The Lille Beer Festival, or Bière a Lille (BAL), takes place in the northern France city for one week in September. In 2024, there were 100 events dedicated to craft beer in bars, restaurants and breweries.
Le BAL is one of the most famous beer festival in France and Europe. In 2024, 10,000 visitors attended during the French beer festival.
What to Expect at BAL
Some 65 breweries participated at BAL 2024. A third of the breweries are local, with a further third coming from around France, and the final third from around the world.
Some breweries will be appearing in France for the first time. Of course, this being northern France, there will also be excellent food withlocal chefs providing live cooking and snacks.
In 2024, organisers returned to their origins with a new format at the Gare Saint-Sauveur. While there may be fewer brasseries, the new venue will still offer the same vibrant atmosphere, opportunities for discovery and conviviality.
When is BAL?
The festival will be from 17 to 23 November, 2025
Where is the Lille Beer Festival?
There will be a series of events across the city, with the final weekend taking place at Gare Saint-Sauveur.
Tickets for Le BaL
Tickets for the festival cost from €6 and can be bought here.
Follow Mark Bibby Jackson as he discovers Lille: Beer and the Rugby World Cup 2023. Alternatively you can discover more about the beer in Lille by reading Aurélie Baguet’s guide to The 5 Best Beer Bars in Lille.
Lille to London Eurostar
It is really easy to reach the French city from the UK. Take the Eurostar to Lille Europe station from London St Pancras (1 hour 15 minutes).
Lille Things To Do
To discover what else you can do in Lille France visit Hello Lille or https://www.tourisme-en-hautsdefrance.com/.
More information on the Lille Beer Festival
Can be found by visiting the website : https://www.bierealille.com/
All images kindly provided by Aurélie Baguet of L’échapée bière,
