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Brewing traditions in the Grand Est

The Grand Est is a land of wine-growing traditions, but not just that! It's also a paradise for brewers, renowned for their exceptional expertise. Here, beer tells a story, sublimates gastronomy and is discovered during precious moments.

Discover beer in Eastern France

    A brief history of beer in the Grand Est

    The enthusiasm for beer in the Grand Est region is nothing new! Did you know that the local brewing tradition has its roots in the Middle Ages? Back then, the first breweries were run by monks. It was they who made beer a symbol of hospitality!

    In the 19ᵉ century, private breweries and guilds developed thanks to scientific and technical progress, which made it possible to better understand and control the manufacturing process. Later, the Grand Est region moved into the industrial era to satisfy growing demand.

    Alsace has always been France's leading beer-producing region (today it accounts for 60% of the national volume), while Lorraine is in 3rd place!

    Houblon - Villa Météor
    Matières premières de la bière

    An ideal terroir for making beer

    Produced since the dawn of time, beer requires 4 basic ingredients: water, hops, malt and yeast. If the Grand Est has become a land of brewing tradition, it's precisely because the key ingredients for beer are found here. Champagne has succeeded in growing the malting barley needed to make malt, while Alsace has always been a major supplier of hops.

    Abbey beer in the Ardennes, lager in Lorraine, amber, lager, seasonal beer, weizen... the Grand Est region offers an incredible variety of beers, a diversity of brews, tastes and aromas.

    Meteor cuves

    Beer, the fruit of precious know-how

    In the Grand Est, beer is the expression of the talent of master brewers, who passionately master an ancestral know-how. The region is home to the great names in French industrial brewing, who have been rooted in the land for several centuries.

    New brewers are also reinventing the brewing tradition in the Grand Est every day. Craft breweries and microbreweries are innovating and refining the production process, inspired by the "craft beer" trend. In Alsace, there are almost 40 of them!

    These new brewing workshops have helped to reshape the brewing landscape of these destinations. Make the most of your stay in the Grand Est to meet these inventive and committed craftsmen!

    Pic-nic, bière, pain, charcuterie
    Bières de Lorraine

    Beer, a way of life

    Not only does the Grand Est produce marvellous beers, it also knows how to sublimate them!
    The local gastronomy includes many traditional dishes that are best enjoyed with beer, starting with sauerkraut. You can sample these tasty dishes in the region's best restaurants, or on a food and beer discovery tour.
    In Alsace, be sure to book a table in a bierstub, a typical local beer tavern!

    Musée de la bière
    Musée de la bière

    Beer-related activities

    Immerse yourself in the brewing tradition of the Grand Est thanks to the many places to visit and activities that celebrate beer.

    Large former breweries, now closed down, have been transformed into museums devoted to the history and manufacture of beer.

    Whether craft or industrial, the breweries of the Grand Est region also open their doors to you. Take a behind-the-scenes look at how beer is brewed, and enjoy some friendly get-togethers, introductions and tastings, guided tours, treasure hunts and even workshops to make your own beer! And why not treat yourself to a beer-themed holiday?

    And if you're in the mood for a bit of a party, get into the swing of the brewing tradition by taking part in the beer events organised every year in the towns and villages of the Grand Est!

    Alcohol abuse is dangerous for your health. Drink in moderation.