Bière de Garde: A Tourist Guide to French Beer

France is home to some of the world’s best beers. Bière de Garde, or “beer for keeping,” is a type of French beer that is perfect for cellaring and enjoying later. While most French beer is brewed in the northern part of the country, you can find Bière de Garde breweries in the south as well. This beer style is perfect for those who want to explore the world of French beer.

 

In this guide, we will take you on a tour of Bière de Garde and French beer culture. We will explore the history of this beer style, visit some of the best Bière de Garde breweries, and even give you a few tips on how to make your own Bière de Garde at home. So grab a glass and let’s get started!

 

The History of Bière de Garde

Bière de Garde is a French beer style that dates back to the Middle Ages. This beer was created in the northern part of France, in the region known as Flanders. The word “garde” means “to keep,” and this beer was originally brewed in the winter and cellared until the spring. This allowed the beer to stay fresh during the warmer months. Bière de Garde was traditionally a dark beer, and it was often brewed with wheat. Today, there are both light and dark versions of Bière de Garde, but wheat is no longer used in most recipes.

The first recorded mention of Bière de Garde was in 1553, in a document from the town of Arras. This document listed the amount of taxes that were owed on different types of beer. Bière de Garde was taxed at a higher rate than other beers, which suggests that it was a luxury item at this time.

It wasn’t until the 19th century that Bière de Garde became more widely available. The French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars disrupted brewing in France, but afterward, there was a resurgence of interest in this beer style. New breweries opened up, and Bière de Garde became more popular than ever before.

Today, Bière de Garde is still brewed in the northern part of France. But it has also gained popularity in other parts of the country, including the south. There are now many different breweries producing this beer, and it is widely available in France.

The History of Bière de Garde
The History of Bière de Garde

 

The Best Bière de Garde Breweries in France

Bière de Garde is a style of French beer that was historically brewed in the cooler months and stored in cellars (or gardens, hence the name) until the summer. These days, Bière de Garde is brewed year-round, but it remains a beloved tradition in France. Here are some of the best breweries to check out if you’re ever in the country.

 

1. Brasserie Duyck

This brewery is located in the town of Jenlain, in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region. Brasserie Duyck has been brewing Bière de Garde since 1878, and it is one of the most well-known breweries in France. The brewery’s flagship beer is Jenlain Ambrée, a light amber-colored Bière de Garde.

Address: 113 Rte Nationale, 59144 Jenlain, France

For pictures, booking, and more information, click here.

 

2. Brasserie de la Choulette

This brewery is located in the town of Hordain, in the Nord department. Brasserie de la Choulette brews a Bière de Garde called Choulette Ambrée, which is a light amber-colored beer with a malty flavor.

Address: 16 Rue des Écoles, 59111 Hordain, France

For pictures, booking, and more information, click here.

 

3. Brasserie Saint-Sylvestre

This brewery is located in the town of Saint-Sylvestre, in the Pas-de-Calais department. Brasserie Saint-Sylvestre brews a Bière de Garde called Trois Monts, which is a dark beer with a complex flavor.

Address: 121 Rte de la Chapelle, 59114 Saint-Sylvestre-Cappel, France

For pictures, booking, and more information, click here.

 

4. Brasserie de Saint-Omer

The Brasserie de Saint-Omer is one of the oldest and most well-known breweries in France. Located in the town of Saint-Omer, the brewery has been in operation since the early 1600s. The Brasserie de Saint-Omer offers tours of its facilities, which include a visit to the hop field, the brewing hall, and the bottling plant. Visitors can also enjoy tastings of the various beers produced by the brewery.

Address: 35B Bd de Strasbourg, 62500 Saint-Omer, France

For pictures, booking, and more information, click here.

 

If you’re interested in trying Bière de Garde, there are a few breweries that you should definitely check out. These breweries are known for their high-quality beer, and they offer a variety of different styles of Bière de Garde.

The Best Bière de Garde Breweries in France
The Best Bière de Garde Breweries in France

 

How to Make Your Own Bière de Garde

If you’re interested in brewing your own Bière de Garde, there are a few things you should know. This beer is best brewed in the winter, and it should be cellared for at least six months. Here are a few tips to help you get started:

 

1. Choose the right yeast: Bière de Garde is typically brewed with lager yeast. This yeast ferments at lower temperatures, which gives the beer a clean flavor.

 

2. Use the right malt: Bière de Garde is typically brewed with pale malt. This malt gives the beer a light color and a slightly sweet flavor.

 

3. Don’t forget the hops: Bière de Garde is typically brewed with noble hops. These hops give the beer a floral aroma and a bitterness that balances out the sweetness of the malt.

