By the Scottish Section

Join the CIBD Scottish Section for a four-day technical tour of Lille and Normandy!

Taking place from 4 to 8 June 2025, this trip offers CIBD members, exam candidates, and brewing and distilling professionals the opportunity to explore the latest in yeast innovation and production methods across Northern France. Highlights include exclusive access to Fermentis and Lesaffre’s state-of-the-art research centre, as well as visits to breweries and world-renowned Calvados distilleries in Normandy.

This tour is open to all CIBD members, exam candidates, and professionals in the brewing and distilling industries. Non-members are also welcome to join.

Tour schedule

Note: Subject to minor changes. A final itinerary will be confirmed closer to the event.

• 4 June – Lille
  Evening arrival in Lille for informal networking (venue TBC).
• 5 June – Lille
  Morning visit to Lesaffre’s research and development centre, followed by lunch at a local brewery/brasserie. Afternoon tour of Fermentis Academy. The day concludes with a BBQ dinner.
• 6 June – Travel to Normandy
  Coach travel to Normandy with a visit and lunch at Distillerie d'Hautefeuille. Continue to the famous Palais Bénédictine in Fécamp, before heading to Rouen for the evening.
• 7 June – Rouen
  Tours and tastings at Normandy’s renowned Calvados distilleries including Distillerie Busnel, Christian Drouin, and others. Farewell dinner and drinks at L’Eglise Brasserie, a converted church now serving as a taproom.
• 8 June
  End of tour.

Travel to France

• Option 1 – Flight to Paris + Train to Lille
  All major UK airports have direct flights into Paris Charles De Gaulle airport and you can catch a direct train connection to Lille from Paris Gare du Nord for £30 return (correct as of April). Return flights from Scotland start from approx. £100. This option will be about £130 total.
• Option 2 – Eurostar
  Direct train from London St Pancras to Lille Europe takes approx. 1h 22mins. Prices from £103 return.

Accommodation guide

Please use the below as a guide for booking accommodation in Lille and Rouen. The prices quoted are correct as of April. If you would like to be paired up with another attendee to share a twin room then please include this in your email to Niki and we will connect you. This should lower the cost significantly.

Lille (4^th and 5^th June)

Coach pick up point- Lille Europe Train Station (1 Place François Mitterrand, 59777 Euralille, France)

Hotels:

• Bercail Hotel (£137 night)
• Najeti Hotel Lille Nord (single £80 night; twin £89 night)
• Ibis Styles Lille Marcq-en-Baroel (£56 night)

Rouen (6^th and 7^th June)

Coach pick up point- Parc de l’Hotel de Ville (exact point tbc)

• Hyatt Palace (£100 night)
• Mercure Rouen Centre Champ de Mars (£107 night)
• Radisson Blu Hotel Rouen Centre (£163 night)
• Ibis Rouen Centre Champ de Mars (£68 night)
• Ibis Styles Hotel Rouen Cathedrale (£73 night)
• Novotel Rouen Centre Cathedrale (£126 night)

Grants

The CIBD has grants available of up to £500 to help cover costs of trips. To apply, email CIBDScottish@cibd.org.uk with a 250-word statement on why you are seeking financial support. Deadline to apply for a grant is 9 May 2025.

Why you should attend:

• Exclusive access to leading brewing and distilling facilities in France
• Enhance your technical knowledge and align your learning with the CIBD syllabus
• Network with likeminded industry professionals

Tickets: £300 per person. Ticket includes:

• Transport within France
• 3 lunches, 2 dinners
• All site tours and tastings

Attendees must arrange their own travel to/from France and accommodation (see guidance above).

Places will be allocated on a first come first serve basis so be quick to avoid missing out! To reserve your place please email Nicola.Charleston@cibd.org.uk and provide the below details:

• Name
• Email
• Contact number
• Dietary requirements
• If you would like to be paired with another attendee to share a twin room (same sex only).
• Any access or accommodation needs

Booking deadline: 23 May 2025