Very traditional and homely place in this little Flemish outpost in France. Feels like it hasn’t changed in decades, and probabaly hasn’t. Big selection of unusual (and sometimes unfathomable) pub games. Excellent unpretentious food and a decent beer list make this an essential stop. The house beer is made by Van Eecke.

A typical estanimet from north of France neat to Lille, welcom to Het Blauwershop! This is a nice place to discover the value from north of France and Belgium. Enjoy the carbonnade flamande or the potchevlech between to game party !

If you have to go to only one authentic bar in this extraordinary part of France make it here. If it were not authentic you would think the ambience overdone. The good range of local beers is supported by excellent and the best range of traditional pub games I have ever seen in a bar anywhere. Attitudes to match. Fabulous. Commissions its own beer from Van Eecke. Fine for just a drink.

One of the most famous ’estaminet’ in France. Seen on French or Japan tv if you care about it. Here’s the departure of Vlaams knowlege in France . Quite everybody in the north of France (or Belgium) knows the place. This is some history, trips are organised to go there. Cris Mercier, regional figure, owns the place from times for our pleasure. The choice of beers is exceptionnal, excellent traditional food (otje-Vlesche, (in french : Carbonade Flamande, Coq à la bière, Hutsepot, Flamiche aux poireaux, Tarte à la moutarde)) , some traditional Vlaams games (in french : jeu de Poire, la table a toupie, la grenouille ou le peck, le billard nicolas) and people. One of the places to go by travelling to, or from, Cassel.