Before making his last preparatory visits to Orléans for the Paris Olympic Games, French basketball player Victor Wembanyama stopped at the Île de Ré. Wembanyama, who stands more than 2.20 meters tall, attracted interest everywhere he went, even on his visit to L’Huîtrière de Ré in the commune of Ars-en-Ré.

Monday, July 15, at noon, patrons of the well-known oyster tasting cabin turned their heads to see the tall athlete approaching. “Everyone turned around when he arrived,” said Benjamin Roux, the tasting cabin director. Wembanyama’s security had set him to eat his oysters away from public view, therefore guaranteeing a calm experience and enabling him few uninterrupted days of recovery before the highly demanding training sessions ahead of the Olympics.

“We didn’t want him to be disturbed,” explained Roux, adding that the establishment waited a few days before sharing a photo on social media, proud to have hosted such a prominent sports figure.

Wembanyama stayed on the island for little time since he left the next day for Orléans to take part in two preparation games. Paris is his next stop; the Olympic Games start on July 26. Those wishing to see the star once more on the Île de Ré would have to wait until following the Games.