The Ardennes Beer Route

Cover photo: Shutterstock © EBASCOL

Long before beer became a symbol of festive occasions and conviviality, the French were already enjoying cervoise, a fermented drink made without hops but with gruit, the direct ancestor of modern beer. In this region of eastern France, this millennial heritage is now expressed through innovative breweries, preserved traditions and a thriving brewing culture. Between Charleville-Mézières and Stenay, through medieval villages and wooded valleys, a whole gourmet beer route awaits curious visitors.

Along the way, unexpected stops invite you to discover local savoir-faire: brewery tours, tastings, unique experiences like beer spa, and educational walks through hop fields. The Grand Est, land of barley and hops, produces distinctive beers, crafted by a new generation of brewers. 

The Beer Route

Inspired by the the wine route model, this brewery tour offers visitors a unique chance to to meet dedicated producers, visit production sites and discover some lesser-known beers. 

The Beer Route, celebrating a lesser-known French tradition 

French beer has been the drink of choice in the Ardennes since the 12th century. And since the 2000s, the art of brewing has experienced a revival in the Grand Est region, much to the delight of enthusiasts.

From the borders of Luxembourg to the Val d’Ardenne, the route begins in Stenay with its Beer Museum, which traces the history and influences of the art of brewing over nearly 800 years. 

The tour continues in Sedan, where the Brasserie Docquin, founded in 1706, welcomes you to a former farmhouse listed as an industrial heritage site since 1896. Here, you can go behind the scenes of brewing and sample a classic local beer. The Beer Museum and the Sedan Brewing School complete the experience, teaching you everything you need to know about this ancient craft. Next, the tour takes you to Charleville-Mézières, known as the ‘City of Poetry’ and beloved by the young Arthur Rimbaud. Once there, you’ll lose track of time as you visit the Petite Brasserie Ardennaise – De Malt et d’Ô, and savour L’Oubliette, a beer brewed from malt, hops, and yeast with no additives or preservatives.

Be amazed by their expertise in all its forms: amber, blonde, dark (known as stout), or white! While you’re in the area, make sure to stop in Launois-sur-Vence, a town committed to both heritage and brewing. On one side, the Les Sabots du Relais association has restored the 17th-century postal relay, keeping the region’s equestrian tradition alive. On the other, Ardwen Brewery, just a stone’s throw away, showcases the local craft beer scene. A must-see stop along the Beer Route!

Walking in the footsteps of hops

For lovers of the outdoors and local know-how, the Sentier du Houblon (Hop Trail) around Wingersheim-les-Quatre-Bans is a must. This 4.5 km trail, open to the public from April to September, offers guided tours every Wednesday during the summer. The highlight is the harvest season (mid-August to mid-September), when the hop fields resemble vertical forests.

The trail connects farms and breweries (such as Holtzmann and Pfister) and offers an exceptional views from the Croix de l’Année Sainte. This route, easily accessible from Strasbourg, can be explored on foot or by bike and combines nature, culture and the pleasures of hops.

Brewing highlights  

Rocroi: a star-shaped town that brews its identity 

In Rocroi, a medieval town with a star-shaped fortifications, local history meets modernity. Under the initiative of Mayor Denis Binet, the town created its own beer: Rocroy Beer, with a ‘y’ to differentiate it, the result of a collaboration between three local breweries. To go with it, a local made cheese celebrates the heritage while supporting the local economy.

This small town in the Ardennes offers much more than just its local beers. Rocroi has preserved the traditional architecture of its fortresses and is one of the few towns in France that has maintained its original layout. Built in 1555 during the reign of Henry II, the fortress of Rocroi was designed to withstand attacks. A site of historic victories, Rocroi still features has Vauban’s three gateways and ten star-shaped streets, unchanged since they were constructed.

Senones: L’Opercule, the taste of honey and organic ingredients 

In the Vosges, 20 minutes from Saint-Dié, the craft brewery L’Opercule stands out for its originality. The brewers, who are also beekeepers, incorporate mountain honey into their recipe. The result is a smooth, subtle, 100% organic beer, bottle-fermented. Located in a former abbey, the site offers immersive tours that take you deep into the brewing process.

Hochfelden: Villa Meteor, 400 years of history

More than just a brewery, Villa Meteor in Hochfelden offers a glimpse into the history of brewing in Alsace, from 1640 to the present day.

The 90-minute tour is a real sensory experience: discover the raw ingredients from the garden (including gruit), visit the family home, the laboratories, the brewing and fermentation rooms, before enjoying a tasting at the bar.  

A unique break: the beer spa

Opening in Strasbourg in 2022, Taaka Beer Spa is the first establishment in France to offer a beer-based wellness experience. Bathe in a hop infusion, sample local beers, enjoy cheese and charcuterie boards… All in a chic and cosy setting. This is no marketing error: hops, malt and yeast have real benefits for the skin and hair. 

The name Taaka, a nod to the Alsatian stork (in Maori), symbolizes the establishment’s attachment to the region and its local raw materials.

The Ardennes Beer Route is much more than just a gourmet itinerary. It is a journey back in time, exploring monastic traditions, rural expertise, artisanal revival and surprising innovations. As the heir to Gallic cervoise, the Grand Est region proves that beer is a serious business… and a deliciously joyful one at the same time. 

If this article has inspired you to explore the hidden gems of the Grand Est region, visit our Teritoria website or stop by our gift shop to discover even more authentic places and experiences. You can also subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date with our latest discoveries. Already planning your trip? Check out our loyalty programme, a great way to prepare your stay and get rewarded for your experiences in the heart of the region. 

As a reminder, alcohol abuse is dangerous for your health and should be consumed in moderation.

By Emilie Fallot Nguyen