Last Updated on 28 May 2026 by Vanessa
Looking for an authentic B&B experience in the north of France? B&B Au Gallodrome in Drincham combines rustic Flemish charm, regional cuisine, local beer culture, and the comforting presence of two resident cats.
If you’re planning a road trip through northern France, a cycling holiday near Dunkirk, or simply want a cozy countryside escape, here’s what you can expect from a stay at B&B Au Gallodrome.
👉👉 B&B Au Gallodrome was also featured in this selection of top hotels in France where cats are part of the staff.
B&B Au Gallodrome in Drincham, France: a cozy stay with two resident cats
With its warm colors, wooden decorations, and pans/kettles hanging from the ceiling, B&B Au Gallodrome in Drincham is the ideal setting to spend a cold autumn evening, sipping from local beers and tasting homemade specials in front of the fireplace.
But one of the best things about this cozy little guest-house: their two cats, Enzo and Kali.
Enzo is a gentle sixteen-year-old who loves to sleep, and Kali an impressive nine kilos of pure beauty.
What makes the B&B Au Gallodrome special?
The cozy Flemish-style dining room
The heart of Au Gallodrome is undoubtedly the restaurant and bar area.
Guests eat together around a large communal wooden table beside the fireplace. The décor has the nostalgic charm of a traditional Flemish “brown café,” filled with vintage objects, warm wood tones, and lived-in details.
Traditional northern French cuisine
One of the highlights of staying at Au Gallodrome is discovering the food culture of northern France.
The menu changes with the seasons and focuses heavily on local ingredients from the surrounding area. Depending on when you visit, you’ll likely come across classic northern French and Flemish dishes like:
Typical specialties from French Flanders include:
- Carbonnade Flamande: A beef-and-onion stew slowly cooked in dark beer. It’s one of the region’s signature comfort foods.
- Waterzooi: A creamy soup made with chicken, vegetables, and herbs.
- Maroilles Cheese: Northern France’s famously pungent cheese.
- Welsh Rarebit: A northern French version of the British classic: bread covered in melted cheese and beer sauce, topped with ham and an egg.
- Potjevleesch: A terrine of white meats, preserved in a jelly.
As a vegetarian, I expected the usual fallback option of salad or pasta, but instead, they prepared an entirely homemade three-course dinner specifically for me.
Local beers
Beer culture runs deep in French Flanders.
Many villages in the region have their own brewery traditions, and local beer is taken just as seriously here as wine is elsewhere in France.
Au Gallodrome offers an excellent opportunity to sample regional beers. Some notable names from northern France include: Ch’ti, Jenlain, Trois Monts, Pelforth, and traditional Bière de Garde varieties.
The cats
There are currently two cats residing at B&B Au Gallodrome. Their names are Enzo and Kali, and you can usually find them in the dining area, where they happily supervise meals. Snuggles are more than welcome!
Apparently, they occasionally decide to sleep in guests’ rooms too, though during my stay, they chose other nighttime adventures.
Why visit French Flanders
This region in France remained virtually unknown until 2008.
That changed with the release of Bienvenue chez les Ch’tis (Welcome to the Sticks), a French comedy starring Dany Boon. The film humorously explored stereotypes about the far north of France while ultimately portraying the region as warm, welcoming, and deeply lovable.
The movie became an enormous success in France and Belgium, even inspiring an Italian remake (Benvenuti al sud) and a sequel (Benvenuti al nord).
Almost overnight, curiosity about French Flanders exploded.
Today, travelers come here for:
- Cycling and hiking routes
- World War history
- Flemish architecture
- Coastal landscapes
- Beer tourism
- Regional cuisine
- Quiet countryside escapes
- Affordable slow travel experiences
Best places to visit near Drincham
Au Gallodrome is well-positioned for exploring both inland French Flanders and the northern coastline.
Cassel
This is one of the most beautiful villages in northern France. It has recovered well from the destruction during World War I and has preserved its ancient, almost medieval character, resulting in old city gates, narrow passageways, and old houses.
Because Cassel is built on the highest hill in French Flanders, you’ll also get treated to amazing, panoramic views.
One of the best viewpoints is estaminet Kasteelhof. Culinary enthusiasts from Belgium and the Netherlands often cross the border to dine here. The dishes are typical of the area and make recurring use of ingredients such as chicory, speculoos, and violet. The interior is decorated with traditional furniture and garlands of hop.
Dunkirk
Dunkirk is known internationally for its World War II history. It also offers long beaches, museums, seafood restaurants, and one of France’s biggest carnivals.
Bergues
Fans of Bienvenue chez les Ch’tis will recognize Bergues immediately. The fortified town is charming, walkable, and full of local character.
Calais
Often overlooked as merely a ferry port, Calais actually has impressive museums, coastal scenery, and historical landmarks.
Hondschoote
Since the middle ages, Hondschoote is known as “the land of flax.” From June to september, the surrounding fields are beaming with blue flax flowers which you can discover by following the flax route or by participating in the Rallye Bleu.
The oldest windmill in Europe is also located here. It was built in 1127.
Bailleul
Bailleul is interesting because of its history. During World War I, the Germans bombed the town on an almost daily basis. Ninety-eight percent of Bailleul was destroyed and then rebuilt in Flemish style by the architect Louis-Marie Cordonnier. The War Memorial, a fake ruin from which a winged victory rises, refers to this destruction.
For the best views of Bailleul, you have to climb the two-hundred steps of the belfry, which has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2005.
Practical information
Address
B&B Au Gallodrome, 41 VC Loowegh Straete Cd 110, 59630 Drincham, France.
Booking information
Check prices and availability on Booking.com or Agoda.
Best for
- Couples
- Slow travelers
- Road trips
- Foodies
- Beer enthusiasts
- Cat lovers
- Cyclists exploring French Flanders
Not ideal for
- Luxury travelers
- Resort-style stays
- Travelers seeking upscale hotel amenities
Final verdict: Is B&B Au Gallodrome in Drincham worth it?
Yes — especially if you value authenticity over luxury.
if you’re looking for homemade regional cuisine, local beers, coziness, and resident cats, then B&B Au Gallodrome is a no-brainer.
However, the rooms themselves are relatively simple, but they are quiet and adequate for relaxing after a day of exploring.
Traveling Cats visited Drincham and the north of France as a guest of Pays de Flandre Tourisme. The opinions are my own.
