Water in Paris: drink from the tap or buy mineral water?

Is tap water safe to drink? Yes, the City of Paris constantly monitors water quality. The European standards that control drinking water quality are the strictest in the world. And Parisian water meets the 56 drinking water quality parameters defined by the European public health code.

Despite the good quality, many are put off by the taste of water in Paris, both from the tap and some brands of mineral water. Compared to water in Brazil, water in France has a strong taste. The tap water tastes of chlorine, which is used to prevent contamination during its journey through the pipes. Some bottled waters have a strong mineral taste, as is the case with Volvic (which I find undrinkable!). But a strong taste does not mean less quality.

France has approximately 110 brands of water. Evian is the most famous and the best-selling (worldwide). It and Vitel have milder tastes, which is why I prefer them. Among sparkling waters, I suggest Badoit and Orezza (from Corsica). All these are quite affordable.

Châteldon is considered the Dom Pérignon of French sparkling waters. With very limited production, it can only be found in France and, even then, in select restaurants. Thus, it is more expensive. It is a delicate water with gentle bubbles. Known for being the favorite water of King Louis XIV, it was always present at royal banquets.

The famous Perrier, on the other hand, is rich in carbon dioxide, making it the most effervescent of all waters. It's for those who prefer less gentle waters.

Colette, the super trendy concept store, was the first place to open a water bar. There, you can taste the best water brands in the world, including waters from glaciers and icebergs.

If you don't have such a refined palate or find this all a bit excessive, a less extravagant option is to buy water at good supermarkets. La Grande Épicerie in Paris, for example, has an incredible shelf of waters from around the globe.

And conversely, the new trend among young chefs in Paris is to say NO to bottled waters. Ecologically incorrect, bottled waters have been criticized by environmentalists. Since quality water can be drunk for free and without generating waste, buying bottled water has become an environmentally incorrect practice. Several chefs have already adopted this idea. They offer only tap water and do the carbonation of their waters themselves. The taste, of course, is less pleasant, but...

Did you know? In restaurants, cafés, or bars, when you ask for "une carafe d'eau", the waiter will bring a carafe of tap water, and won't charge for it.

Explore food itineraries in Paris offered by Brazilian chef Karen Goldman.

Check out the Conexão Paris guide Restaurants and Other Delights. It features a selection of the best restaurants in the city, as well as fromageries, patisseries, wine cellars, bars, etc. Visit our online agency Minha Viagem Paris to discover and book incredible tours in Paris and the rest of France.

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