Let’s be brutally honest—France is not a beer country. It never has been. While the french craft beer movement is growing, finding a genuinely good pint still requires effort, patience, and a bit of luck. Sure, things are better than they were a decade ago, but unless you’re in Paris or a handful of other lucky spots, getting a decent beer is still a grind.
If you’re visiting France in 2025 and expecting a thriving beer culture on par with the Belgium, Germany, or even the UK, I have bad news. However, if you know where to look, you can find the good stuff. This guide will help you navigate the French beer wilderness without getting stuck drinking yet another overpriced Kronenbourg.
Table of Contents
French Beer Myths That Need to Die
Let’s start with what beer geeks get wrong about France:
❌ “French beer is all weak and tasteless.” – While mainstream options like Kronenbourg 1664 still dominate, there are pockets of excellence—if you’re willing to go out of your way.
❌ “The French love beer.” – No, they tolerate it. Wine still rules. Beer is catching on, and its further north that it dominates but it’s nowhere near embedded in the culture like it is in Belgium or Germany.
❌ “Craft beer is everywhere.” – Not true. In major cities like Paris, Lille, or Lyon? Sure, you can be lucky to get a pint of “biere artisanale”. In the countryside? Good luck.
So, what’s actually happening? Well, French brewers are experimenting. Barrel-aging is a big deal (thank you, wine barrels), there’s a Bière de Garde revival, and you’ll even find Lambics, Gueuzes, and funky farmhouse Saisons making a comeback. But it’s still not easy to find a great beer unless you hunt for it.
How to Actually Find Good Beer in France
🔎 Scout Your Bars Beforehand – Walk into a random bar and order a beer? Rookie mistake. Most places serve the same old mass-produced stuff. Instead, research bars before you go—Untappd is your friend.
👨🎓 Find a Bartender Who Cares – A bar with a proper beer nerd behind the counter is your best bet. If they know their hops from their ass, you’re in good hands.
🍻 Go to the Source – Outside of Paris, craft brewers are approachable and passionate. If you can visit a brewery, do it. That’s where you’ll get the best, freshest advice and a decent beer.
🛒 Supermarket Beer Isn’t Hopeless – Monoprix and Carrefour sometimes stock good local brews, but beware of fake “craft” brands from the beer giants (AB InBev, Heineken, etc.).
📍 Know Your Regions – Different parts of France have different beer cultures. Some places are worth seeking out:
- Lille & Alsace – Your best bet for traditional beers that actually taste like something.
- Occitanie (South of France) – Great for refreshing summer beers, thanks to its expat and tourist crowd.
- Bourgogne-Franche-Comté – The wildcard. Some seriously exciting breweries are popping up here.
Looking for French Craft Beer in Paris? Check out our paris craft beer guide that included a map of nearly a 100 places to drink craft beer here in Paris
What to Expect at a French Craft Beer Bar
💰 Beer Is Expensive – If you’re used to UK or US craft beer pricing, brace yourself. Good beer in France comes at a premium.
🍷 The Glassware Is… Fancy – Forget pints. The French like to serve beer in stemmed glasses. Yes, even an IPA. Just roll with it.
🥂 Serving Sizes Are Small – You’ll often get a demi (half-pint) or galopin (small glass) instead of a full pour. It’s about sipping, not guzzling.
🌍 Expect an International Crowd – Beer bars are one of the few places in France where you’ll easily find English-speaking staff and fellow beer nerds. The vibe is more relaxed than traditional French restaurants.
Essential French Beer Words & Phrases for Ordering Like a Pro
Ordering a beer in France doesn’t require a degree in French, but knowing a few key words will make your life easier—and might even impress the bartender enough to get a recommendation beyond the usual suspects.
Basic Ordering Phrases
If you only remember one sentence, make it this:
👉 “Je voudrais une bière artisanale, s’il vous plaît.” (I would like a craft beer, please.)
Or if you’re feeling specific:
👉 “Qu’est-ce que vous recommandez ?” (What do you recommend?)
And when you’re ready for another round:
👉 “Encore une, s’il vous plaît.” (Another one, please.)
Beer Styles & Flavors in French
Understanding the menu can be tricky, so here’s what to look for:
🍺 Bière blonde – A light, golden ale or lager.
🍺 Bière brune – A brown ale, typically malty.
🍺 Bière ambrée – Amber ale, with caramel and toasty notes.
🍺 Bière blanche – A wheat beer (think Belgian witbier).
🍺 Bière noire – Literally “black beer,” usually a stout or porter.
🍺 Bière houblonnée – A hoppy beer, usually an IPA.
🍺 Bière forte – A strong beer (expect higher ABV).
🍺 Bière de garde – A traditional French farmhouse ale.
How to Describe a Beer in French
Want to sound like you know what you’re talking about? Use these words when discussing flavors:
✔️ Amère – Bitter (important for IPAs).
✔️ Fruitée – Fruity.
✔️ Houblonnée – Hoppy.
✔️ Sèche – Dry.
✔️ Douce – Sweet.
✔️ Torréfiée – Roasty/toasty (for stouts and porters).
✔️ Acidulée – Tart/sour (for Saisons or Lambics).
