When I first sat in a restaurant in Paris with a group of friends, I noticed that many people were ordering tap water. This surprised me; in my home country, people usually order soda, wine, or beer. To my astonishment, the drinking water wasn’t even listed on the bill. Yes, in Paris, tap water is safe, free, and of excellent quality.
Although 50% of it comes from the Seine, thank God it was cleaned up before the Olympics!
This got me thinking. How is it legally arranged? What are the customs? Is the water quality even good? How to order safe and free quality tap water in Paris restaurants?
Is tap water in Paris safe and free in Parisian restaurants and apartments?
Yes! In Paris, restaurants must offer free tap water, ensuring that safe drinking water is available for everyone. But what is this good news for your wallet based on?
Three laws in France require restaurants to provide free tap water.
The ‘Code de la Santé Publiqu’ (Public Health Code) mandates that businesses in the hospitality industry make drinkable water available in the interest of public health. This is important because it ensures that everyone has access to safe drinking water. Additionally, the ‘Code de la Consommation’ (Consumer Code) states that restaurants must provide customers with a carafe of tap water (carafe d’eau) free of charge if they request it. This means you don’t have to pay for tap water with your meal.
Since 2022, new legislation encourages establishments to choose tap water over bottled water, contributing to environmental goals. Therefore, the habit of ordering tap water in Paris is not only a way to save costs but also a step toward sustainability and health consciousness.
Is it rude or common to ask for free tap water in a restaurant in Paris?
In Parisian restaurants, it’s common to order a glass of water. Some restaurants even serve water without asking, for example with coffee, which is a nice gesture.
Sometimes it’s even poured for people in the group who aren’t ordering anything, but personally, I don’t think that’s entirely fair. The restaurateur has to make a profit too, so it seems better to order something else as well.
If you like to spice up your water, you could ask to add some ice cubes, lemon or mint. Of course, this will be billed.
Quality and safety. Is Paris tap water safe to drink?
The tap water in Paris is of excellent quality and comes from various sources, such as groundwater and surface water from rivers like the Seine and the Marne. An extensive purification process filters and tests this water for purity, making it safe and delicious to drink. But to be honest, I’ve also noticed that the taste can vary.
The taste and quality of drinking water in Paris: What to expect
If you hope the tap water in Paris will taste like wine, unfortunately…
In the dozens of apartments where I have lived, I’ve experienced significant differences in the taste of tap water. The higher the floor, the warmer the water often is, and in older buildings with lead or copper pipes, the water can sometimes have a musty or metallic taste. Maintaining those pipes is essential; if it’s not done well, it affects the taste of the water.
In short, if you’re renting or even buying an apartment for a long time, it’s not a bad idea to try a glass of water. After all, you drink 1.5 liters a day. And if you find yourself in a nice restaurant but the water tastes like a poorly set up aquarium, that’s not exactly a winning strategy.
Read more about living in Paris: Why Parisian apartments are cold
What about the limestone in the Parisian tap water?
Another aspect is the high limestone content in the Parisian tap water. You can taste the limestone, and it’s not only bad for the flavor but also for your skin and hair. My hair just breaks off. Gladly, there’s enough left.
In Paris, people often use bottles of vinegar in large quantities, both in the bathroom and kitchen. Vinegar not only helps tackle limestone problems but is also used as a cleaning agent in sprays and even in disposable wipes.
How to order tap water in Parisian restaurants and bars
If you’re in a restaurant and want to ask for tap water, you can say: “Une carafe d’eau, s’il vous plaît,” or “je vais prendre une carafe d’eau, s’il vous plaît”.
If you only order a cup of coffee you could ask for a glass of water: “Un verre d’eau, s’il vous plaît”.
Always start a conversation with a “bonjour”; it’s really an important point here. Like it should be nice in any culture, I think.
Tap water in Paris: what are your experiences?
What are your experiences with tap water in Paris? Or do you have tips or questions?
Let me know in the comments.
