Brews and Buddies: The Heart of Les Bières de Belleville
Nestled in the heart of the picturesque Belleville neighborhood in Paris, Les Bières de Belleville is not just a microbrewery; it’s a testament to the enduring bond between two friends and their passion for craft beer. Vincent and Camille, the founders, met during their high school days in La Celle-Saint-Cloud and have been close ever since, sharing an apartment and life experiences.
Vincent’s journey to beer-making began during his studies in water engineering, while Camille immersed himself in music as part of the band Gush. However, a decade ago, both embarked on a transformative path of professional reconversion.
Vincent ventured to Quebec, Canada, for a five-year lutherie training, where he also discovered the burgeoning craft beer scene. Camille visited him in 2015, embarking on a road trip in Gaspésie, where they explored artisanal breweries. Inspired by the accessibility and grassroots spirit of craft beer, they envisioned creating their own brewery in their beloved Belleville neighborhood.
Armed with knowledge gained from their training and a shared love for experimentation, they began testing fermentations in Camille’s small studio. Using a casserole, a colander, and demijohns, they dedicated a year to brewing a different beer each week, meticulously following rigorous processes. Their unwavering determination led them to the perfect location in the Jourdain district, a historic building that had stood untouched since the late 19th century. For eight arduous months, Vincent and Camille transformed the space into their brewing sanctuary. The camaraderie and complementary skills between Vincent, focused on technical aspects, and Camille, adept in management, proved invaluable.
In 2019, they proudly released their first brew, finding an immediate fan base at the local bar La Cagnotte. This initial success gave them the confidence and momentum to launch their business. Les Bières de Belleville became more than just a beer venture; it embodied the friendship that had fueled their journey. They extended their family spirit to Romain Lantenois, who joined the team three years ago and shared their bond of friendship.
Their shared appreciation for hearty and comforting dishes led them to a special fondness for pot-au-feu, a classic French stew. It symbolized their harmonious collaboration, the balanced blend of flavors mirroring their complementary roles in the brewery. Just as they experimented with vegetables in their beers, they explored various root and heirloom varieties in their pot-au-feu. Like their brews, their pot-au-feu was meant to be shared, a communal experience that brought people together around the table.
Les Bières de Belleville thrives at the intersection of friendship, passion, and a neighborhood spirit. Located at 9 rue Jean-Baptiste-Dumay in the 20th arrondissement of Paris, they offer their beers to-go on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 4:30 PM to 8 PM. Their story is a testament to the transformative power of friendship, the pursuit of shared dreams, and the joy of crafting something unique and delectable.
