France
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Cities
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Breweries
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Beers
Cities in France
About France's Beer Scene
France, primarily celebrated for its wine, harbors a sophisticated brewing tradition particularly strong in the northern regions and Alsace. With over 2,000 breweries—more than the country has seen in centuries—French brewing combines farmhouse traditions, Belgian influences, and an emerging craft scene that brings Gallic creativity to beer making.
Brewing History
French brewing history stretches back to Gaul, where beer (cervoise) was the common drink before Roman influence expanded wine culture. Northern France maintained brewing traditions throughout, with the bière de garde ("beer for keeping") style emerging as farmers brewed strong ales in winter to last through harvest. Alsace, alternating between French and German control, developed a lager tradition distinct from the rest of France. After decades of consolidation and decline, French brewing has experienced remarkable renaissance since the 2000s, with artisanal brasseries opening throughout the country.
Signature Beer Styles
Bière de Garde, the signature northern French style, offers malt-forward character with subtle fruit notes and the ability to age gracefully. Alsatian lagers reflect Germanic influence while maintaining French identity. Bière de Mars (March beer) and Bière de Noël (Christmas beer) represent seasonal traditions. French craft brewers have embraced Belgian-influenced ales, American-style IPAs, and innovative styles incorporating wine grapes, local botanicals, and French culinary traditions. Farmhouse ales and saisons find natural expression in French agricultural regions.
Brewing Traditions
French brewing traditions emphasize terroir—the sense of place that wine lovers will recognize. Northern farmhouse brewers historically used whatever grains were available, creating resourceful, varied ales. Alsatian brewers followed Germanic traditions while incorporating French ingredients and sensibilities. The use of French malts, hops from Alsace, and local water sources distinguishes French craft beer. Bottle-conditioning remains common among artisanal producers, while the connection between brewing and gastronomy grows ever stronger.
Beer Culture
French beer culture differs markedly from the wine-focused mainstream, thriving in northern regions and urban centers. Estaminets, traditional northern French taverns, serve regional beers alongside local cuisine. Brasseries, originally meaning breweries, evolved into restaurants that often retain strong beer programs. French beer appreciation emphasizes pairing with food, bringing wine-culture sensibilities to beer selection. Beer festivals and craft beer bars have proliferated in Paris and other major cities, attracting younger French drinkers curious about alternatives to wine. The growing French craft movement has earned international recognition for quality and creativity.