✔️ Boisé – Oaky/woody (for barrel-aged beers).
Sizes & Glassware
Unlike the UK or US, the French don’t default to pints. Here’s what you’ll see on menus:
🍷 Demi (25cl) – A half-pint. The standard order.
🍻 Pinte (50cl) – A full pint, but not as common.
🥂 Galopin (12.5cl) – A tiny tasting glass, usually for high-ABV beers.
🍷 Served in stemmed glasses – Many craft beer bars will serve even an IPA in a fancy wine-style glass.
How to Pay Like a Local
💶 “Je peux payer par carte ?” – Can I pay by card? (Most places take cards, but always check.)
💰 “C’est combien ?” – How much is it? (Expect €4–€8 for a half-pint of craft beer.)
💵 Tipping? – Service is included, but leaving €1 per drink is appreciated in craft beer bars.
Master these words, and you’ll navigate French beer bars like a pro—or at the very least, avoid accidentally ordering a Kronenbourg.
Beer & Food: What Actually Works?
Since you’re in France, you might as well drink beer like a local chef would. Forget the standard “beer and burgers” pairings—here’s how to do it properly:
🧀 Saison & Cheese – Funky farmhouse ales and ripe, stinky French cheeses? Yes, please.
🍖 IPA & Saucisson – The bitterness of an IPA cuts through the rich, fatty goodness of cured sausages.
🥨 Dreche-Based Snacks – Some craft beer spots offer snacks made from spent grain (drêche), a much better option than crisps.
Is There a Craft Beer Festival Scene in France?
Not really. If you’re used to the beer festival culture in Belgium or the US, you might be disappointed. That said, there are a few worth checking out:
🍺 Paris Beer Festival (May 19–25, 2025) – The biggest and best, showcasing France’s best independent brewers.
🍺 Lyon Beer Festival (April 12–13, 2025) – A mix of French and international breweries.
🍺 Saint-Malo Craft Beer Expo (March 21–23, 2025) – If you’re in Brittany, this is the best bet.
🍺 Metz Beer Fest (October 3–4, 2025) – An underrated gem, with a solid lineup of craft breweries.
Check out our ultimate french food events calendar which included plenty of craft beer event across france.
Want More? Here’s Where to Connect With Beer Geeks
📱 Untappd – The easiest way to find highly-rated beers and bars near you.
🗨️ Reddit (r/FranceBeer & r/CraftBeer) – Decent for recommendations, but take opinions with a grain of salt.
📍 Paris Beer Club – If you’re in town, check their events—they attract the serious beer crowd.
Final Thoughts: Manage Your Expectations, But Seek Out the Good Stuff
Look, French beer is getting better, but it’s still a challenge. If you want great beer in France, you have to go looking for it. There are some truly excellent brews being made, but they’re not always easy to find, and they’re never cheap.
That said, when you do find a gem—a perfectly executed Bière de Garde, a bold, wine-barrel-aged stout, or a farmhouse Saison that makes you rethink everything—you’ll realize that French beer is quietly, stubbornly, carving out its own identity.
Until then, keep your expectations realistic, order wisely, and never settle for Kronenbourg.
From the bustling streets of Paris to the heat of a professional kitchen, my life has always revolved around food. A Brit who moved to France at 16, I trained as a chef in a Parisian palace kitchen at 18 and have spent decades cooking, eating, and living like the French.
By day, I run kitchens and events, but Eat Like The French is my side hustle—a way to share my passion for French food through writing and food tours. After a detour into tech recruitment, I returned to what I love most: cooking and storytelling—one dish, one tour, and one bite at a time.
You French Craft Beer Question Answered
How much does a pint of French craft beer cost?
Craft beer in France is not cheap. Expect to pay between €4–€8 for a demi (half-pint) and €8–€14 for a full pint, especially in Paris. High-ABV or specialty brews can be even pricier.
How do you say craft beer in French?
The French term for craft beer is “bière artisanale”. If you want to order one, say:
“Je voudrais une bière artisanale, s’il vous plaît.” (I would like a craft beer, please.)
Is craft beer popular in France?
Craft beer is growing in popularity, but it’s still a niche market. Wine still dominates, and most French drinkers stick to macro beers like Kronenbourg. However, cities like Paris, Lille, and Lyon have thriving craft beer scenes.
What are some traditional French beer styles?
France has a few historic beer styles making a comeback:
Bière de Garde – A strong farmhouse ale from northern France.
Saisons & Farmhouse Ales – Inspired by Belgium but gaining ground in France.
Barrel-Aged Beers – Many brewers use wine barrels to age their beers, adding complexity.
Where can I find craft beer in Paris?
Paris has several great craft beer bars and bottle shops. Look for places with:
✔️ A chalkboard beer list with rotating selections.
✔️ Bartenders who actually know what they’re pouring.
✔️ A mix of French and international craft beers on tap.
✔️ High ratings on Untappd.
✔️ Check out my paris craft beer map
Can I buy French craft beer in supermarkets?
Yes, but you need to be careful. Monoprix and Carrefour stock some local craft options, but many “artisanal-looking” beers are actually from big corporations like AB InBev. Look for smaller, independent breweries instead.