Ordering bottled water can be pricey, especially in touristy areas. Luckily, there's a way to get water for free in any French restaurant: Instead of asking for de l'eau plate/gazeuse, s'il vous plait, ask for une carafe d'eau. This means “a pitcher of (tap) water”.

Yes, tap water is free in French restaurants by law, and it is a deeply ingrained cultural expectation that you will be served a carafe of water at no extra charge. This right was officially established by a 1967 decree and reinforced by the "Anti-Waste Law" of 2022, which requires all eating establishments to provide free potable water to customers. To receive free water, you should specifically ask for a "une carafe d'eau" (pronounced: oon ka-raff doh). If you simply ask for "eau" (water), the server might bring you bottled still or sparkling water, which you will have to pay for. The carafe provided is usually high-quality chilled tap water. It is important to note that this law applies to customers who are ordering a meal; if you are just sitting at a café for a quick drink, the establishment is not strictly obligated to provide free tap water, though most will still do so as a courtesy. In 2026, this policy remains a point of pride for French dining, reflecting the country's commitment to hospitality and the reduction of single-use plastic waste from bottled water.