina Métayer, La Rochelle

Christopher Coutanceau wanted to give a little nod to Nina Métayer, our Pâtissière de l'Année 2017. Nina Métayer has in fact opened her own bakery in her home town of La Rochelle, where she offers good sourdough bread. "Everything she makes is really top-notch," assures the chef.

Where? Le Fournil par Nina Métayer, 90 boulevard André Sautel, 17000 La Rochelle
www.larochelle.delicatisserie.com

Farol cutlery, in La Rochelle

For nearly 30 years, Farol has been creating sturdy, ingenious knives in its La Rochelle workshops. Born of a passion for the sea, the company makes a point of working with noble materials to design exceptional objects. Each knife, conceived as an adventurous companion, embodies a spirit of freedom and invites you to explore the world.

Where to buy? Couteaux Farol, 64 quai Louis Prunier, 17000 La Rochelle
www.farol.fr

Mussels from Maison Hurtaud, La Rochelle

Christopher Coutanceau works mainly with seafood in his restaurant. To supply his menu, he relies on mussel farmer Laurent Hurtaud, based just opposite the Ile de Ré. "It's a family business and we can buy mussels directly from them. It's really the Ferrari in its category", laughs the chef.

Where to buy? Maison Hurtaud, 3 impasse Samuel Champlain, 17000 La Rochelle
www.maisonhurtaud.com

Oysters from Yves Papin, in La Tremblade

For good oysters, Christopher Coutanceau again plays the local card, with products from Yves Papin, an oyster farmer near the island of Oléron. Once again, it's a family affair, as the Papins have been oyster farmers since 1906, and today Yves works with his daughter Emmanuelle to perpetuate the tradition.