Lille For Beer Lovers

 
Lille For Beer Lovers

The city of Lille, in France’s Nord department, is a haven for beer enthusiasts and beyond ale-tasting, there is a wealth of activities for beer lovers to enjoy in this historic northern town. 

Is it difficult to find good beers in a traditionally wine loving country? Definitely not!  

The northern city of Lille, with its Flemish roots, has a rich brewing history dating back hundreds of years and is now considered the beer capital of France. As legend goes, it was King Louis XIV during the Dutch War (1672–78), who decided that the French should brew beer for the French in this part of the country, instead of importing it from an enemy! 

A recent movement towards artisan craft beers in the past few decades has revived an industry devastated by the World Wars and this is good news for beer lovers. Now, there are more than thirty micro-breweries in and out of the city and over 500 places to sample their tipples. 

So, get under the skin of Lille’s beer making culture with these experiences on your next trip to Lille. 

1. Sign up for a Beer Treasure Hunt 

Sometimes, sightseeing can get a little boring and tiring. When in Lille, a new way to see the city is keeping beer lovers informed and entertained. Forgo the traditional walking tours and explore the sights of Lille with a game. 

The Lille Beer Quest, organised by France’s first beer themed travel agency Echappée Bière, takes you sightseeing around the Old Town of Lille to learn of its Flemish roots, while solving three riddles that lead you to a beer tasting experience.  

Designed to be played with 2 to 5 players, the game involves navigating through the streets of Old Lille, learning peculiar stories of buildings and local personalities while trying to find the answers that will lead you to the next beer tasting. This is a fun and active way to discover Lille and its beer heritage!  

2. Visit the micro-breweries 

To truly understand the culture behind Lille’s beer heritage, visit one of the micro-breweries in and out of the city centre for a tasting. 

In the heart of Old Lille, you’ll find Célestin, a micro-brewery with a family history dating back to 1740. Today, the small-scale production brews a number of beers, ranging from blondes, to IPAs, stouts, to special edition beers each year, there is a flavour for everyone. 

Close by the train stations you’ll find a popular local hangout, Hein, a tap-room restaurant by local brewery Brique House that serves excellent northern French cuisine that pairs perfectly with the in-house brewed beers. 

Another excellent brewery to visit is Brasserie Cambier. A bit more experimental than others, the tasting bar allows you a peek into their brewing floor through glass walls while sampling one of the many seasonal beers on tap. Tours of the brewery can be booked in advance through their website. 

3. France’s second oldest brewery 

The name Motte Cordonnier dates back to 1650, making it the second oldest brewery in France. Located a small distance away in the town of Armentières, Motte Cordonnier was once one of the premier employer of workforce in the region. Many of the brewers in town have families who have worked for Motte Cordonnier factory back in the days, and the company ‘Star’ can be seen carved into old buildings and signs around Lille, making it very much part of Lille’s history. After a brief ownership by Belgian brewery Stella Artois, the grand-son of the last line of family has bought it back to continue the family tradition of beer brewing in a new era of smaller production, naming the beers in honour of past employees and family members, recreating the brand to become less corporate and more artisan in approach and methods.  

A tasting session is held every Friday at the brewery site. 

4. La Capsule: the best bar in Lille 

Don’t get us wrong, there are more than plenty of bars in Lille, but for the sake of trying regional beers, from the uncommon to the unusual, with than 100 beers to choose from. Selections feature both French and foreign beers, with 28 of them fresh on tap. Of all bars in Lille, La Capsule is the best of them all.  

This is the ultimate beer tasting experience, with knowledgeable staff to help you pick a favourite. The interior of the bar is cosy and welcoming making it a great place to hang out. 

5. Celebrate at the annual beer festival 

The annual BAL (Bière à Lille) in Lille is the must do event on the calendar for all beer lovers. A series of workshops, tours, tastings and games over a week takes place across the city to celebrate the heritage and love of beer. Among local breweries are also international exhibitors showcasing their expertise and products. This year, the festival will be held on November 4-10.

Bière à Lille festival © L’Echappée Bière

For more information on tours and breweries of Lille, visit en.lilletourism.com 

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