50 Best French Beers to Drink in 2026

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3 Monts Blonde earns its place because it represents French-Flanders benchmark. Expect cereal malt, orchard fruit, lemony lift and a dry herbal finish. At 8.5%, it keeps the bière de garde / strong blonde identity clear while showing how varied French brewing becomes once you get beyond the country’s biggest industrial labels.

Try it with roast chicken, washed-rind cheese or charcuterie. The pairing gives the malt, fermentation, fruit or hop character something useful to work against, and comparing this beer with a very different French style on the list makes its regional or modern brewing choices much easier to notice.

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Jenlain Ambrée earns its place because it represents classic amber bière de garde. Expect caramel malt, toast, dried fruit and earthy spice. At 7.5%, it keeps the bière de garde ambrée identity clear while showing how varied French brewing becomes once you get beyond the country’s biggest industrial labels.

Try it with steak frites, aged cheese or mushroom dishes. The pairing gives the malt, fermentation, fruit or hop character something useful to work against, and comparing this beer with a very different French style on the list makes its regional or modern brewing choices much easier to notice.

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La Goudale Blonde earns its place because it represents Flanders-style strong blonde. Expect golden malt, soft fruit, floral hops and a long finish. At 7.2%, it keeps the french strong blonde identity clear while showing how varied French brewing becomes once you get beyond the country’s biggest industrial labels.

Try it with grilled sausage, roast pork or hard cheese. The pairing gives the malt, fermentation, fruit or hop character something useful to work against, and comparing this beer with a very different French style on the list makes its regional or modern brewing choices much easier to notice.

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Kronenbourg 1664 Blanc earns its place because it represents widely known French wheat beer. Expect citrus peel, soft wheat, light spice and easy sweetness. At 5.0%, it keeps the wheat beer identity clear while showing how varied French brewing becomes once you get beyond the country’s biggest industrial labels.

Try it with seafood, soft cheese or citrusy salads. The pairing gives the malt, fermentation, fruit or hop character something useful to work against, and comparing this beer with a very different French style on the list makes its regional or modern brewing choices much easier to notice.

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La Choulette Blonde earns its place because it represents traditional northern blonde. Expect malt, pear-like fruit, gentle spice and restrained bitterness. At 7.5%, it keeps the bière de garde blonde identity clear while showing how varied French brewing becomes once you get beyond the country’s biggest industrial labels.

Try it with duck, pâté or caramelized onions. The pairing gives the malt, fermentation, fruit or hop character something useful to work against, and comparing this beer with a very different French style on the list makes its regional or modern brewing choices much easier to notice.

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3 Monts Ambrée earns its place because it represents malty 3 Monts counterpart. Expect toffee, toasted bread, dried fruit and herbal hops. At 8.5%, it keeps the amber ale identity clear while showing how varied French brewing becomes once you get beyond the country’s biggest industrial labels.

Try it with burgers, grilled pork or nutty cheese. The pairing gives the malt, fermentation, fruit or hop character something useful to work against, and comparing this beer with a very different French style on the list makes its regional or modern brewing choices much easier to notice.

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Thiriez Étoile du Nord earns its place because it represents dry farmhouse-style northern ale. Expect lemon, pepper, hay, pale malt and firm dryness. At 5.5%, it keeps the saison / blonde ale identity clear while showing how varied French brewing becomes once you get beyond the country’s biggest industrial labels.

Try it with mussels, fries or goat cheese. The pairing gives the malt, fermentation, fruit or hop character something useful to work against, and comparing this beer with a very different French style on the list makes its regional or modern brewing choices much easier to notice.

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Pietra earns its place because it represents Corsican chestnut beer. Expect toasty malt, nutty sweetness, chestnut depth and clean bitterness. At 6.0%, it keeps the chestnut amber lager identity clear while showing how varied French brewing becomes once you get beyond the country’s biggest industrial labels.

Try it with grilled lamb, chestnut dishes or firm cheese. The pairing gives the malt, fermentation, fruit or hop character something useful to work against, and comparing this beer with a very different French style on the list makes its regional or modern brewing choices much easier to notice.

