Can you drink tap water?
The short answer is yes. The tap water across France, including in Paris is considered safe for drinking according to French health regulations. The city’s water supply undergoes rigorous testing to ensure it meets the standards set by the European Union and the French government.
The country invests in water treatment facilities and infrastructure to provide clean and safe drinking water to its residents and visitors alike.
To make sure the tap water is potable, it goes through several stages:
- clarification by screening and filtration,
- refined by ozonation, activated carbon and ultraviolet.
The water is sourced primarily from groundwater and surface water, treated to remove impurities, and then distributed through an extensive network of pipes to homes, businesses, and public fountains.
As a reference, you may see a signs in French in public places stating:
- eau potable – drinkable water
- eau non potable – non-drinking water
Bottled water
Despite its safety, some visitors may still prefer bottled water. Bottled water is widely available in supermarkets, convenience stores, and vending machines throughout.
You will also see people on the street selling water bottles around major tourist attractions such as the Eiffel Tower or the Louvre museum. These street vendors not authorised resellers, and so purchasing form them is not recommended.
Public Water fountains
For travelers who want to stay hydrated with reusable water bottles, you will often find public water fountains all across Paris, larger cities and small villages.
Paris has numerous public water fountains where visitors can refill their bottles for free. These fountains were financed by Sir Richard Wallace and became known as “Wallace fountains.”
They were designed in the 19th century by Sir Wallace’s friend, the English sculptor Charles-Auguste Lebourg, and can be found in various locations across Paris. The fountain water is drinkable.
Ordering water in a restaurant
Unlike many other countries in Europe, tap water in restaurants and cafés is legally required to be free in France. As a customer ordering food and beverages, you can ask for free tap water to be served alongside it.
A jug of tap water is free in French restaurants, so don’t hesitate to ask for a “Carafe d’eau s’il vous plaît “.
If you are a tourist speaking English, they might try to fob you off with bottled water that you will then have to pay for, so watch out. Don’t hesitate to insist on a carafe, it is the law in France.
However, ice in water is not a common thing in France. Unless you are having Pastis (an apéritif), the waiter is not going to bring you ice.
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