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Whenever possible, shoppers love to stop for a bite to eat or something to drink sitting outdoors. One of my favorite spots to stop for a glass of wine and fresh oysters or a platter of cheese is MarQuet. They offer the traditional air-dried ham legs from which they cut you the thinnest of slices with what must be the sharpest of knives.

The owner of Marquet is Catalan and a native of Andorra. This gourmet host immediately makes you feel at home. His shop is filled with delightful deli products many imported from France where he went to University in the days before Andorra established their own university.

Small Country: Not a Small World

The native population of Andorra is small in comparison to the immigrants and workers from Spain, Portugal and France as well as the retirees from at least a dozen countries. Approximately 65,000 people live full time in Andorra. The influx of tourists is in the millions.

Andorra, though a small country, has a world of events from music concerts to being a part of the Olympics and the Tour de France. One day I was walking to a local café when I spotted United States Postal Tour Buses. I couldn’t believe my eyes.

Apparently Lance Armstrong and his team were hanging out in Andorra. It was not long after that he won the Tour de France for the fifth time, joining the previous winners of the same, known as the five club. This includes the Frenchmen Jacques Anquetil and Bernard Hinault, Spaniard, Miguel Indurain and Belge, Eddy “The Cannibal Merckx. Will Armstrong be the first to win the Tour de France six times?

Skiing is a major part of the life and economy of Andorra. There are five ski resorts; Arinsal, Ordino-Arcalis, Pal-Seturia, Pas de la Casa-Grau Roig, and Soldeu-El Tarter. The hotels are booked to capacity once the slopes open. The hotels near the slopes make the majority of their income during this time.

The innkeepers, restaurant and pub owners where I hang my hat are a blend of different nationalities from; Denmark, France, Argentina, Angola. England, Chile, Zimbabwe, the Netherlands, Peru, South Africa, Portugal, Belgium, Morocco, Spain and France. There is an international flavor wherever you land in Andorra.

The cuisine at these establishments ranges from fine to hearty to casual. One night it is ribs, another night a hefty leg of lamb or thin slices of duck with homemade soups or salads heaped high with shrimp; then there is the homemade pizza baked over a log fire or grilled rabbit, ostrich or even a proper English breakfast. Most restaurants follow the Spanish rule of hours, opening at 1 or 1:30 in the afternoon for lunch and 7:00 – 7:30 pm for dinner. Pubs and clubs sometimes stay open ‘til the sun rises.

The larger hotels in Arinsal my local village, Solana and the Princesa Parc, cater to busloads of tourist brought in with guides for shopping, hiking and skiing. The Princesa seems to cater to an elder French crowd while Solana brings in more Spanish

Tax Haven

For some, Andorra is a tax haven as there is no income tax. There is a sizeable population of retired expatriates from many countries. Getting a residency is not as easy as it once was; one needs proof of income and medical insurance, plus a sizeable deposit of Euros. Buying a car if you are not a native is difficult. Because there is no tax on the purchase of a car, a non-resident is only allowed to have their car in Andorra for six months, therefore eventually having to pay taxes on the car in their own country. Despite this there are as many SUV Mercedes and BMW’s in Andorra as in Beverly Hills, California.

I have yet to see a foreign bank in Andorra. As far as signage Credit Andorra is a standout with the brightest apple green that almost glows in the dark. Just as most of the European community Andorra switched to the Euro. Prior to that one could make purchases in Spanish Pesetas or French Francs. The country still has both Spanish and French post offices, though they only sell Andorran stamps.

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Break from Shopping

Break from Shopping

Break from Shopping

Cheese Shop Restaurant

Skiing is Major Income for Andorra

Hotel Solana Room For Skiiers or Hikers