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La Goudale Triple earns its place because it represents big cereal-driven tripel. Expect ripe fruit, bread, spice and warming alcohol. At 9.0%, it keeps the tripel identity clear while showing how varied French brewing becomes once you get beyond the country’s biggest industrial labels.

Try it with rich poultry, blue cheese or fruit tart. The pairing gives the malt, fermentation, fruit or hop character something useful to work against, and comparing this beer with a very different French style on the list makes its regional or modern brewing choices much easier to notice.

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Ninkasi French IPA earns its place because it represents modern French-hop lane. Expect citrus, tropical fruit, pale malt and crisp bitterness. At 5.4%, it keeps the india pale ale identity clear while showing how varied French brewing becomes once you get beyond the country’s biggest industrial labels.

Try it with spicy chicken, burgers or fries. The pairing gives the malt, fermentation, fruit or hop character something useful to work against, and comparing this beer with a very different French style on the list makes its regional or modern brewing choices much easier to notice.

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Popihn ICAUNEIPA earns its place because it represents French hazy-IPA showcase. Expect mango, citrus, soft grain and saturated hop aroma. At 6.5%, it keeps the new england ipa identity clear while showing how varied French brewing becomes once you get beyond the country’s biggest industrial labels.

Try it with roast chicken, washed-rind cheese or charcuterie. The pairing gives the malt, fermentation, fruit or hop character something useful to work against, and comparing this beer with a very different French style on the list makes its regional or modern brewing choices much easier to notice.

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BAPBAP Vertigo earns its place because it represents Parisian hop-forward flagship. Expect grapefruit, pine, tropical fruit and firm bitterness. At 6.0%, it keeps the ipa identity clear while showing how varied French brewing becomes once you get beyond the country’s biggest industrial labels.

Try it with steak frites, aged cheese or mushroom dishes. The pairing gives the malt, fermentation, fruit or hop character something useful to work against, and comparing this beer with a very different French style on the list makes its regional or modern brewing choices much easier to notice.

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La Débauche NEIPA earns its place because it represents juicy contemporary French IPA. Expect stone fruit, citrus, haze-softened grain and low-edged bitterness. At 6.5%, it keeps the new england ipa identity clear while showing how varied French brewing becomes once you get beyond the country’s biggest industrial labels.

Try it with grilled sausage, roast pork or hard cheese. The pairing gives the malt, fermentation, fruit or hop character something useful to work against, and comparing this beer with a very different French style on the list makes its regional or modern brewing choices much easier to notice.

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Mont Blanc Cristal IPA earns its place because it represents Alpine modern IPA. Expect citrus, pine, pale malt and bright bitterness. At 6.0%, it keeps the ipa identity clear while showing how varied French brewing becomes once you get beyond the country’s biggest industrial labels.

Try it with seafood, soft cheese or citrusy salads. The pairing gives the malt, fermentation, fruit or hop character something useful to work against, and comparing this beer with a very different French style on the list makes its regional or modern brewing choices much easier to notice.

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Goudale IPA earns its place because it represents strong French IPA. Expect citrus, exotic fruit, cereal body and pronounced bitterness. At 7.2%, it keeps the ipa identity clear while showing how varied French brewing becomes once you get beyond the country’s biggest industrial labels.

Try it with duck, pâté or caramelized onions. The pairing gives the malt, fermentation, fruit or hop character something useful to work against, and comparing this beer with a very different French style on the list makes its regional or modern brewing choices much easier to notice.

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Pietra IPA earns its place because it represents Corsican IPA. Expect citrus, resin, chestnut-toned malt and dry bitterness. At 6.0%, it keeps the ipa identity clear while showing how varied French brewing becomes once you get beyond the country’s biggest industrial labels.

Try it with burgers, grilled pork or nutty cheese. The pairing gives the malt, fermentation, fruit or hop character something useful to work against, and comparing this beer with a very different French style on the list makes its regional or modern brewing choices much easier to notice.

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3 Monts IPA earns its place because it represents Flanders-meets-modern IPA. Expect peach, coconut, tropical fruit and crisp bitterness. At 6.5%, it keeps the ipa identity clear while showing how varied French brewing becomes once you get beyond the country’s biggest industrial labels.

