Traveling to Paris soon? It’s well worth knowing the ins and outs of its tap water. Whether you’re looking to stay awhile or just pass through – understanding the basics of drinking tap water in Paris is key to having a safe and successful visit.
There are famous landmarks but also loads of secret non-touristy things in Paris, a rich history, divine cuisine, landmark architecture… But can you really enjoy it as much if you don’t stay hydrated?
Drinking clean water while traveling is extremely important, if not the first thing you should look up when arriving in a new place.
Read on for all your questions answered about how clean is Paris tap water, where can you get it from and what are other alternatives if tap water isn’t your thing!
Can you drink Paris tap water?
Yes, it is safe to drink tap water in Paris. The city has an excellent water treatment system that eliminates contaminants and bacteria, resulting in a reliable source of clean drinking water for all.
In fact, many locals prefer tap water to bottled water in the city, so you can enjoy an eco-friendly and economical way of quenching your thirst in Paris.
Furthermore, Paris tap water is free – always a plus when traveling! So don’t hesitate to fill up your glass from the tap when visiting the City of Lights.
🏨 Visiting Paris for the Olympics? Here is a full guide on where to stay for Paris Olympic Games 2024. From what is happening in each Olympic location in France, to the best hotels for your stay.
Where can you drink tap water in Paris?
You can drink tap water basically anywhere in Paris, but here are a few unexpected places where you can get free tap water.
Tap water in Paris restaurants
Here is some good news for you: you can get free tap water from every restaurant in Paris! No need to pay for bottled water. When the waiter or waitress asks for drinks, you can just say “carafe d’eau”.
It basically means a water jug. This way, the restaurant staff will know you asked for free tap water and not a paying bottled water.
In some parts of France, some people say “cruche d’eau” or “pichet d’eau”, but don’t worry about remembering those. Everyone will understand if you ask for a “carafe d’eau”.
🥖 There is a huge chance for you to get free bread as well in most Paris restaurants.
Tap water in Paris parks
Whether you are going for a walk or jogging in a park, there WILL be a water fountain somewhere along the way. It’s not just in the best parks of Paris, it is in every single park or squares of the French capital!
Tap water can be found pretty much anywhere where people do sports, like running, cycling or ice skating in Paris.
Tap water in Paris public fountains
Wallace fountains
The Wallace Fountains are a real symbol of Paris, with their characteristic green design standing out from the city streets.
These fountains were originally created by English philanthropist Sir Richard Wallace in 1872 to provide free clean drinking water to everyone in the streets of the French capital.
Since then, the fountains have become iconic landmarks across the city and a symbol of Paris’ commitment to equality and public health.
The design of the fountains is quite unique, with an elegant curved shape that channels water. There are four sculptures of graceful women with pretty dresses carrying the top of the fountain.
There are 109 Wallace fountains scattered throughout the city. While most remain unchanged, a few have been updated to provide filtered water.
Whether you’re visiting Paris for a week or just passing through, take a moment to appreciate the beauty of these iconic landmarks that have been helping bring refreshment to the people of Paris for nearly 150 years.
Mât Source fountains
You can easily recognize this kind of fountains as they are long pillars. You’ll be able to see them from a distance and fill your water bottle easily. The water falls close to the ground so it is easily reachable even if you have a disability.
Sparkling water fountains
Yes, you read that right! There are 17 fountains that offer free sparkling water in Paris. You will usually find them in parks, such as Jardin de Reuilly, Parc André Citroën, Martin Luther King Park…
That was such a brilliant idea for the locals and tourists visiting the city. Here is a map of the different places where you can find sparkling water fountains in Paris.
Totem, Albian and Arceau fountains
These 3 types of fountain are the simplest but most functional. They don’t have a specific design but can be found on the banks of the Seine and Canal de l’Ourcq, as well as pretty much anywhere in the streets of Paris.
The special feature of the Albian fountain is that it draws its water from a water table 600 meters below ground.
The Fists of Water fountain
We could not leave behind the fountain of the Tram 3, located between the stops Porte de Vincennes and the Porte de Bagnolet. This is a true artwork created by the artist Pascale Marthine Tayou. It represents an African family.
The Millenaire fountains
Last but not least, these fountains are another artwork representing the women back to back supporting cornices on their heads.
There are 4 Millenaire fountains in Paris: on the forecourt of Notre-Dame, place Saint-Michel, on the quai François-Mauriac and at the François Mitterrand Library.
EUtouring created a very complete map of most of the drinking water fountains in Paris.
Tap water in Paris bars
When ordering a glass of french wine or a lemonade in a bar in Paris, you can absolutely ask for a second glass of tap water. Bottle water is paying but tap water is 100% free, even in bars.
✔️ Since 2022, French bars, cafes and restaurants are legally required to give free tap water to customers if they ask for it.
Tap water in Paris clubs
Another place where people don’t think about asking for free tap water, but when drinking alcohol, you should drink water as well!
We know this is something that annoys clubs a bit as they don’t get anything from giving you free tap water. However, most clubs in Paris will give you free tap water if you ask as this is a health matter.
Tap water in Paris hotels
Last but not least, you can absolutely fill your reusable bottle of water directly at the tap of your hotel room. No need to buy bottled waters for the nights.
Where not to drink water in Paris?
The only place where you can’t drink tap water in Paris is when there is not “eau non potable”. It means non drinkable water. There might be some very few public bathrooms with this sign, but this is very uncommon.
Drinking water in Paris: tips to stay hydrated at all times
When visiting a big city, it’s important to always stay hydrated. Paris is certainly much bigger than you imagine and it’s a city where you walk a lot from one point to another.
