French Normandy Serves World’s Best Oysters

Almost two third of French clams are caught along the Normandy coast. (AFP)
Almost two third of French clams are caught along the Normandy coast. (AFP)
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French Normandy Serves World’s Best Oysters

Almost two third of French clams are caught along the Normandy coast. (AFP)
Almost two third of French clams are caught along the Normandy coast. (AFP)

In a beautiful town overlooking the English Channel, you can spot piles of hundreds of oysters in all the shapes and colors you can imagine at the Port-en-Bessin-Huppain. As of early October, you can find oysters that are at least 11 cm long at the fish auction store, according to the German news agency.

The French town features one of the best oyster fishing ports. The auction store is found at the end of the port, but it’s open only for fishermen and merchants, with few exceptions such as "Le Gout du Large" (Taste of Sea), an oyster festival held annually at the Port-en-Bessin-Huppain since 2004, usually in November.

"There is no better place that deserves to host this festival more than the Port-en-Bessin-Huppain," said fisherman Jérôme Vicquelin who inherited his profession from his father and ancestors.

He is proud of the legacy and sees fishing as a passion not a profession.

Fishing is the best industry in this town. If you are fond of oysters, France is the world’s best places to catch it alongside Ireland and Scotland. Almost two third of French clams are caught along the Normandy coast.

Oysters are fished using dredgers which search on groundwater levels and collect oysters with a net. Fishing operations have been strictly controlled for years, but oyster lovers say oysters of the Seine River are the best in the Normandy.



6,101 Pieces of History: Brazilian Owns World’s Largest Shirt Collection

 Cassio Brandao, 41, holds a German shirt received by Pele during an exchange with player Beckenbauer at the end of a game, in a room filled with clothes racks that in April 2024 made him become a Guinness World Records title holder as the owner of the world's largest collection of soccer shirts, in Sao Paulo, Brazil June 24, 2024. (Reuters)
Cassio Brandao, 41, holds a German shirt received by Pele during an exchange with player Beckenbauer at the end of a game, in a room filled with clothes racks that in April 2024 made him become a Guinness World Records title holder as the owner of the world's largest collection of soccer shirts, in Sao Paulo, Brazil June 24, 2024. (Reuters)
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6,101 Pieces of History: Brazilian Owns World’s Largest Shirt Collection

 Cassio Brandao, 41, holds a German shirt received by Pele during an exchange with player Beckenbauer at the end of a game, in a room filled with clothes racks that in April 2024 made him become a Guinness World Records title holder as the owner of the world's largest collection of soccer shirts, in Sao Paulo, Brazil June 24, 2024. (Reuters)
Cassio Brandao, 41, holds a German shirt received by Pele during an exchange with player Beckenbauer at the end of a game, in a room filled with clothes racks that in April 2024 made him become a Guinness World Records title holder as the owner of the world's largest collection of soccer shirts, in Sao Paulo, Brazil June 24, 2024. (Reuters)

Brazilian Cassio Brandao walks through rooms filled with clothes racks that in April made him a Guinness World Records title holder as the owner of the world's largest collection of soccer shirts.

From rare Pele jerseys to a 1998 World Cup shirt signed by Ronaldo, the 41-year-old Google employee has amassed a total 6,101 shirts since he started collecting them in 2000.

"They are more than just 6,101 pieces of fabric; they are 6,101 stories that help us tell a bit of the history of soccer," Brandao told Reuters as, wearing white gloves, he took out some of his favorite items.

He keeps his shirts at the office of a collectors club he founded in Sao Paulo, "Alambrado Soccer & Culture," bringing together 60 people who trade stories and jerseys - some worth up to 40,000 reais ($7,400).

Brandao's collection includes the shirt worn by Pele when the Brazilian player nicknamed "The King" met Britain's Queen Elizabeth in 1968. She was the guest of honor at a match at Rio de Janeiro's monumental Maracana stadium during an official visit to Brazil.

Pele is the star of the Alambrado office, which is decorated with signed shirts and framed pictures of the late soccer great, who died in December 2022.

"Some shirts can go up to 40,000 reais, but a Pele shirt is priceless," Brandao said.

He also displays a 1994 Brazil jacket worn by seven times Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton at last year's Sao Paulo Grand Prix, when the British driver - an honorary Brazilian citizen - asked to borrow the outfit.

A large part of Brandao's collection is dedicated to his favorite club, local side Corinthians, including jerseys from Ronaldo's spell at the club and shirts worn by his favorite player Socrates.

"Each shirt contains a story," Brandao said. "Stories of wins, losses, and overcoming. Stories that document a bit of the world's greatest sport."