Try it with mussels, fries or goat cheese. The pairing gives the malt, fermentation, fruit or hop character something useful to work against, and comparing this beer with a very different French style on the list makes its regional or modern brewing choices much easier to notice.

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Ninkasi NEIPA earns its place because it represents Ninkasi juicy IPA. Expect tropical fruit, citrus, soft body and rounded bitterness. At 6.0%, it keeps the new england ipa identity clear while showing how varied French brewing becomes once you get beyond the country’s biggest industrial labels.

Try it with grilled lamb, chestnut dishes or firm cheese. The pairing gives the malt, fermentation, fruit or hop character something useful to work against, and comparing this beer with a very different French style on the list makes its regional or modern brewing choices much easier to notice.

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BAPBAP Guinguette earns its place because it represents easygoing Paris IPA. Expect citrus, flowers, pale malt and snappy bitterness. At 6.0%, it keeps the ipa identity clear while showing how varied French brewing becomes once you get beyond the country’s biggest industrial labels.

Try it with rich poultry, blue cheese or fruit tart. The pairing gives the malt, fermentation, fruit or hop character something useful to work against, and comparing this beer with a very different French style on the list makes its regional or modern brewing choices much easier to notice.

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BAPBAP Canopée earns its place because it represents balanced Paris pale ale. Expect citrus, light caramel, fresh hops and a clean finish. At 5.0%, it keeps the pale ale identity clear while showing how varied French brewing becomes once you get beyond the country’s biggest industrial labels.

Try it with spicy chicken, burgers or fries. The pairing gives the malt, fermentation, fruit or hop character something useful to work against, and comparing this beer with a very different French style on the list makes its regional or modern brewing choices much easier to notice.

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Popihn ICAUNA Pale Ale earns its place because it represents modern French pale ale. Expect citrus, peach, pale grain and restrained bitterness. At 5.5%, it keeps the pale ale identity clear while showing how varied French brewing becomes once you get beyond the country’s biggest industrial labels.

Try it with roast chicken, washed-rind cheese or charcuterie. The pairing gives the malt, fermentation, fruit or hop character something useful to work against, and comparing this beer with a very different French style on the list makes its regional or modern brewing choices much easier to notice.

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Ninkasi Brut IPA earns its place because it represents dry champagne-like IPA. Expect citrus, white grape, lean malt and a crisp dry finish. At 5.6%, it keeps the brut ipa identity clear while showing how varied French brewing becomes once you get beyond the country’s biggest industrial labels.

Try it with steak frites, aged cheese or mushroom dishes. The pairing gives the malt, fermentation, fruit or hop character something useful to work against, and comparing this beer with a very different French style on the list makes its regional or modern brewing choices much easier to notice.

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La Débauche Superfly earns its place because it represents bold La Débauche IPA. Expect tropical fruit, citrus peel, resin and assertive bitterness. At 6.5%, it keeps the ipa identity clear while showing how varied French brewing becomes once you get beyond the country’s biggest industrial labels.

Try it with grilled sausage, roast pork or hard cheese. The pairing gives the malt, fermentation, fruit or hop character something useful to work against, and comparing this beer with a very different French style on the list makes its regional or modern brewing choices much easier to notice.

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La Débauche Cool Jazz earns its place because it represents lighter modern craft ale. Expect citrus, soft malt, floral hops and an easy dry finish. At 5.0%, it keeps the pale ale identity clear while showing how varied French brewing becomes once you get beyond the country’s biggest industrial labels.

Try it with seafood, soft cheese or citrusy salads. The pairing gives the malt, fermentation, fruit or hop character something useful to work against, and comparing this beer with a very different French style on the list makes its regional or modern brewing choices much easier to notice.

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La Débauche Big Boy earns its place because it represents high-gravity hop showcase. Expect tropical fruit, resin, caramel malt and long bitterness. At 8.0%, it keeps the double ipa identity clear while showing how varied French brewing becomes once you get beyond the country’s biggest industrial labels.

Try it with duck, pâté or caramelized onions. The pairing gives the malt, fermentation, fruit or hop character something useful to work against, and comparing this beer with a very different French style on the list makes its regional or modern brewing choices much easier to notice.

