Best French Beers: Top & Most Popular Brands to Try in France

Introduction

France is famous for wine, but step into any brasserie, supermarket, or corner café and you’ll quickly realize that beer has a serious place here too. Whether you’re wandering the cobbled streets of Strasbourg, soaking up the sun in a Paris park, or exploring the countryside of northern France, cold beer is always within reach — and often better than you’d expect.

French beer has its own identity. Alsace, the region that borders Germany, produces crisp, German-inspired lagers. The north — bordering Belgium — is home to bière de garde, a rich, malt-forward style you won’t find anywhere else in the world. If you want to drink like a local, this guide has you covered.

French Beer Styles: Lagers, Pilsners & Bière de Garde

France drinks more beer than you might think — around 33 liters per person per year — and the scene has been growing fast, especially among younger urban drinkers. Lager dominates the mainstream, but France has two standout regional traditions worth knowing: Alsatian lagers (think clean, crisp, and very drinkable) and bière de garde from the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region (rich, malty, bottle-conditioned, and built to age). Craft beer has also taken off in big cities like Paris, Lyon, and Bordeaux over the past decade.

As a traveler, you’ll find French beers everywhere — supermarkets (Carrefour, Monoprix), cave à bière (beer shops), and of course bars and brasseries. Draft beer (pression) is the go-to in cafés; a standard glass is usually a demi (25cl). Ordering “une bière” will almost always get you a lager — if you want something specific, just name the brand. France’s most famous breweries are concentrated in Alsace — home to Kronenbourg and Meteor — and in the north near the Belgian border, where the bière de garde tradition runs deep.

Best & Famous French Beers to Try

Kronenbourg 1664

If there’s one French beer everyone has heard of, it’s Kronenbourg 1664. This is the undisputed king of French lager, holding around 30–40% of the national market and available in virtually every bar, café, and supermarket in the country. The standard 1664 is clean and refreshing — crisper and lighter than most American macro lagers, with a subtle hop bitterness that actually surprises people expecting something anonymous. Think of it as a no-fuss European lager done with quiet confidence. Ideal on a Parisian terrace.

But the real star is 1664 Blanc, a Belgian-style wheat beer brewed with coriander and orange peel. It’s fruity, slightly hazy, and has a gentle spice that makes it surprisingly food-friendly. If you enjoy Blue Moon or Hoegaarden, you’ll love 1664 Blanc — it’s that style done right, and it pairs beautifully with seafood, salads, or just a warm baguette. Don’t leave France without trying it.

Pelforth

Pelforth is a northern French institution — look for the yellow pelican on the label and you’ll know you’ve found it. It comes in two main versions: Pelforth Blonde, a smooth, easy-drinking lager, and Pelforth Brune, a dark brown ale with toasty malt character and a hint of caramel richness. The Brune in particular is worth seeking out — it’s roasty without being heavy, closer to a British brown ale than a stout, and incredibly food-friendly. If dark beers usually put you off, give Pelforth Brune a chance anyway: it’s much lighter in body than its color suggests, without the bitterness or thickness you might be expecting.

Pelforth is most popular in the north of France but you’ll spot it across the country. It’s a great choice if you want something with a bit more depth than a standard lager. Great alongside a croque-monsieur or a plate of charcuterie.

Grimbergen

Grimbergen has its roots in a Belgian abbey dating back to 1128, and while it’s now brewed under the Kronenbourg/Carlsberg umbrella in France, it still delivers that classic abbey-ale character. The Blonde is the most accessible — golden, slightly fruity, with a soft sweetness from the malt — while the Ambrée (amber) is richer and more complex, with caramel notes and a warming finish.

If you’re a fan of Belgian abbey ales like Leffe, Grimbergen is right in that territory — and often a little more interesting. The phoenix on the label (symbolizing resurrection) makes it instantly recognizable. A great evening beer to sip slowly with cheese or a hearty French stew.

Meteor

Meteor is Alsace’s best-kept secret. Brewed in the small town of Hochfelden since 1640, it’s one of the oldest and most beloved regional breweries in France — and if you’re spending any time in Strasbourg or the Alsace wine route, you’ll see it everywhere. The core lager is crisp, balanced, and highly drinkable, brewed in a style clearly influenced by the neighboring German tradition.

What makes Meteor stand out is its range: alongside the flagship Pilsner, you’ll find an IPA, an amber ale, and rotating seasonal releases. The striking meteorite logo makes it easy to spot on a tap or shelf. If you’re someone who enjoys trying local brewery taprooms and regional specialties, tracking down a Meteor on draft in Alsace is a rewarding experience. Don’t miss it if you’re in the area.

Fischer

Fischer is another Alsace classic — an amber lager with a bit more body and malt presence than your average French beer. It pours a warm copper color and delivers a smooth, biscuity flavor with subtle sweetness. It’s the kind of beer that pairs well with red meat, grilled sausages, or a traditional Alsatian choucroute garnie.

You’ll find Fischer in French supermarkets nationally, though it’s especially prevalent in the east. If you enjoy amber lagers — think something like Samuel Adams Boston Lager or Newcastle Brown Ale in the general neighborhood — Fischer is an easy recommendation. Solid, satisfying, and distinctly French in character. One fun detail for beer geeks: the image above shows the classic Fischer swing-top (Bügelflaschen) bottle that made the brand famous. Most Fischer sold today comes in standard-cap bottles, so if you spot the old swing-top version at a specialty shop, it’s worth grabbing — a genuine piece of Alsatian brewing heritage.

