Craft Beer Marseille: A Hoppy Adventure in the South of France
Marseille, a city that has long been a melting pot of cultures and traditions, is now embracing a new kind of flavour: craft beer. A growing number of independent breweries and bars are popping up across the city, offering a welcome alternative to the traditional wine and pastis. From hoppy IPAs to rich stouts, Marseille’s craft beer scene is a delicious adventure for beer lovers.
The Pioneers: Breweries with a Passion
Let’s start with the breweries that are leading the charge, the ones that are putting Marseille on the craft beer map.
Brasserie de la Plaine is a pioneer of the Marseille craft beer scene. Located in the heart of the city, they brew a range of classic and experimental beers, using local ingredients whenever possible. Their taproom is a lively and welcoming space, perfect for sampling their beers fresh from the source. I particularly enjoyed their “IPA de la Plaine,” a hoppy and refreshing beer with citrusy notes.
Another brewery worth checking out is La Minotte. Situated in the Saint-Jean district, they brew a variety of beers, from pale ales to stouts, with a focus on quality and flavour. Their taproom is a cosy and intimate space, and they often have live music, creating a vibrant atmosphere.
The Taproom Experience: Sampling Marseille’s Best
Many of Marseille’s breweries have their own taprooms, offering a chance to sample their beers in a relaxed and informal setting.
Brasserie Artisanale de la Ciotat is a brewery located in the nearby town of La Ciotat. Their taproom is a great place to try their beers and learn about their brewing process. They also offer brewery tours.
Biere de la Plaine has a taproom in the city, providing a space to experience their brews.
Craft Beer Bars: A World of Choice
For those who want to explore a wider range of beers, Marseille has a growing number of craft beer bars.
La Cane Bière is a popular craft beer bar located in the Cours Julien district. They offer a rotating selection of local and international craft beers on tap and in bottles. The atmosphere is lively and friendly, and the staff are knowledgeable and passionate about their beer.
Another great option is Le Beer Corner. This bar, located in the Saint-Victor district, has a wide selection of beers, with a focus on French and European craft brews. They also serve tapas and other dishes, perfect for pairing with your beer.
For a more relaxed and intimate experience, try La Cave à Bières. This small bar, located in the Le Panier district, offers a carefully curated selection of craft beers and a cosy atmosphere.
If you are exploring Marseille’s culinary scene, you might want to read my article A Food Tour of Marseille: Savouring the City’s Local Flavours.
IN MARSEILLE, THE TASTE OF CRAFT BEER IS THE TASTE OF DISCOVERY, A CELEBRATION OF FLAVOUR AND FRIENDSHIP IN THE HEART OF PROVENCE.
Pairing Beer with Marseille’s Flavours
Marseille’s craft beer scene is a perfect complement to the city’s diverse cuisine.
A hoppy IPA pairs well with spicy dishes, such as “moules frites” (mussels and fries) or “aïoli garni” (seafood platter with garlic mayonnaise). The bitterness of the beer cuts through the richness of the food, creating a balanced and satisfying combination.
A dark stout, on the other hand, is a great match for hearty dishes, such as “daube Provençale” (beef stew) or “pieds et paquets” (tripe and sheep’s feet stew). The roasted malt flavours of the beer complement the savoury richness of the dishes.
Beyond the City Centre: Exploring the Region’s Brews
To truly understand Marseille’s beer scene, venture beyond the city centre and explore the surrounding region.
Brasserie de Sulauze is a brewery located in the nearby town of Aix-en-Provence. They brew a range of organic beers, using local ingredients whenever possible. Their brewery is a beautiful space, and they offer tours and tastings.
A Toast to Marseille’s Craft Beer: A Celebration of Flavour and Culture
Marseille’s craft beer scene is more than just a passing fad; it’s a reflection of the city’s evolving culinary landscape and its embrace of new flavours and experiences. Exploring Marseille’s breweries and bars is a journey of discovery, a chance to connect with the city’s vibrant culture, and to celebrate the simple pleasures of good beer and good company in the heart of Provence. So, raise a glass to Marseille and its hoppy delights, and embark on your own craft beer adventure!