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La Débauche Milkshake Passion IPA earns its place because it represents fruit-forward specialty IPA. Expect passion fruit, citrus, creamy grain and soft bitterness. At 6.5%, it keeps the milkshake ipa identity clear while showing how varied French brewing becomes once you get beyond the country’s biggest industrial labels.

Try it with burgers, grilled pork or nutty cheese. The pairing gives the malt, fermentation, fruit or hop character something useful to work against, and comparing this beer with a very different French style on the list makes its regional or modern brewing choices much easier to notice.

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La Débauche Pilsner earns its place because it represents clean craft lager counterpoint. Expect cracker malt, flowers, grass and crisp bitterness. At 5.0%, it keeps the pilsner identity clear while showing how varied French brewing becomes once you get beyond the country’s biggest industrial labels.

Try it with mussels, fries or goat cheese. The pairing gives the malt, fermentation, fruit or hop character something useful to work against, and comparing this beer with a very different French style on the list makes its regional or modern brewing choices much easier to notice.

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Ninkasi Blonde earns its place because it represents easygoing house blonde. Expect pale grain, floral hops, light citrus and a clean finish. At 4.0%, it keeps the pilsner identity clear while showing how varied French brewing becomes once you get beyond the country’s biggest industrial labels.

Try it with grilled lamb, chestnut dishes or firm cheese. The pairing gives the malt, fermentation, fruit or hop character something useful to work against, and comparing this beer with a very different French style on the list makes its regional or modern brewing choices much easier to notice.

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Ninkasi Blanche earns its place because it represents modern French wheat beer. Expect soft wheat, lemon, spice and lively carbonation. At 4.8%, it keeps the wheat beer identity clear while showing how varied French brewing becomes once you get beyond the country’s biggest industrial labels.

Try it with rich poultry, blue cheese or fruit tart. The pairing gives the malt, fermentation, fruit or hop character something useful to work against, and comparing this beer with a very different French style on the list makes its regional or modern brewing choices much easier to notice.

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Ninkasi Triple earns its place because it represents strong Belgian-inspired French ale. Expect ripe fruit, honeyed malt, pepper and warming alcohol. At 8.4%, it keeps the tripel identity clear while showing how varied French brewing becomes once you get beyond the country’s biggest industrial labels.

Try it with spicy chicken, burgers or fries. The pairing gives the malt, fermentation, fruit or hop character something useful to work against, and comparing this beer with a very different French style on the list makes its regional or modern brewing choices much easier to notice.

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Ninkasi Ambrée earns its place because it represents sessionable amber ale. Expect caramel, toast, red fruit and balancing hops. At 4.5%, it keeps the amber ale identity clear while showing how varied French brewing becomes once you get beyond the country’s biggest industrial labels.

Try it with roast chicken, washed-rind cheese or charcuterie. The pairing gives the malt, fermentation, fruit or hop character something useful to work against, and comparing this beer with a very different French style on the list makes its regional or modern brewing choices much easier to notice.

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Ninkasi Flower Blonde earns its place because it represents botanical-leaning blonde. Expect pale malt, floral aromatics, soft fruit and dry finish. At 5.6%, it keeps the floral blonde ale identity clear while showing how varied French brewing becomes once you get beyond the country’s biggest industrial labels.

Try it with steak frites, aged cheese or mushroom dishes. The pairing gives the malt, fermentation, fruit or hop character something useful to work against, and comparing this beer with a very different French style on the list makes its regional or modern brewing choices much easier to notice.

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Ninkasi Flower Blanche earns its place because it represents aromatic wheat variation. Expect wheat, flowers, citrus and gentle spice. At 5.0%, it keeps the floral wheat beer identity clear while showing how varied French brewing becomes once you get beyond the country’s biggest industrial labels.

Try it with grilled sausage, roast pork or hard cheese. The pairing gives the malt, fermentation, fruit or hop character something useful to work against, and comparing this beer with a very different French style on the list makes its regional or modern brewing choices much easier to notice.

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Goudale Blanche earns its place because it represents traditional spiced white beer. Expect wheat, coriander, orange peel and soft bitterness. At 4.5%, it keeps the wheat beer identity clear while showing how varied French brewing becomes once you get beyond the country’s biggest industrial labels.