La Goudale

La Goudale is your introduction to bière de garde — the traditional farmhouse-style ale from northern France that was originally brewed in winter and stored (“garde” means “to keep”) for drinking in summer. It’s rich, malty, and bottle-conditioned, with a depth of flavor that puts most mainstream lagers to shame. At 7.2% ABV, it’s also quite strong, so sip it slowly.

The flavor profile is warm and complex — think caramel malt, a touch of spice, and a slight yeasty earthiness. If you enjoy Belgian strong ales or rich, malty farmhouse ales, La Goudale is right up your street. It’s widely available across France and a genuinely unique style you won’t encounter back home in quite the same way. A real must-try for anyone interested in regional beer culture.

Bellerose

Bellerose is a French craft ale that punches well above its weight. Brewed with three different hops, it delivers a vibrant, aromatic profile — floral and fruity upfront, with a spicy, herbal finish that keeps things interesting. At 5.5% ABV it’s refreshing enough for a warm day but complex enough to hold your attention through a whole glass.

Distribution is limited compared to the big names, but you’ll find it in cave à bière (beer shops) and specialty bars in northern France. If you’re a craft beer drinker who enjoys IPAs or hop-forward beers, Bellerose is an easy recommendation. But even if “IPA” usually means “too bitter” to you, Bellerose is worth a try: it’s aromatic and fruity (think citrus and lychee) rather than aggressively bitter, sitting somewhere between a fragrant American pale ale and a traditional French blonde. A great window into what French craft brewing looks like. Well worth hunting down.

Pietra

Pietra is one of the most distinctive beers in France — brewed on the island of Corsica using local chestnut flour alongside malted barley. The result is an amber-colored ale with a wonderfully earthy, nutty sweetness that you simply won’t find anywhere else. It’s rich and smooth with a gentle complexity that reflects the island’s unique landscape and ingredients.

You won’t find Pietra in every French supermarket, but it’s stocked in specialty shops and quality beer bars across the country. If you’re visiting Corsica, it’s absolutely essential — the kind of hyper-local beer that defines a place. Even if you’re just passing through mainland France, it’s worth seeking out for the sheer novelty and quality. Trust me, chestnut beer is better than it sounds.

Where to Buy and Try These Beers

The easiest place to stock up on French beers is any large supermarket — Carrefour, Monoprix, Leclerc, and Intermarché all carry a solid selection. For practical tips: Monoprix (found in most city centers) is convenient for picking up a bottle or two with nicer packaging, great if you’re looking for something to bring back as a gift. Carrefour or Leclerc on the outskirts of town will give you the best prices and widest range. For a deeper dive into craft and specialty French beers, look for a cave à bière (dedicated beer shop) in bigger cities. In Paris, La Fine Mousse (11th arrondissement) and Le Supercoin (18th) are two well-known spots. Many of these shops will let you mix-and-match bottles to build your own tasting selection.

For drinking on the spot, head to a brasserie or café and order a demi (25cl draft) to start. Bars in Alsace are particularly great for sampling regional taps — Kronenbourg, Meteor, and Fischer are common on draft there. In northern France, look for bières de garde like La Goudale and Pelforth Brune on tap or in bottles at traditional estaminets (local taverns). And if you make it to Corsica, Pietra on tap is an experience not to skip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do French people actually drink beer?

More than you might expect. France consumes around 33 liters of beer per person per year — not as high as Germany or the Czech Republic, but comfortably in the mix with other European beer-drinking nations. Beer culture is especially strong in Alsace (where German brewing traditions have shaped the region for centuries) and northern France near the Belgian border (home to the unique bière de garde tradition). Even in Paris, café terraces run on draft pression as much as wine. The craft beer scene has also expanded rapidly in French cities over the past decade, making this an exciting time to explore what France has to offer beyond the grapes.

What is the most popular beer in France?

Kronenbourg 1664 is the most popular beer in France, holding around 30–40% of the national market. It’s available everywhere from supermarkets to cafés, and the 1664 Blanc (wheat beer) variant is particularly beloved. Heineken and Stella Artois are also widely available as international options.

What is bière de garde?

Bière de garde is a traditional French beer style from the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region in northern France, near the Belgian border. It’s a rich, malt-forward ale that was historically brewed in cooler months and stored (“garde” means “to keep”) for summer drinking. It tends to be bottle-conditioned and higher in alcohol — think 6–8% ABV. La Goudale is a great example to try.

Is French beer good?

Absolutely. While France is more famous for wine, the beer scene is genuinely impressive. From crisp Alsatian lagers and rich bières de garde to a rapidly growing urban craft scene, there’s real variety and quality on offer. Most visitors are pleasantly surprised — the brands in this guide are a great place to start.

Where is the best place to drink beer in France?

Strasbourg and the Alsace region are arguably the best spots for beer lovers — the local breweries (Kronenbourg, Meteor, Fischer) are based there and you’ll find excellent draft options everywhere. Paris has a thriving craft beer bar scene, especially in neighborhoods like Oberkampf and Canal Saint-Martin. If you’re in the north of France, traditional estaminets serve great bières de garde alongside hearty local food.

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