Welcome to France's capital of beer -- Lille! Photo: jamescridland

If Bordeaux holds the title for the capital of wine, then Lille — and the rest of the north — is without a doubt France’s capital of beer!

This may not be a surprise knowing that Lille brushes shoulders with Belgium, one of the beer meccas of the world, however, northern France has a long-running history with beer that few seem to know of. For example, before the war and post-war ruin of WWI, thousands of small-scale (now known as “micro”) breweries existed, which was one of this region’s main industries.

Nowadays, fewer breweries exist, but that’s not to say they’ve all disappeared. In fact, Lille and its surrounding region are home to more than 20 breweries. Read on to learn the best ways to sip the famous beers in Lille.

Related:
• A guide to ordering beer in France
• A Budget travel guide to Lille, France

A guide to beer in Lille: Breweries, brewpubs & bars

There are several breweries in the greater Lille region (see the tours section for more information), but if you’re limited to the Lille metropolis, don’t worry – there are still plenty of options for you to complete your epicurean beer expedition. We would highly suggest checking out these pubs and bars below that offer some of the region’s finest and most palatable brews.

A note on beer prices in Lille

Considering most Flemish brews have a higher percentage of alcohol content, your money tends to go a little further, even if it’s costing you €6-7 euros a pint. While several styles of beer exist in this region, ambers, doubles, and triples, dominate the shelves and drafts, with an alcohol content of at least 6%, but more commonly around 7-9%. These beers are known to be strong, so remember that one beer is more like two! And if you’re the type who likes to try a few different kinds, many bars offer a tasting flight at a reasonable rate.

But don’t worry, you can still get a great pint of beer for €5 and “une demie” (French for half-pint) for €2.50-4. Or you can go the “super cheapo” route with a DIY picnic. Most grocery stores have a pretty reputable selection of regional brews for much more reasonable prices than a bar or beer store — giving you the biggest bang for your buck.  Carrefour or Monoprix are good options and usually stay open longer than other grocery stores.

Le Lobby

10 rue de Royale, Vieux Lille

This beer bar is situated on one of Vieux Lille’s best streets for enjoying a good Northern beer. Serving more than 10 beers on tap, you really can’t go wrong here. It’s always teeming with people (mostly young adults), as there’s plenty of space, and almost always playing a good mix of old classics and indie music, making it an admirable place to rendezvous with friends. FYI: most pints here will cost you €6, which is very reasonable for this area!

La Capsule

25 rue des Trois Molettes, Vieux Lille

Think of La Capsule as the grandfather of Le Lobby — but with 28 beers on tap! They take beer seriously here, and if you’re not a suds expert, their highly-informed staff of beer specialists will be happy to help you with a smile on their face. Although the ground floor is quite small and cozy, they do have an underground space that they open up when the place becomes too packed.

Les 3 Brasseurs

22 place de la Gare, Lille

This is a classic Lille institution of beer situated just across from Lille Flandres, the main train station. It’s a great place to kill time during your stopover and get an authentic taste of the Ch’ti culture. 

La Rumeur

59 rue de Valenciennes, Moulins

If you’re looking for a one-stop shop, this may be the place. It’s not only a brasserie and bar, but also a coffee shop, restaurant, concert venue, and art gallery. And the best part? It’s super affordable, with low beer prices (including their own brews) and tasty food options ranging, from €6-9 per plate or a pre-fixed menu for only €12.

L’Abbaye des Saveurs

13 rue des Vieux Murs, Vieux Lille

This is arguably one of the best craft beer shops in France! And they don’t only sell one of the widest selections of regional and international craft beer, but also several specialties of the Nord region, making this a perfect stop for some authentic souvenirs and beers to go.

Beer tours in Lille

For beer through the eyes of a local, you can take the Treasure Hunt and Beer Tasting Tour, giving visitors a unique opportunity to both explore Lille and discover its rich beer culture and history. The tour lasts three hours and includes four blind tastings for a total of $30. It’s a little on the steep side, but for beer aficionados, it could be worth the money.

If you have a rental car and feel like doing a little beer tour, this beer mapping project will be your perfect guide – showing you the location of numerous breweries, beer shops, brewpubs, beer bars, and even homebrews!

Do you have a favorite brewpub or brewery in France? Let us know in the comments below!