Craft beer near La Défense - La Caisses de Bières

Paris isn't known for its beer culture, but it doesn't take much searching to discover there are several gems to be found, and La Caisses de Bières is one such gem.

Its location is just outside of Paris, and I've given it a mention because it is a 5-10 min walk from La Défense. This makes it perfect for all the expats working in La Défense, helps to keep the prices down, and shelters it from the tourist crowds.

What makes it a gem?

••  It stocks Belgian and French beers, with around 300 varieties. Belgian beer making up the vast majority (and rightly so).

••  It also proposes variety packs of beers, based on a theme. My favourite is the 'world champions' which is a selection of the winners of the 2014 World Beer Awards.

••  Great customer service (including English) and clear labelling system throughout the store which indicates beer type, strength, flavour etc.

••  An online store offering home delivery, which is also great for doing some research before visiting the store:  lacaissedebieres.fr

••  It has a refund policy for glass bottles and plastic crates, to encourage recycling. Basically you get a small refund when you return your empties, and the bottles and crates get reused (starting at €0.10 for a small bottle). This also saves you a little - think of all those other glass bottles that you are paying for, but not getting any money back when you put them in the recycle bin.

Practical info:

••  Address: 21 rue Kleber, 92400 Courbevoie (5-10min walk from the La Défense station)

••  Website: lacaissedebieres.fr

For other craft beer stores in Paris, I recommend  this overview by Paris by Mouth to get you started.