Can you drink tap water in France?

PEOPLE who are looking to travel to France may be interested to learn about the restrictions on drinking tap water.

Here, we look at what we know, and the recommendations when it comes to consumption.

Can you drink tap water in France?

The water in the majority of France is safe to drink, according to the EU and World Health Organisation.

The quality of water may vary in different regions however.

As well as this, France’s public health watchdog found that there was evidence to suggest that there were traces of a banned pesticide in some of the country’s drinking water.

This also means that the standard of water in these areas does not meet the quality criteria.

If you see a sign saying “eau non potable” it means this water is not safe to drink and it is best to avoid this.

Due to water shortages which have plagued France, make sure you have alternatives such as bottled water if you travel there.

Is the tap water in France clean?

The water in France is clean, the tastes may differ however.

Just because it tastes different to what you may be used to, it doesn’t mean that the water is dirty, rather the fact that it produced differently.

There is a difference in the balance of minerals present in the water.

In January 2022, it became the law in France that restaurants and cafes must provide free tap water for customers.

Some regions in France use the tap water for washing up and washing their hands, whereas the water they drink is bottled.

Is it safe to drink tap water in Paris?

It is safe to drink tap water in Paris, as the city has two water systems.

The water you can drink doesn’t mix with the water from the other system, and is fiiltered.

The unfiltered system is used for cleaning the streets, and shouldn’t be consumed.