What is a typical lunch in Paris?

An usual French lunch will include: an appetizer (une entrée), such as a mixed salad, soup, terrine or pâté; main course, (le plat principal), choice of beef, pork, chicken, or fish, with potatoes, rice, pasta and/or vegetables; cheese course (from a local selection) and/or a sweet.



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Tipping in France: who to tip. In France, tipping isn't typically expected in restaurants, taxis, and hotels, as the country's hospitality sector includes service charges in its pricing. Unlike in other countries, servers receive a decent monthly wage, paid holidays, and additional benefits.

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5 Rules You Should Be Following in Paris to Eat like a Local
  • Eat at the right hours. Before even thinking about dining in Paris, you'll want to make sure that you're going at the “correct” time. ...
  • Look for table settings. ...
  • Get the menu fixe. ...
  • Understand the order of operations. ...
  • Take your time!


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In Paris, there are two distinct service times: Lunch is typically from around 12 until 2:30, and dinner around 7:30-11 p.m. If you are hungry in between, you can always step into a patisserie or boulangerie. We took full advantage of late afternoon bakery runs!

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Croissants, macarons, baguettes and croque-monsieurs: Paris's best culinary specialities!
  • The baguette.
  • Cheeses from the Paris region. ...
  • The Opéra. ...
  • The croque-monsieur. ...
  • The macaron. ...
  • Entrecôte steak and chips. ...
  • Parisian honey.
  • Onion soup.


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Tipping taxi drivers and private chauffeurs Tipping taxi drivers isn't required; however, locals often round up to the nearest euro or leave up to 5 percent. If the driver helps you with your bags (particularly if they're large), it's customary to tip one or two euros per bag.

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As opposed to the U.S., where most waiters make their living from tips, servers in Paris are paid a living wage. And since service is already included in the price, no one is expecting you to tack on an additional 20 to 25 percent at the end of the meal.

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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”.

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Yes, tap water in Paris is perfectly safe to drink and is readily available wherever you go, even at public water fountains. As long as taps aren't labeled eau non potable—meaning “not for drinking” in French—everything else is potable. In fact, drinking water from the fountains of Paris has been encouraged.

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Paris Taxis: Payment Methods Paris taxi drivers aren't obligated to accept payments via bank cards. Nevertheless, they should have their payment methods written and displayed on the vehicle's windows. In general terms, payment in cash is preferable. Our tip: Be sure to have small bills with you.

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