If you ask for l'eau, or d'eau, you are likely to get mineral water, which is chargeable and sometimes expensive. What you want to ask for is une carafe d'eau or un pichet d'eau, which ensures that you get free tap water.

By law in France, restaurants are required to provide free tap water to customers who have ordered a meal. You can request this by asking for a "une carafe d'eau" (a jug of water). While waiters may try to sell you expensive bottled mineral water (still or sparkling), you have a legal right to the tap version. In 2026, Paris remains famous for its high-quality drinking water, and "Eau de Paris" also maintains over 1,200 free public drinking fountains throughout the city, including several that dispense chilled sparkling water, making it easy to stay hydrated without spending a single euro.