The best beer pubs in Lille

When you think of France, you quickly think of wine, but in Lille, beer is at least as important. This has everything to do with the city's location. Lille is situated close to Belgium and was part of Flanders for a long time. The beer culture from that region has clearly left its mark here.

In and around Lille, you will find various breweries and microbreweries. Additionally, there are many pubs where craft beer takes center stage. The selection is wide, ranging from local beers to Belgian classics. In many pubs, the selection changes regularly, allowing you to try something new every time.

For beer lovers, Lille is therefore an interesting destination. You can easily combine several pubs here and get a good overview of what the city has to offer in terms of beer.

Are you looking for the best beer pubs in Lille? Below you will find my personal favorites. I take into account the beer selection, the quality, and the atmosphere of the pub.

What struck me most are the prices in Lille. For a 25cl or 50cl glass, you generally pay significantly less than in the Netherlands. Still not cheap, but pleasant if you want to visit multiple pubs and sample different beers.

La Capsule is a beer bar that you, as an enthusiast, really shouldn't miss. There are no fewer than 28 beers on tap, with a strong focus on French brewers and unique styles. Think New Zealand IPAs, Baltic porters, sours, and barrel-aged beers. The selection changes continuously, and more than 300 different beers pass through here annually. If a beer runs out, you can already see at the tap what will be coming next.

The prices are reasonable, and you can choose from 25cl, 50cl, or tasting glasses. Additionally, there is a selection of bottles. The café itself is small and fills up quickly, creating a cozy atmosphere. If you see a spot, it is best to grab it immediately. There is a wine cellar downstairs, and you can also sit upstairs. Incidentally, you can also order some food here, such as cheese and sausages.

Beerchope is located in a narrow, old building and immediately stands out due to its interior. A wall full of beer bottles lets you know right away that you've come to the right place. Downstairs, small tables are packed closely together, while upstairs there is a bit more space. There are also board games up there, making it a fun place to stay a little longer.

There are seven beers on tap, complemented by an extensive selection of bottles. The bartender knows what he's talking about and is happy to help you choose. You've certainly come to the right place if you're looking for something special. For example, I found some beautiful barrel-aged beers from France here. A small tasting board of the draft beers is also available.

hôp[i] is a microbrewery with a taproom where you can try various styles of beer. There are about 14 beers on tap, some of which are brewed on-site. In addition, there is also a choice of bottles and cans.

The space is modernly furnished and there is plenty of seating. You can also have lunch here or order tapas dishes to share. Just like at other cafes in Lille, there are games you can play. There are also regular performances or live music, making it a lively place to visit.

Beer Square is located right next to the Cathédrale Notre-Dame-de-la-Treille and has a central location. There are about 20 taps with a rotating selection of different styles, from lagers to IPAs and barrel-aged beers. During my visit, I noticed that it was relatively quiet here, so there was plenty of room to sit down for a while.

Inside, there is a foosball table that you can use for free. In the summer, there is a large terrace with over 100 seats. You can also eat here, although you hear mixed reviews about that. In any case, you're in the right place for a beer.

Just outside the historic center lies the microbrewery Brasserie du Singe Savant, with the accompanying taproom a short distance away. Here, there are always around 12 beers from the brewery itself on tap, supplemented by rotating beers from other brewers.

The space is large and modernly furnished, with long tables and a relaxed atmosphere. Good music is playing, and there are games available for you to use. The taproom also houses a small shop where you can buy beers, glasses, and other items. If you want to learn more about the brewing process, you can also book a tour of the brewery.

Célestin
Célestin is the oldest brewery in Lille and has existed since 1740. The current microbrewery is relatively new, but builds on a long tradition. You can visit the brewery and receive an explanation of the brewing process, including a small tasting.

Next to the brewery, there is a shop where you can buy beers. Some beers are kept chilled, but you can also grab barrel-aged beers directly from the shelf, for example. It is also possible to sit down here for a moment and have a drink, although many people come here primarily to take something away.

3 Brasseurs Lille
3 Brasseurs is a brewery with a restaurant and feels a lot bigger and busier than the other places. Many people come here to eat and combine that with a beer. It is less small-scale, but certainly interesting to drop by.

I ate here as part of the beer tour and received a tasting board with various beers. Think of styles like blond, rouge, amber, and IPA. In addition to these classics, they also have other beers on the menu.

If you want to discover the beer selection in Lille in a different way, then a tour with The Beer Escape A good addition. They organize various activities centered around beer, from short tastings to full-day programs.

I personally opted for the 'Beer Day in Lille', where you spend a day visiting various locations in the city. You start with lunch at a microbrewery, including a tasting board of local beers. Afterwards, you visit Lille's oldest brewery: Célestin. Here, you receive an explanation of the brewing process, followed by a tasting.

The final part is a game element where you head into the city. Following a route and assignments, you pass by various beer pubs. Along the way, you taste beers without seeing what is being poured, meaning you really have to rely on your own taste. At the same time, you pay attention to details in the city to collect points.

These beer cafés are scattered throughout the center of Lille and can easily be combined with the main sights. Between visiting squares, churches, and the old town, you can easily make a stop at one of these cafés.

Even if you're not into beer at all, Lille is an incredibly fun city to visit. I was there for a weekend and have gathered all my tips for a successful city trip.

Disclaimer: My city trip to Lille was created in collaboration with the Lille Tourism. Everything you read in this article is my personal opinion/experience.