The wife and I will be in Paris for 3 full days in July. We've both been there before, so we'll be skipping the touristy sites, and just looking to just take in Paris. Thinking about a day trip to visit Brussels - namely for Cantillon and Moeder Lambic (we've never been). Question is: will the stuff available at Cantillon and Moeder in July justify a day trip... or will places in Paris suffice? I only ask because I've read a lot of mixed things about Brussels itself. Thanks!
Wondering the exact same thing about September. Not trying to hijack, but hoping this can get answered.
I really don't think you will find the selection of Cantillon at any Paris location like you will at the brewery & Moeder, (cask lambics!!), so I would say a day trip is a must!!! I've read several negative comments about Brussels on this site & could not disagree more. Brussels is a great city to visit for a beer adventure. Of course there can be some sketchy areas, but what big city doesn't have those locations, ie: NYC. Don't let some garbage in the streets (common practice on pick up day) discourage you from a visit. I have visited Brussels on two occasions & had a great experience each time. Have fun, cheers!!
I'm the owner of Beer Geek a Paris, one of the biggest french beer geek community, if you need advice for your trip, pm me. The roundtrip Brussels - Paris it's something like 200€ per person, it's very expensive. The biggest interrests for coming to bruxelles it's the vintage lambic, the rare Cantillon release only at the brewery. If you need a trade, don't hesitate to contact me too, trading it's the best way to find limited or rare lambic in Europe.
You'd have to be unlucky for a roundtrip ticket to approach 200€/person, but the low-100 range is typical. Sometimes short-notice or weekend special for half that. Still, there might well be some Cantillon and (I beg, I plead) other lambics at some shops there, no?