Ordering bottled water can be pricey, especially in touristy areas. Luckily, there's a way to get water for free in any French restaurant: Instead of asking for de l'eau plate/gazeuse, s'il vous plait, ask for une carafe d'eau. This means “a pitcher of (tap) water”.
Many travelers might not realize that in France, you can enjoy complimentary tap water. However, the common phrase to ask for it isn't what you might think. The staff will then bring you a jug of tap water along with as many glasses as you need, completely free of charge!
In Paris, drinking water is accessible to everyone, allowing them to stay hydrated throughout the day. Eau de Paris supplies and maintains the 1 public fountains scattered throughout the city's streets and gardens: free, safe, and high-quality water.
Unlicensed premises have no legal obligation to provide free drinking water to customers or non-customers. Therefore, all types of businesses can technically charge members of the public for the provision of drinking water.
It's the law that they have to offer free tap water. Just ask for “une carafe d'eau, s'il vous plaît” and they will bring you free tap water in a small pitcher along with small water glasses.
By law, restaurants must provide free still water when you ask for it—just say: “Une carafe d'eau, s'il vous plaît!” Pronunciation: "Oon kah-rahf doh, seel voo pleh." But that's not all. All around Paris, you'll find public fountains where you can refill your bottle for free.
“You should know that in France, water and bread are free. One can refuse a bottle of water. The tip is to express thanks for the service if one is very satisfied.
Since this could spoil the taste of a meal, restaurants prefer to serve bottled water, which they must charge for. Of course, having to charge for water is a profit for the business, which likely factors into the situation as well.
A customer is not defined in the legislation. Arguably a customer is someone who “buys your goods or services”. It would follow therefore that you could lawfully refuse to serve free tap water to a group who arrive and sit in your bar watching your TV and using your facilities but not buying and drink or food.
"Je pourrais avoir une carafe d'eau ?" They key word here is "carafe", indicating you want the free tap water and not the expensive bottled water. They'll bring you a pitcher (or a glass bottle) and you'll be expected to pour it yourself; you'll most likely get no ice.
To get free (safe and drinkable) tap water instead, ask for a "carafe d'eau" (a water carafe). The waiter will bring a free carafe of tap water to the table! Keep in mind that if you want sparkling water at a restaurant, it isn't free.
The Wallace Fountains are a real symbol of Paris, with their characteristic green design standing out from the city streets. These fountains were originally created by English philanthropist Sir Richard Wallace in 1872 to provide free clean drinking water to everyone in the streets of the French capital.
Every customer who receives a water or sewerage service must pay charges. No one is exempt. Some charges are based on rateable values, this means that organisations or properties with very low or no rateable value may pay very little for their water and sewerage bills.
Is tap water safe to drink in Paris? Absolutely! The tap water in Paris is meticulously tested and monitored by Eau de Paris, ensuring it meets all health and safety standards. There's no need to buy bottled water—just fill up your reusable bottle from any of the city's numerous drinking fountains.