Try it with seafood, soft cheese or citrusy salads. The pairing gives the malt, fermentation, fruit or hop character something useful to work against, and comparing this beer with a very different French style on the list makes its regional or modern brewing choices much easier to notice.

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Goudale Hop Lager earns its place because it represents modern lager from a traditional brewery. Expect clean grain, citrus hops and crisp bitterness. At 5.0%, it keeps the hoppy lager identity clear while showing how varied French brewing becomes once you get beyond the country’s biggest industrial labels.

Try it with duck, pâté or caramelized onions. The pairing gives the malt, fermentation, fruit or hop character something useful to work against, and comparing this beer with a very different French style on the list makes its regional or modern brewing choices much easier to notice.

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G de Goudale Grand Cru earns its place because it represents premium strong-ale expression. Expect rich malt, fruit, spice and warming depth. At 8.5%, it keeps the strong ale identity clear while showing how varied French brewing becomes once you get beyond the country’s biggest industrial labels.

Try it with burgers, grilled pork or nutty cheese. The pairing gives the malt, fermentation, fruit or hop character something useful to work against, and comparing this beer with a very different French style on the list makes its regional or modern brewing choices much easier to notice.

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Goudale Rubis earns its place because it represents fruitier Goudale offshoot. Expect red fruit, caramel malt and gentle balancing bitterness. At 5.0%, it keeps the red / fruit ale identity clear while showing how varied French brewing becomes once you get beyond the country’s biggest industrial labels.

Try it with mussels, fries or goat cheese. The pairing gives the malt, fermentation, fruit or hop character something useful to work against, and comparing this beer with a very different French style on the list makes its regional or modern brewing choices much easier to notice.

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Ch’ti Blonde earns its place because it represents northern French classic. Expect bread, light fruit, herbal hops and a clean malt finish. At 6.4%, it keeps the bière de garde blonde identity clear while showing how varied French brewing becomes once you get beyond the country’s biggest industrial labels.

Try it with grilled lamb, chestnut dishes or firm cheese. The pairing gives the malt, fermentation, fruit or hop character something useful to work against, and comparing this beer with a very different French style on the list makes its regional or modern brewing choices much easier to notice.

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Ch’ti Ambrée earns its place because it represents amber northern farmhouse lagered ale. Expect toast, caramel, dried fruit and earthy hops. At 5.9%, it keeps the bière de garde ambrée identity clear while showing how varied French brewing becomes once you get beyond the country’s biggest industrial labels.

Try it with rich poultry, blue cheese or fruit tart. The pairing gives the malt, fermentation, fruit or hop character something useful to work against, and comparing this beer with a very different French style on the list makes its regional or modern brewing choices much easier to notice.

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Ch’ti Brune earns its place because it represents dark bière de garde. Expect brown bread, cocoa, dark fruit and restrained bitterness. At 6.4%, it keeps the bière de garde brune identity clear while showing how varied French brewing becomes once you get beyond the country’s biggest industrial labels.

Try it with spicy chicken, burgers or fries. The pairing gives the malt, fermentation, fruit or hop character something useful to work against, and comparing this beer with a very different French style on the list makes its regional or modern brewing choices much easier to notice.

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Mont Blanc La Blonde earns its place because it represents Alpine flagship blonde. Expect pale malt, flowers, orchard fruit and crisp finish. At 5.8%, it keeps the blonde ale identity clear while showing how varied French brewing becomes once you get beyond the country’s biggest industrial labels.

Try it with roast chicken, washed-rind cheese or charcuterie. The pairing gives the malt, fermentation, fruit or hop character something useful to work against, and comparing this beer with a very different French style on the list makes its regional or modern brewing choices much easier to notice.

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Mont Blanc La Blanche earns its place because it represents Alpine wheat beer. Expect wheat, citrus, spice and lively carbonation. At 4.7%, it keeps the wheat beer identity clear while showing how varied French brewing becomes once you get beyond the country’s biggest industrial labels.

