Can you drink the tap water?

Tap water in France: safe, and free with your meal

VisitorsTap water safeChecked 22 October 2026

French tap water is safe to drink everywhere, including Paris. Restaurants must serve it free if you ask for a carafe, so you don't need to buy bottled.

Tap water safe
Safe in cities
Drink bottled

RatingTap water safe

Areas covered3 on this page

Paris has more than 1,000 public drinking fountains, including the green Wallace fountains, and some even serve sparkling water. In the countryside, avoid any tap or spring marked 'eau non potable' (not drinkable).

Where it differs

Paris and the citiesTap water safe
Safe and good. Look for free public fountains in summer.
Mountains and countrysideTap water safe
Safe from the tap. Don't drink from streams or signs saying 'non potable'.
CorsicaTap water safe
Safe. Some villages have spring-fed fountains.

Before you go

Ask for 'une carafe d'eau, s'il vous plaît' for free tap water with your meal.

Official advice: FCDO health advice for France

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Questions people ask

Can you drink the tap water in Paris?

Yes. It's safe and tested daily. The city's public fountains are fine to drink from too.

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Waymark summarises official UK government (FCDO) travel advice and other public sources to help you plan. It is not a substitute for that advice, which can change at short notice. Always read the latest FCDO page for your destination and check your insurance before you book. Content last checked 22 October 2026.