Lille

🍺

Beer and Breweries

Sections

Comprehensive Guide to Beer and Breweries in Lille, France

Lille, the capital of the Hauts-de-France region, is a vibrant city with a rich beer culture deeply rooted in its Flemish heritage. Known as the gateway to both France and Belgium, Lille offers a unique beer scene that blends French and Belgian brewing traditions. Whether you're a visitor or a new resident, this guide will help you navigate Lille’s beer culture, breweries, and bars.

1. Types of Beer Commonly Found in Lille

Lille’s beer scene is heavily influenced by its proximity to Belgium, making it a haven for beer enthusiasts. Here are the most common types of beer you’ll encounter:

  • Bière de Garde: A traditional French farmhouse ale originating from the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region. It is a strong, malty beer with a slightly sweet and earthy flavor. Popular brands include Ch’ti and Jenlain.
  • Blonde Ales: Light, crisp, and refreshing, these are a staple in Lille. They are similar to Belgian blondes but often have a French twist.
  • Amber Ales (Ambrée): These beers are slightly darker and maltier than blondes, with caramel and toffee notes.
  • Tripels and Dubbels: Borrowed from Belgian brewing traditions, these strong ales are rich, complex, and often fruity or spicy.
  • Saisons: Originally brewed in the countryside, these are refreshing, slightly tart beers with a dry finish.
  • Craft Beers: In recent years, Lille has embraced the craft beer movement, with local breweries experimenting with IPAs, stouts, and sours.

2. Notable Breweries in Lille

Lille is home to a mix of historic breweries and modern craft beer makers. Here are some must-visit breweries:

a. Brasserie Cambier

  • Location: Croix (a suburb of Lille, easily accessible by metro)
  • Specialties: Known for their Mongy range, which includes a blonde, an IPA, and a triple. They also produce seasonal and experimental beers.
  • Experience: Offers brewery tours and tastings. The staff is passionate about explaining the brewing process and the story behind their beers.
  • Website: Brasserie Cambier

b. Brasserie Thiriez

  • Location: Esquelbecq (about 30 minutes from Lille by car or train)
  • Specialties: A pioneer of the craft beer movement in the region, Thiriez is famous for its Extra (a hoppy farmhouse ale) and Blonde d’Esquelbecq.
  • Experience: Tours are available by appointment, and the brewery has a cozy tasting room.
  • Website: Brasserie Thiriez

c. Brasserie Célestin

  • Location: Lille city center
  • Specialties: A microbrewery producing small-batch beers like La Célestine Blonde and La Célestine IPA. They focus on quality and innovation.
  • Experience: Their beers are available at their shop and select bars in Lille.
  • Website: Brasserie Célestin

d. Brasserie Moulins d’Ascq

  • Location: Villeneuve-d’Ascq (a short drive or metro ride from Lille)
  • Specialties: Organic beers, including a blonde, an amber, and a stout. They are committed to sustainable brewing practices.
  • Experience: Offers tours and tastings with a focus on organic brewing.
  • Website: Moulins d’Ascq

3. Best Beer Bars in Lille

Lille boasts a fantastic selection of beer bars where you can sample local and international brews. Here are some of the top spots:

a. La Capsule

  • Overview: A cozy bar in Vieux-Lille (Old Lille) with an impressive selection of craft beers, including many from local breweries.
  • Atmosphere: Intimate and welcoming, with knowledgeable staff who can recommend beers based on your preferences.
  • Address: 25 Rue des Trois Mollettes, 59800 Lille

b. Le Barboteur

  • Overview: A craft beer bar and bottle shop offering a rotating selection of beers on tap and a wide range of bottled options.
  • Atmosphere: Trendy and laid-back, popular with locals and expats.
  • Address: 29 Boulevard Jean-Baptiste Lebas, 59000 Lille

c. L'Abbaye des Saveurs

  • Overview: A beer shop and tasting room specializing in regional and Belgian beers. You can enjoy a drink on-site or take bottles home.
  • Atmosphere: Rustic and charming, with a focus on traditional beers.
  • Address: 13 Rue des Vieux Murs, 59800 Lille

d. La Biche et Le Renard

  • Overview: A hip bar with a strong focus on craft beer, including IPAs, stouts, and sours from local and international breweries.
  • Atmosphere: Modern and lively, with a young crowd.
  • Address: 14 Rue de Gand, 59800 Lille

4. Unique Local Brewing Traditions

  • Flemish Influence: Lille’s beer culture is heavily influenced by Flemish traditions, which emphasize strong, malty beers like Bière de Garde.
  • Seasonal Beers: Many breweries in Lille produce special beers for events like Christmas or the Braderie de Lille (a massive annual flea market).
  • Food Pairings: Beer is often paired with local dishes like carbonade flamande (a beef stew made with beer) or moules-frites (mussels and fries).

5. Average Costs for Beer in Lille

  • Bars and Restaurants: A pint of beer typically costs between €5 and €8, depending on the establishment and the type of beer.
  • Craft Beer Bars: Expect to pay €6 to €10 for specialty or imported beers.
  • Supermarkets and Bottle Shops: Bottled beers range from €2 to €5, with craft beers on the higher end.
  • Brewery Tours and Tastings: Tours usually cost around €10 to €15 per person, often including a tasting session.

6. Brewery Tours and Tastings

Many breweries in and around Lille offer tours and tastings, providing a behind-the-scenes look at the brewing process. Here’s what to expect:

  • Booking: It’s best to book tours in advance, especially for smaller breweries.
  • Duration: Tours typically last 1 to 2 hours and include a tasting of 2-4 beers.
  • Language: Tours are usually conducted in French, but some breweries offer English-speaking guides upon request.
  • Cost: Prices range from €10 to €20 per person.

7. Cultural and Practical Considerations

  • Beer Etiquette: In Lille, beer is often enjoyed slowly and socially. It’s common to share a bottle of beer among friends, especially larger bottles (750ml).
  • Tipping: Tipping is not mandatory in France, but rounding up the bill or leaving a small tip (5-10%) is appreciated.
  • Alcohol Laws: The legal drinking age in France is 18. Public intoxication is frowned upon, so drink responsibly.
  • Local Events: Lille hosts beer festivals and events throughout the year, such as the Fête de la Bière (Beer Festival), where you can sample a wide variety of brews.

8. Final Tips for Enjoying Beer in Lille

  • Try Local First: Start with regional beers like Bière de Garde to get a taste of Lille’s brewing heritage.
  • Ask for Recommendations: Bartenders and locals are usually happy to suggest beers based on your preferences.
  • Explore Beyond the City: Lille’s surrounding towns and villages are home to some fantastic breweries worth visiting.
  • Pair with Food: Many bars and breweries offer food menus designed to complement their beers. Don’t miss the chance to try local dishes with your drink.

Lille’s beer scene is a delightful mix of tradition and innovation, making it a must-visit destination for beer lovers. Whether you’re sipping a classic Bière de Garde or exploring the latest craft creations, you’re sure to find something to suit your taste. Cheers, or as the locals say, Santé!