Do you just sit down at French cafes?


Do you just sit down at French cafes? Do I ask for a table, or just sit down? It can be intimidating wading in amongst the packed tables of people, but rest assured if you want to sit outside at a proper café, you can just grab a free table. The waiters somehow notice when a new customer sits down, and will attend to you shortly.


How do you say check please in Paris?

Once you have eye contact, if they're far enough away that they can't hear you, subtly put your hand up to indicate that you need something; once they've reached your table or acknowledged you with a, “Oui madame/monsieur/mademoiselle?”, say, “L'addition, s'il vous plaît” (the check, please).


Is it safe to drink tap water in Paris?

Tips and tricks to staying hydrated. 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.


Do you tip in Paris cafes?

Tipping in French restaurants and cafés is not expected This is indicated on the menu or the bill with the phrase “service compris.” Nevertheless, if you have a friendly or efficient waiter, you can leave a small gratuity (un pourboire), but this is by no means required.


What do you say when entering a French restaurant?

It is simply considered good manners to say Bonjour (hello) upon entering a restaurant or any place of business, acknowledging both the shop owner and the other customers. Upon leaving, one always says “Au revoir” (good bye). “Bonsoir” (good evening) is generally used after 6:00 pm.


Is water free in Paris restaurants?

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”.


What time do Parisians eat dinner?

Eat at the right hours As for dinner, we're a bit more flexible. We don't eat as late as our Spanish neighbors by any means, but most people won't sit down to dinner before 8 p.m., and in most places, looking for a full dinner after 10:30 p.m. can get complicated, as well.


What are five rules for eating out at a restaurant in Paris?

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!