In Toulouges, in the Pyrénées-Orientales, a simple barbecue becomes, on Pentecost Sunday, a very serious grilling competition.
This is where the Catalan sausage world championship takes place: in 2026, twelve butchers-charcutiers will compete for the supreme title, judged on taste, texture and creaminess.
Catalan sausage world championship: an event born in Toulouges
Born in 2022 at the initiative of the Catalan Saucisse Club, this competition returns every Pentecost Sunday to the Clairfont Park. In just a few editions, 43 Catalan sausage producers have already competed.
For Jérémy Fourquet, co-president of the Catalan Saucisse Club, the message is clear: he explains to France 3.
Taste, pepper, texture and creaminess scrutinized by the jury
In 2026, the butcher of Barcarès Sébastien Miquel summarizes months of tests: he confides.
In front of him, around twenty experts, including starred chefs and several Meilleurs Ouvriers de France, taste each piece blindly. Alain Delprat, president of the Toques Blanches du Roussillon, explains:
Catalan sausage champions and real successes
For some, this title changes everything. Julien Langlois, crowned in 2025 at Canohès, sums up the post-competition: does he play again.
Since 2022, the list has included Thibault Gonzales, Bertrand Pellisier, Didier Salvi, Julien Langlois and, in 2026, Arnaud Metz. Having also become world champion of pâté-croute in 2025, Thibault Gonzales confides to L’Indépendant: Audrey Merle welcomes this coronation: and sees Japanese chefs as brilliant, while Arnaud Bernollin says.
Where does the Catalan sausage championship take place?
In Toulouges, at Clairfont Park, during Pentecost.
Who can compete?
Artisan butchers and charcutiers presenting their homemade Catalan sausage.
Can the public come?
Yes, the Saucisse Club Festival is open to everyone.
