Don’t leave without tasting the Collioure anchovies! This little Catalan blue fish, prepared by the “Anchois Roque” and “Anchois Desclaux” companies since the 19th century, is an ancient tradition in Collioure, kept alive by these 2 families for several generations now! Anchovies, the treasure of the sea, are prepared in the traditional way.
Collioure anchovies
For centuries, Collioure has been home to a highly coveted natural treasure: the anchovy, once fished from Catalan boats at night using a fishing light attractor.
In the 19th century, the Boramar and Port d’Avall beaches were lined with Catalan boats. Men and women aged between 10 and 85 devoted themselves to selling anchovies, preparing nets, cleaning them, or even going fishing with a fishing light attractor!
This typically Catalan dish has inherited an authentic and traditional method of preparation from the past. The “anchoieuses” are extraordinarily talented when it comes to handling the little blue fish. All the processes involved in preparing anchovies (salting, removing the head, gutting, filleting, packaging and preserving) are never entrusted to machines.
Collioure anchovies are available in a variety of preparations (fresh, in vinegar, salt or oil) and make exquisite starters.
Anchois Desclaux
The anchovy is more than a symbol, it is the legacy of the coastline…
Anchois Desclaux has a fascinating history: four generations have succeeded one another since 1903. Deeply rooted in their heritage and traditions, the Desclaux family now strives to keep this traditional spirit alive.
Traditional know-how passed down from generation to generation. Anchovies in salt, in oil or in a variety of preparations, this local star with Mediterranean flavours has always been prepared by hand.
During your visit, don’t miss the parent company, a long-standing workshop that has been keeping the history of Anchois Desclaux alive for 20 years and counting. A place of sharing, where the emotions and colours of the south come together.
The second shop is in the town centre, and offers you the chance to discover the wealth of the Catalan terroir with a range of locally made products. 2021 marked a turning point for the Maison Desclaux with the opening of two new additional premises. A wine cellar, just opposite the parent company, specialising in wines from the Collioure/Banyuls appellation, as well as an “Anchovy Bar” in the heart of the village where you can sample anchovies in all their forms.
The workshops and the film
Venture inside the Anchois Desclaux shop and discover all the possible anchovy-based preparations: anchovies in vinegar, anchovies in salt, anchoiade, etc.
To the right is the area where the film is shown, as well as an anchovy preparation demonstration, followed by a tasting session. You can get a better idea of the skill and dexterity of the workers as they prepare the anchovies and present them to you ready to eat.
Practical information
- Tastings take place from early April to late October
- The film and tastings are available at the following address: Route départementale 914, 66190 Collioure
- +33 (0)4 68 82 05 25
- See their website
Anchois Roque
Expertise handed down from generation to generation
In 2020, Roque celebrated its 150th anniversary. When you taste their anchovies, it’s more than just a tasting experience: it’s a journey back in time!
Maison Roque is a family business with a history intimately linked to that of Collioure… It was founded in 1870, and five generations currently work hand in hand to keep this traditional know-how of Collioure alive. A veritable institution, the preparation of anchovies is at the core of Collioure’s identity. An ancient tradition, kept alive by the Roque family, who share their passion and their products in their five shops dotted around the city.
The entire production process is carried out by hand in the workshops in the hills above Collioure.
At Roque, quality is the name of the game. Their trademark? A blend of skill, patience and passion that come together to bring out the best of this small fish typical of Mediterranean cuisine.
Anchois Roque is a synergy of heritage and innovation. From the traditional salted anchovy to the marinated anchovy, the star of the Catalan aperitif, the range is now diversifying with other products such as rillettes and a variety of anchoïades.
Workshops and tastings
Anchois Roque organises educational activities to discover the Collioure anchovy
- All year round, Anchois Desclaux organises tours of the workshops and free tastings.
To learn all about the history of anchovies and how they are prepared, we decided to visit a free of charge educational workshop on the first floor of the shop on Route d’Argelès.
We are greeted by a charming worker who talks to us about this little blue fish as she works away on the anchovy fillets. A local speciality not to be missed!
- From June to September (excluding Saturdays and Sundays, 3 per week on average), the Maison Roque invites producers of local products (wines, local produce).
Practical information
- Tastings are available all year round
- The demonstration and tasting can be found at the following address: 17, route d’Argelès, 66190 Collioure
- +33 (0)4 68 82 04 99
- See their website
The anchovy festival
Every year, on the first weekend in June, Collioure celebrates the anchovy festival!
This is a gourmet and local produce market held in the port, with anchovy producers from Roque and Desclaux, accompanied by musical entertainment (brass bands, Catalan songs, concerts)
Watch the videos about anchovies
You are going to love …
Key information before coming to Collioure
Where can I buy anchovies?
Find here the points of sale of Desclaux anchovies in Collioure: here
Here are the different Anchois Roque shops in Collioure:
. 2 Rue Berthelot
. 17, Route d’Argelès
. 40, Route de la Démocratie
Where can you see anchovy demonstrations and tastings?
– Anchovy Roque: 17, Route d’Argelès 66190 Collioure (all year round)
– Anchois Desclaux: Route Départementale 914 – 66190 Collioure (a film is also available)
How to get to Collioure ?
Here you’ll find all the information you need to get to Collioure and around Collioure
What’s the weather like in Collioure ?
Click here to see the weather forecast for Collioure
What are the market days in Collioure?
The Collioure market takes place on Wednesday mornings and Sunday mornings at the Place du Maréchal Leclerc. Find out more about the markets
Is there a page with all the frequently asked questions?
Click here for a list of frequently asked questions.
Can I download the Collioure brochures?
Find all our brochures here
Can I download a map of Collioure?
Find the map of Collioure here
Is there a cultural application for Collioure?
For more information on the Collioure application, click here
