A new beer tourism map for Alsace

As the leading producer of beer and hops in France, with more than 100 breweries spread across its territory, Alsace stands out as a cornerstone of the national brewing industry. Alsatian beer accounts for nearly 60% of French production, amounting to approximately 11 million hectolitres per year.

The sector employs over 1,400 people and generates a turnover of 1.4 billion euros, with a significant share dedicated to exports. Industrial breweries such as Kronenbourg, Meteor (the oldest independent brewery in France, founded in 1640), and Licorne embody this productive strength while actively contributing to the tourism promotion of brewing heritage.

Mapping brewing points of interest

To highlight this cultural heritage, Alsace Destination Tourisme (ADT) and Brasseurs d’Alsace have listed 72 of these breweries in a new beer tourism map published this summer. Available at tourist offices and participating breweries, the map showcases establishments open to the public, historic breweries, and offers discovery routes on foot or by bike around hop fields.

Beer tourism, much like wine tourism, is part of the territorial strategy “Savour the stars and vintages of Alsace” led by ADT. Two surveys conducted in 2021 and 2022 revealed that it mainly attracts a young, family-oriented audience with a taste for gastronomy. Breweries offer tours, tastings, brewing workshops, and cultural events, thereby enhancing the region’s appeal.

A favourable ecosystem

This dynamism is supported by an excellent agri-food ecosystem, the second-largest economic sector in the region, with more than 250 companies and 15,000 direct jobs. Alsace promotes a highly diversified local production: milk, fruits, vegetables, cereals, cold cuts, confectionery… and benefits from cutting-edge infrastructure, specialized training in the agri-food sector, and strong territorial brands such as “Savourez l’Alsace” and “Savourez l’Alsace Produit du Terroir”. This structure encourages short supply chains and food sovereignty, with local product consumption four times higher than the national average.

Since its recognition as part of France’s cultural and gastronomic heritage in 2014, Alsatian beer has further established itself as a key product of the economy. It enjoys a strong foothold in both the industrial and artisanal fabric of the region, while playing an increasingly important role in the territory’s tourism appeal. This positioning helps reinforce Alsace’s image as a land of expertise, quality, and innovation in the agri-food sector.