By the Scottish Section

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

Taking place from8 to 12 October 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.

• 8th October (Lille)
  Evening arrival in Lille for informal networking (venue TBC).
• 9th October (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.
• 10th October (Rouen)
  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.
• 11th October (Rouen)
  Tours and tastings at Normandy’s renowned Calvados distilleries including Distillerie Busnel, Christian Drouin, and others. Farewell dinner and drinks in Rouen. 
• 12th October (Rouen)
  End of tour, attendees to make their way home.

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 (Check in 8th October, Check out 10th October)

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

Hotels:

• Ibis Lille Centre Grand Palais (800m)
• Ibis Lille Centre Gare (850m)
• Hotel Chagnot (77m)
• Campanile Lille – Euralille (2.7km)

Rouen (Check in 10th October, check out 12 October)

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

• Hyatt Palace Rouen (800m)
• Mercure Rouen Centre Cathedrale (1.1km)
• Ibis Rouen Centre Champ de Mars (3km)
• Hotel Litteraire Gustave Flaubert (1.1km)

Sponsored Places

There are 18 CIBD sponsored places on the trip. This will cover the event sign up cost of £200. If you would like to apply for one please email CIBDScottish@cibd.org.uk with 250 words on why you require financial support for the trip. Support is only available to CIBD members. The deadline for applications is 8th August 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:

• CIBD Members: £200 per person
• Non-Members: £300 per person

 Ticket includes:

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

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 added to the group WhatsApp to liaise with others on travel & accomodation
• Any access needs

Booking deadline: 5 September 2025