Long rumored to have libido-boosting qualities, oysters are at their best in the colder months (those with the letter “r” in their name). So when there’s a chill in the air, Parisians-in-the-know flock to Le Baron Bouge, a quaint wine bar in the 12^th arrondissment (near Bastille), to suck down these mouth-watering mollusks, accompanied by ice-cold Sancerre, fresh bread, and a plate of cheese and charcuterie (smoked meats). It’s the perfect Sunday brunch!

Formerly called Le Baron Rouge (The Red Baron), the establishment changed its name several years ago to Le Baron Bouge to thwart a possible legal tangle. Coincidentally, “bouge” means “move”…and move you must when you arrive. That’s because there are, at most, four tables inside for the fortunate few who get up early enough to snag them.

The majority of patrons squeeze around a few barrels or stacked wine crates at the entrance and just outside…while the rest of us (who prefer to sleep in late on weekends) spill out onto the street, transforming the tops of parked cars and truck hoods into instant picnic tables.

Since this wine merchant buys in bulk, Le Baron Bouge serves a wide selection of wines at excellent prices (with daily specials scrawled on the various blackboards behind the bar). Lucky locals pour wine into their own bottles from the big barrels near the entrance, for their week’s supply. From the counter in the back, you can order yours by the glass or by the bottle, as well as any other accoutrements. On weekends during the winter months, you’ll also find someone just outside the front door, busily shucking oysters to order, which are reasonably priced by the half-dozen or dozen. 

So with my bounty firmly ensconced atop a parked red Fiat, I joined the masses of hungry (and, perhaps, soon-to-be horny) French citizens, slurping down oysters and sipping wine to our heart’s content. The cool, crisp autumn air was partially warmed by the sunshine and glowing faces of happy huître-feasters.

Emboldened with a wine buzz, I decided it was as good a time as any to launch into my research du jour: Is there really something to oysters being an aphrodisiac? Or is this simply a myth, a mere hollow shell of reality?

Is there really something to oysters being an aphrodisiac? Or is this simply a myth, a mere hollow shell of reality?

“I’ve heard that oysters are known to cause a certain, um, effect in people,” I started. “How would you say these oysters are making you feel?”

After some giggles, one of them offered that oysters – with their high mineral content – are an excellent cure for hangovers.

“Very interesting,” I responded. “But isn’t there something else they are good for?”

More giggles followed, until another young man finally admitted, “Well, yes, I suppose. But today, it’s much too cold to have that effect, I’m afraid!”

Not one to clam up easily, I subsequently worked myself into a larger group with a mix of both younger and older couples, who were gathered around one of the large barrels at the wine bar’s entrance.  This time, it was unanimous – oysters do indeed kindle one’s carnal cravings. In fact, within seconds after arriving at this verdict, each of the couples quickly bid me adieu, saying something about needing a nap after such a great feed, as they walked away holding hands.

But the gleam in their eyes told me they were most likely going for what the French call “une sieste crapuleuse,” a nap with a twist (or, I should say, a tryst!).

It was then that it dawned on me: Besides their delicate, tangy flavor, it must be what oysters represent which make us so besotted with these briny bivalves. After all, isn’t the brain our most powerful sex organ?

So the next time I go to Le Baron Bouge, I’ll be on the lookout for a couple at one of the prized tables with empty oyster shells strewn before them. Using the power of suggestion I’ll ask them, “Are these oysters having any effect on you?”

Then I’ll just hang back and wait for that familiar twinkle in their eyes…and of course take over their table as soon as they leave for their not-so-innocent nap.  

Want to do this, too? Here’s how: 

Le Baron Bouge (near Marché d’Allegre) 
1 rue Théophile Roussel 
75012 Paris 
Tel : 01 43 43 14 32 
Métro : Ledru Rollin, Bastille  

If you’d rather not fight the crowd, here are two enjoyable eateries that also serve up oysters-to-order (in season): 

L’Ecume Poissonnerie et Bar à Huîtres

6 rue du Marché St-Honoré

75001 Paris

Tel : 01 42 61 93 87

Métro : Opéra, Pyramides, Tuilleries 

Chez Flottes Brasserie Parisienne

2 rue Cambon

75001 Paris

Tel : 01 42 60 80 89

Métro : Concorde, Madeleine