Popular Craft Beers in France: A Guide

The word “France” conjures thoughts of wine, cheese, and bread. Yet few think of a severe craft beer culture in the nation since French beers are fascinating in their own right, growing back in the Middle Ages. Today, though, the market is dominated by craft beer, and new breweries and popular craft beers are opening. Take this post as we share some of France’s most popular craft beers you must try. From Brasserie Castelain, Brasserie du Pays Flamand, and many more, breweries are coming out to make some of the world’s most incredible-tasting beers. Sit back and relax as we take you through this guide to French craft beer. 

Moreover, you can check out our guide to facts and benefits of organic French craft beers for more insight. 

What Makes French Beer Unique?

Hops from Alsace give French beer its unique character, and traditional methods, like bottle conditioning, enhance this. French brews are lighter and weaker than many European beers. They highlight local ingredients and expert techniques, resulting in refreshing flavors that appeal to fans of subtle complexity. Some French breweries offer unique styles, such as bière de garde and farmhouse ale.

Rise of Craft Beer in France

French brewers create unique beers with traditional hops and barley. They also use Alsatian ingredients for subtle citrus notes. The selection goes beyond Bière de Garde and Belgian styles. It includes refreshing pale ales and strong IPAs. Artisanal methods, like bottle-conditioning, highlight these craft beers. This showcases France’s evolving beer culture. From classic recipes to modern takes, French beer delights with its diverse flavors and craftsmanship.

Popular Craft Beers in France

From La Débauche’s bold flavors to Brasserie du Mont Blanc’s alpine brews, French craft beer delights taste buds nationwide. Beer lovers visit Brasserie Saint Germain for its famous Bière de Garde. The French craft scene is booming, offering a variety of unique, flavorful beers. Drinkers will find new favorites, whether hoppy or malty, light or dark. Innovative breweries are leading this surge. France’s artisanal beer revival is marked by creativity and quality.

Brasserie La Debauche

Brasserie La Débauche, located in Angoulême, France, makes exceptional beers. It combines local and global ingredients for unique flavors. Its artistic labels match the bold brews. As beer lovers discover its diverse offerings, the brewery’s reputation grows. Each bottle reflects passion, satisfying a wide range of tastes. Brasserie La Débauche offers a wide range of beers, from hoppy IPAs to complex barrel-aged ones. It experiments with unique recipes and collaborates on special editions. This creativity has made it famous among French craft brewers and pleased beer lovers. Its dedication to quality is evident in its innovative, captivating beers

Brasserie Castelain

Northern France also boasts Brasserie Castelain, a brewery that has been brewing beers since 1926. The house beers include a Belgian-style blond ale named Ch’ti, made with malt and hops from within the region. The brewery also produces amber ales, wheat beers, and stouts using traditional methods and regional ingredients. The understated bitterness matches Caramel notes here, reflecting its commitment to proper craftsmanship and regional flavors.

Pietra Colomba Biere Blanche

Pietra Colomba Biere Blanche, a craft beer from Corsica, mixes chestnut flour and wheat malt. It’s brewed traditionally. You can also enjoy pairing French craft beer with local cuisine. This light French beer complements seafood and light dishes. Beer lovers cherish its unique regional taste, which has earned it awards and a loyal fan base. Its distinct flavor highlights Corsica’s brewing talent.

Brasserie Jenlain

With its unique taste and a history dating back to 1922 in the north of France, Brasserie Jenlain is among the best French breweries loved by beer enthusiasts worldwide. Their wide variety of brews includes the light and refreshing Jenlain Blonde and their amber-colored Jenlain Ambrée with its malty flavor. Be sure to check out their seasonal Christmas Ale and Summer Ale, too!

Brasserie Thiriez

Brasserie Thiriez is a small craft brewery in the North of France, but that may just be part of its appeal. They develop Belgian-style beers with French flavors that are unique to this place. Only the finest ingredients, locally sourced hops, and malts, and they stand out for their flagship beer: Blonde d’Esquelbecq. This must-try ale offers a crisp taste layered with citrusy notes and subtle spices, culottes above other best French beers—perfect for beer enthusiasts seeking a unique taste beyond ordinary lagers, pilsners, and IPAs.

Brasserie de la Loire

In France’s Loire Valley, Brasserie de la Loire makes unique microbrews. The team combines traditional methods with local hops for exceptional flavors. Examples include La Blanche, a zesty wheat beer, and La Rousse, a rich amber ale. Beer lovers admire the brewery for its seasonal offerings and careful craftsmanship. They see it as a top spot for craft beer fans exploring the region’s culinary treats.

Brasserie de la Vallée de Chevreuse

Innovation does not erase tradition in a brewery in France’s Chevreuse Valley. Its top seller, ‘La Viking’ blonde ale, features fruity notes and hoppy scents. In winter, it offers ‘La Noël de la Vallée,’ a spiced special. Visitors can tour the Brasserie de la Vallée de Chevreuse and taste fresh beers. This gem combines classic brewing with creative flavors in a beautiful setting.

Brasserie du Mont Blanc

Glacier water from the French Alps fuels Brasserie du Mont Blanc’s beers. This brewery mixes alpine herbs with classic and innovative styles. Its lineup includes IPA, stout, blonde ale, and chestnut and blueberry brews. Beer enthusiasts can visit the brewery and experience award-winning brews. The right amount of head, aroma, and bitterness perfects every sip.

Brasserie du Grand Paris

Brasserie du Grand Paris makes a variety of exceptional French beers, from blondes to stouts. Founded in 2013, it uses local ingredients and traditional methods. At the taproom, you can taste their unique La Pointe Saint-Eustache and see the brewing process. The lineup also includes IPAs and saisons, showcasing France’s growing craft beer scene.

Brasserie du Pays Flamand

Brasserie du Pays Flamand’s unique flavor in northern France arises through age-old brewing art traditions and local products, such as barley. The St. Feuillien Blonde has crisp and light caramel tones on the palate, while the La Croix du Sud IPA sports a citrus hop nose. Terre de Brume saison has an alcohol content of 6% ABV. Tour the brewery to try Britt Blanche or Licorne Black and experience beer styles that originated in Alsace or Denmark.

Conclusion

French craft beer has evolved, moving past its commercial image. Now, small breweries create unique, flavorful beers that attract global fans. Brasserie Castelain and Brasserie du Pays Flamand are at the forefront, offering exciting options for adventurous drinkers. So, step away from the usual and try these unique French beers. Your new favorite might be in a bottle from a small brewery in France. Embrace the unexpected and explore France’s evolving beer scene.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Best Microbrew or Craft Beers in France?

French microbreweries are making unique beers from snowy peaks to sunny coasts. Leaders like Brasserie du Mont Blanc, La Débauche, and Brasserie Artisanale de Nice offer distinct flavors. However, the “best” craft beer is subjective. It depends on personal taste. So, ask local bartenders and beer lovers for recommendations. They’ll help you find hidden gems in France’s growing brew scene.

Can craft beer pair well with French cuisine?

Craft beer enhances French cuisine, from restaurants to Michelin-starred spots. Belgian ales match rich sauces. IPAs balance creamy dishes. Sour beers contrast with delicate flavors. Adventurous diners can find perfect pairings in artisanal brews. This synergy makes food and beer unforgettable.

What makes craft beer different from commercial beer?

Craft beer breaks the mold. It ranges from small batches to bold flavors. Brewers stick to traditions but also innovate. They use local ingredients and explore new ideas, fostering community. Each drink showcases their artistry. Unlike mass-produced lagers, craft beers are unique. They bring enthusiasts together, driven by passion and a love for experimentation