You will consume a lot of energy, especially in the summer months. Here are all our tips to stay hydrated when visiting Paris.
Always have a reusable bottle with you
It may be obvious; but the only way to carry water with you at all times is to have a reusable bottle. A lot of people have it as a habit, but a lot of others don’t.
The thing with Paris is that you will be able to refill your water bottle at pretty much any time, anywhere. As stated above, there are loads of free water fountains in the streets and in parks.
🌿 This is also much more ecological to refill your own water bottle and not buy a new plastic one every time the previous one is empty.
Drink a glass of water between glasses of French wine
When you want a break from the main landmarks of the city, you will most definitely sit at one of the many charming terraces of Paris.
If you want to try all the kinds of wine or beers the bars have to offer, remember that drinking alcohol dehydrates the body. It is not ideal to drink it in the middle of a visit day.
If you really want to try them, you could for instance wait for the evening. France does have good wines, but don’t forget to drink one glass of free tap water between the other beverages.
Don’t eat too salty
If you know you have a long day coming, choose a lunch meal that is not too salty or greasy. This way, your body won’t ask for litters of additional water.
Look for the water sprays in the summer
One cool thing about Paris during summer time is the water mists at some squares and bars. For instance, there are fun water sprays at Place de la Bastille, Place de la République, Parc André Citroën…
How to ask for free tap water in Paris?
Do they speak English in France? Well, most French people understand English, but that would be appreciated if you learn how to ask for tap water in French.
For instance, If you only say may I get a drink of water in French, there is a huge chance the waiter will give you bottled water (that is not free).
If you want free tap water, you should ask “puis-je avoir un verre d’eau du robinet s’il vous plaît ?”. If you need more than just a glass of water, you can ask for a jug or “carafe d’eau”.
Where does the tap water in Paris come from?
Half of Paris water comes from groundwater in Île-de-France, Normandy or Burgundy. It comes from rainwater that infiltrates the earth and eventually forms an underground aquifer.
Then, the water is extracted and sent to Joinville and Orly factories. It is treated with activated carbon and ultrafiltration in order to eliminate all pollutants.
The tap water goes through all kinds of treatments and tests to make sure Parisians can drink it safely.
The other half of the city of Paris water comes from the Seine and the Marne rivers.
River water undergoes a special potabilization process inspired by Mother Nature, which is different from the one of groundwater. To mimic the wonders of nature, the water goes through a series of filtration stages.
From screening and filtration to ozonation, activated carbon, and ultraviolet refinement, every step ensures the highest quality.
You can constantly check the quality of tap water in your area in Paris on the official website of Eau de Paris.
🔍 If you wish to learn more about the tap water in Paris, you can visit The Paris Museum of Sewers. It opens from Tuesday to Sunday from 10 AM to 5 PM and costs $10 USD (9€) per person.
You will learn a lot about Paris underground sewers that were created in the 19th century, to answer public health and scientific research matters.
It is a super interesting museum to visit, if you don’t want to visit the actual sewers.
Tap water Paris: components
So, what can you find in the tap water of Paris? The benefits of drinking tap water in Paris is that it is rich in calcium and magnesium, which is great for our muscles and nervous systems.
It also has a bit of bicarbonates, potassium, but also sodium and fluor. Both can be good for the body if consumed in small quantities, if is the case in Paris water.
You can find the exact composition of Paris tap water below.
Tap water vs filtered water vs bottled water in Paris: who wins?
Let’s start the comparison with bottled water, which is the preferred way to drink water for most people for safety and taste matters. Is it really that good?
Well, the water from plastic bottles is great health-wise, but the issue is with the plastic bottle actually! The water can contain small pieces of plastic, called microplastics.
Bottled water is, however, a safe way to drink water, especially in countries where tap water is not drinkable.
The best way to drink a 100% clean water is to use a LARQ reusable bottle. IT has a UV-C light self-purifying technology that clean water and the bottle itself every 30 minutes.
On the other hand, tap water in Paris is considered safe. The quality of its treatment depends on where you are in the world. In Paris, its quality is extremely high.
If a water supply contamination could happen, authorities would tell the population right away. It would be so highly talked about that you will know it even if you are just visiting.
Last, what do we think about filtered water? Filtered water goes through a mechanically filtered purification to remove undesired chemical compounds.
You can use carafes fitted with filters to drink tap water in Paris. Tap water is generally considered safer, as it goes through additional filtering stages.
Where to stay in Paris: quick guide
Finding an accommodation in Paris can get tricky if you have never visited. Here are some recommendations depending on your plans for the trip.
Hotel Muguet – for a first visit to Paris, this hotel in the 7th is ideally located as it’s close to the main landmarks of the capital.
Le Général Hôtel – if you wish to stay in a lively neighborhood, with locals and morning farmer markets, Le Général Hôtel in the 11th district is absolutely perfect.
Hotel Villa Romantic & Spa – for a romantic getaway, this cozy hotel in the 13th district answers all the queries you could have asked for a dream stay.
Tap water in Paris: final thoughts
Fortunately, Paris has certainly been proven as a safe place for tourists to find reliable drinking water.
You can drink tap water in Paris and refill your reusable water bottle, pretty much anywhere in the city, and for free!
After visiting Paris, you can explore more of France:
Gorges du Verdon – fabulous gorges with blue water in the south of France 💦
Colorado Provencal – a serious competitor to Colorado in the United States 🌄
Visit Bordeaux – the French (if not, world) capital of wine 🍷
Best day trips from Paris in winter – visit France highlights on a day trip from the capital!
