Moules frites is a very popular French dish

Moules frites is a very popular French dish - particularly in Northern France and Belgium, with many variations. The common mussel - Mytilus edulis - is farmed. The byssus threads that attach the shell to rocks or posts have to be removed before cooking.

Moules marinieres is strictly speaking mussels cooked in white wine. Additions of cream, cheese, in cider or beer are some of the many variations accompanied with fried chips sometimes dipped in mayonnaise. Lille is famous for the stacks of shells outside restaurants during the massive street market weekend called the braderie. The shells are often used as eating instruments.