Maison Pare, 66300 Fourques

The Maison Pare is a traditional Catalan charcuterie, which is now into its third generation of family owners. The first M. Pare came from the Spanish side of Catalonia,  from where he fled in 1918 because of the war betwen Spain and Morocco.  He trained as a charcutier and then opened his own shop in Fourques, making everything  himself.  The locals still reminisce about his convertible Lincoln, in which he transported the animals, though in the beginning he was apparently often seen on a bike, with, for example, a lamb attached to the handlebars….

Today the shop still offers artisanal top quality products, with a strong emphasis on  Catalan charcuterie:  boudins, chorizos, coppa, fouets, Catalan pates, Serrano hams, dry sausages,  to mention but a few.  There is also a catering service available – perfect for cocktails, any sort of party and weddings,  and I have been lucky enough to have been invited to several such events !

In view of the great success of the original shop, there are now several branches:  one in Llupia and seasonal outlets in St. Cyprien and Argeles, which is a great relief as in summer the waiting time in line was often quite long!

The Fourques shop is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 7.30 to 12.30 and from 4 p.m. to 7.30 p.m.  Sundays from 7.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m.  And from 15th June to 15th September it is also open on Mondays.