Once you have eye contact, if they're far enough away that they can't hear you, subtly put your hand up to indicate that you need something; once they've reached your table or acknowledged you with a, “Oui madame/monsieur/mademoiselle?”, say, “L'addition, s'il vous plaît” (the check, please).

When you are finished with your meal in a Parisian restaurant, the most polite and standard way to ask for the bill is to say, "L'addition, s'il vous plaît" (pronounced la-dee-see-ohn, seel-voo-play). It is important to note that in French culture, waitstaff consider it rude to bring the check unprompted, as it suggests they are rushing you out; therefore, you must almost always initiate the request. To get the waiter's attention, a polite "Pardon" or "Monsieur/Madame" accompanied by a small wave is appropriate. While the classic "scribbling in the palm of your hand" gesture is widely understood and generally accepted in casual bistros or cafes, a verbal request is preferred in more formal settings. In 2026, many cafes also allow you to pay directly at the counter (the caisse) if you are in a hurry, but in a seated restaurant, you should wait for the waiter to bring the ticket to your table. Once the bill arrives, remember that "service compris" (service included) is the law in France, so a large tip is not required, though leaving a few extra Euros for exceptional service is a kind gesture.