Maison Lafaye

For over fifty years, Maison Lafaye has been one of the leading butchers and delicatessens in the Angoulême area. Founded in Ruelle-sur-Touvre by Michel and Marie-Paule Lafaye, the business is now run by their children, Laetitia and Sébastien.

Specialising in butchery, charcuterie and catering, the business sources its meat from local farmers near its shops and prepares its specialities in its production facility in Soyaux. It is a place where family expertise meets a clear commitment to quality and local sourcing.

History and origins

The story began in 1972, when Michel and Marie-Paule Lafaye opened their first butcher’s and delicatessen in Ruelle-sur-Touvre. In 1979, they set up SARL Ruelloise des Viandes, then gradually expanded their business.

In 1994, the family took over a butcher’s shop in Soyaux. The company then expanded its operations to include a catering service and developed its customer base amongst both private individuals and businesses.

Sébastien Lafaye joined the business in 1998 and Laetitia in 2003. The two children gradually took over the running of the family business. In 2004, a production facility was set up in Soyaux, which was subsequently expanded in 2012.

Expertise

Maison Lafaye specialises in several complementary areas: animal selection, butchery, cutting, charcuterie and catering.

The company selects its own meat-breed animals, predominantly Limousin cattle, from farmers chosen for the quality of their work and their local proximity. It also ensures the traceability of both the animals and the meat, from purchase right through to the delivery of the prepared cuts.

A significant proportion of production is carried out in-house. Maison Lafaye is also a signatory to the Artisans Gourmands Charter, which emphasises in-house production, innovation, local service and the passing on of expertise.

Products

• Beef. The company specialises in meat from beef breeds, particularly the Limousin. The selection of animals and expertise in cutting and maturation contribute to the quality sought.
• Homemade charcuterie. The range includes, in particular, ‘grillon charentais’, terrines and various charcuterie preparations.
• Ready-made tinned dishes. Maison Lafaye offers a range of ready-made dishes and home-made tinned foods: beef in Pineau des Charentes, beef stew, beef tripe, spiced braised beef, veal tagine and veal blanquette.
• Catering. Buffets, cocktail receptions, meals, savoury dishes and meat-based specialities: the catering service complements the butchery and charcuterie’s expertise.

The signature product

Among Maison Lafaye’s most iconic specialities is the ‘grillon charentais’, a traditional charcuterie product deeply rooted in the Charente region.

The company counts it amongst its flagship products and also offers it in tins. It is a speciality best enjoyed with good bread, as an aperitif or as part of a charcuterie platter.

For a truly local experience, it can be served with a slice of country bread and a selection of local Charente specialities.

The visitor’s experience

Maison Lafaye focuses primarily on its butcher’s, charcuterie and catering business, as well as direct sales, with two outlets in Ruelle-sur-Touvre and Soyaux.

The company also offers a catering range and a shop selling homemade products, including preserves, meat hampers and aperitif boxes.

Where can you find the products?

The products are available, in particular, at Maison Lafaye’s two shops:

• Ruelle-sur-Touvre: 7 Avenue du Président Wilson, 16600 Ruelle-sur-Touvre
• Soyaux: 114 Avenue du Général de Gaulle, 16800 Soyaux

The company also has a production facility in Soyaux.

Key facts

Maison Lafaye is a family business founded in Ruelle-sur-Touvre in 1972, now run by Laetitia and Sébastien Lafaye. As a butcher’s, delicatessen and caterer, the business prides itself on its careful selection of animals, in-house production and close ties with local farmers.

If you’re looking to sample a speciality deeply rooted in the Charente region, the ‘grillon charentais’ is one of the first things you should try.