 

4. Cellar your beer: Bière de Garde is best when it’s cellared for at least six months. This allows the flavors to develop and mellow, resulting in a smoother beer.

 

5. Serve it cold: Bière de Garde is best served cold, around 45 degrees Fahrenheit. This will help to bring out the beer’s flavors and aromas.

Brewing your own Bière de Garde can be a fun and rewarding experience. But it’s important to remember that this beer takes time to make. So, if you’re patient, you’ll be rewarded with a delicious beer that’s perfect for any occasion.

How to Make Your Own Bière de Garde
How to Make Your Own Bière de Garde

 

 Where to Find Bière de Garde

Bière de Garde was once only produced in small batches for local consumption, the style has become increasingly popular in recent years and is now brewed by several different breweries both in France and abroad. For those looking to purchase bière de Garde, there are a few different options. In France, beer can be found in many supermarkets and specialty stores.

For that outside of France, many online retailers offer a wide selection of bière de Garde. Additionally, some breweries will ship their beer directly to customers in select countries. When shopping for bière de Garde, it is important to pay attention to the vintage date as the beer is best consumed fresh.

If you visit France, here are a few suggestions for places where to drink Bière de Garde:

 

1. Les Trois 8

This Parisian beer hall specializes in Belgian and French brews, and it has an impressive selection of both on tap and in bottles. The knowledgeable staff is always happy to help you find the perfect beer to pair with your meal, and there’s even a rotating selection of guest taps from international breweries. Whether you’re a beer lover or just looking to try something new, Les Trois 8 is the perfect place to start your Parisian beer adventure.

Address: 11 Rue Victor Letalle, 75020 Paris, France

For pictures, booking, and more information, click here.

 

2. Les Fleurs du Malt

Les Fleurs du Malt is one of the best places to find Bière de Garde. They have a large selection of both French and Belgian beers, and the knowledgeable staff can help you find the perfect beer for your taste. If you’re looking to explore French beer, Les Fleurs du Malt is the perfect place to start.

Address: 15 Quai Romain Rolland, 69005 Lyon, France

For pictures, booking, and more information, click here.

 

3. Brasserie de la Goutte d’Or

Brasserie de la Goutte d’Or is a popular spot for tourists seeking to try French beer. The brewery offers a tour of its facilities, as well as samplings of its various beers. Be sure to try the Bière de Garde while you’re there!

Address: 28 Rue de la Goutte d’Or, 75018 Paris, France

For pictures, booking, and more information, click here.

 

4. Beer De La Plaine

Beer de la Plaine produces a variety of traditional French beers, including a blonde ale, a wheat beer, and a saison. The brewery is open to the public for tours and tastings, and its beers are available for purchase online. Visitors to Marseille should make sure to add Beer de la Plaine to their list of must-try breweries!

Address: 49 Rue 3 Frères Barthélémy, 13006 Marseille, France

For pictures, booking, and more information, click here.

 

5. Académie de la bière

The Académie offers a variety of beer-related courses, tastings, and events, and it is also home to a large library of beer literature. Whether you are a beer lover or simply curious about this delightful beverage, a visit to the Académie de la Bière is sure to be an enjoyable and educational experience.

Address: 88Bis Bd de Port-Royal, 75005 Paris, France

For pictures, booking, and more information, click here.

 

These are just a few of the many places where you can find Bière de Garde in France. So, whether you’re looking to purchase Bière de Garde online or visit one of the breweries listed above, you’ll be sure to find the perfect beer for any occasion.

Where to Find Bière de Garde
Where to Find Bière de Garde

 

Foods That Goes Well With Bière de Garde

In France, Bière de Garde is traditionally served with food. The most common pairing is sausage and mashed potatoes, but it can also be served with grilled meats or chicken. For a more unusual pairing, try Bière de Garde with a strong cheese like Roquefort or Gorgonzola.

The beer’s malty sweetness pairs well with the rich, earthy flavors of the cheese. If you’re looking for a dessert pairing, try Bière de Garde with a fruit tart or a chocolate cake. The beer’s light sweetness will complement the sweetness of the pastry, and its yeasty flavor will add an interesting dimension to the dessert. Whatever food you choose to pair with Bière de Garde, you’re sure to enjoy the combination of flavors.

Foods That Goes Well With Bière de Garde
Foods That Goes Well With Bière de Garde

 

In conclusion

Whether you’re a beer lover or just looking to try something new, Bière de Garde is a perfect choice. This French beer is available at many restaurants and breweries, and it pairs well with a variety of foods. So, next time you’re in France, be sure to give Bière de Garde a try!

 


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Simply France

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