Try it with steak frites, aged cheese or mushroom dishes. The pairing gives the malt, fermentation, fruit or hop character something useful to work against, and comparing this beer with a very different French style on the list makes its regional or modern brewing choices much easier to notice.

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Mont Blanc La Rousse earns its place because it represents maltier Alpine ale. Expect caramel, toast, red fruit and herbal hops. At 6.5%, it keeps the amber ale identity clear while showing how varied French brewing becomes once you get beyond the country’s biggest industrial labels.

Try it with grilled sausage, roast pork or hard cheese. The pairing gives the malt, fermentation, fruit or hop character something useful to work against, and comparing this beer with a very different French style on the list makes its regional or modern brewing choices much easier to notice.

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Mont Blanc La Bleue earns its place because it represents fruit-driven Alpine specialty. Expect blueberry, wheat, light tartness and soft sweetness. At 5.8%, it keeps the blueberry wheat beer identity clear while showing how varied French brewing becomes once you get beyond the country’s biggest industrial labels.

Try it with seafood, soft cheese or citrusy salads. The pairing gives the malt, fermentation, fruit or hop character something useful to work against, and comparing this beer with a very different French style on the list makes its regional or modern brewing choices much easier to notice.

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Mont Blanc Triple Épices earns its place because it represents spiced strong ale. Expect ripe fruit, pepper, warming spice and rich malt. At 8.0%, it keeps the spiced tripel identity clear while showing how varied French brewing becomes once you get beyond the country’s biggest industrial labels.

Try it with duck, pâté or caramelized onions. The pairing gives the malt, fermentation, fruit or hop character something useful to work against, and comparing this beer with a very different French style on the list makes its regional or modern brewing choices much easier to notice.

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La Choulette Triple Blonde earns its place because it represents strong northern tripel. Expect honeyed malt, pear, spice and warming alcohol. At 8.0%, it keeps the tripel identity clear while showing how varied French brewing becomes once you get beyond the country’s biggest industrial labels.

Try it with burgers, grilled pork or nutty cheese. The pairing gives the malt, fermentation, fruit or hop character something useful to work against, and comparing this beer with a very different French style on the list makes its regional or modern brewing choices much easier to notice.

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Thiriez Dalva earns its place because it represents bigger Thiriez farmhouse ale. Expect lemon, pepper, grain, hops and dry warming finish. At 8.5%, it keeps the strong saison / farmhouse ale identity clear while showing how varied French brewing becomes once you get beyond the country’s biggest industrial labels.

Try it with mussels, fries or goat cheese. The pairing gives the malt, fermentation, fruit or hop character something useful to work against, and comparing this beer with a very different French style on the list makes its regional or modern brewing choices much easier to notice.

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Page 24 Ambrée Hildegarde earns its place because it represents artisan northern amber. Expect toast, caramel, dried fruit and herbal bitterness. At 6.9%, it keeps the bière de garde ambrée identity clear while showing how varied French brewing becomes once you get beyond the country’s biggest industrial labels.

Try it with grilled lamb, chestnut dishes or firm cheese. The pairing gives the malt, fermentation, fruit or hop character something useful to work against, and comparing this beer with a very different French style on the list makes its regional or modern brewing choices much easier to notice.

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Page 24 Brune Hildegarde earns its place because it represents dark northern keeping beer. Expect dark bread, cocoa, dried fruit and earthy spice. At 6.9%, it keeps the bière de garde brune identity clear while showing how varied French brewing becomes once you get beyond the country’s biggest industrial labels.

Try it with rich poultry, blue cheese or fruit tart. The pairing gives the malt, fermentation, fruit or hop character something useful to work against, and comparing this beer with a very different French style on the list makes its regional or modern brewing choices much easier to notice.

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Licorne Black earns its place because it represents Alsatian dark-beer outlier. Expect roast malt, caramel, coffee and a smooth finish. At 6.0%, it keeps the dark lager / specialty dark beer identity clear while showing how varied French brewing becomes once you get beyond the country’s biggest industrial labels.

Try it with spicy chicken, burgers or fries. The pairing gives the malt, fermentation, fruit or hop character something useful to work against, and comparing this beer with a very different French style on the list makes its regional or modern brewing choices much easier to notice.