A true emblem of Armentières, the historic Motte-Cordonnier Brewery has returned to the forefront with its flagship beer: René.
A family heritage
Today, the brewery brings together 15 family members – three couples and their nine children – united around the revival of their legacy. Their creation, René, is a lager brewed in honour of their great-great-grandfather René Motte, founder of the legendary Armentières brewery and architect of the magnificent building that still proudly stands on the banks of the Lys.
The story began in 1650, when Pierre Valenton became one of the first brewers in Armentières. In 1752, the brewery with the red star passed into the hands of the Motte-Cordonnier family. Its iconic red star logo quickly became a recognised symbol throughout the region. The name Motte-Cordonnier itself originates from the marriage between brewer J. Cordonnier’s daughter and L. Motte-Bossut, the son of a wealthy Roubaix textile industrialist.
Generation after generation carried on the passion: Édouard Motte in 1951, then Bertrand Motte in 1968. Despite wars, technological shifts and changing consumer tastes, the family’s devotion to beer always prevailed.
In the 1970s, the brewery was acquired by the Artois family, then by InBev in 2005, before production stopped in 2009. A few years later, the Motte-Cordonnier family seized the opportunity to revive 370 years of brewing history, not only for their family but also for the whole town of Armentières. Today, the project has become a true symbol of pride for the entire region.
René beer
True to its roots, René beer is brewed in close collaboration with local partners. Raw materials are sourced mainly from Hauts-de-France, and all suppliers are carefully selected from across France. In its 23,000 m² facility, the brewery now produces 200 hectolitres per batch, marking a new chapter in its revival.
Brewed with barley malt, René is a traditional craft lager with a sparkling golden-yellow colour and a generous, airy white head. On the nose, it reveals malty, floral and hoppy aromas, while the palate offers dry, malt-forward flavours accented by a hint of spice. With its 6% ABV, it remains remarkably thirst-quenching when served at around 6°C.
Perfect for sharing with family or friends, René is more than just a beer – it is a living tribute to Armentières’ brewing history and the Motte-Cordonnier family’s enduring passion.
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