Travel Tips Eating in France, General

Eating is a serious business in France and the objective of a dining establishment is your pure enjoyment. Upon entering a restaurant you will be greeted by a waiter or the head waiter in a finer establishment (Maître d' Hôtel). They will either seat you or wave their hand to indicate you may choose your own seat.

The menu is usually on display outside a restaurant, or in its window. The prices listed will give you an idea of the quality of the establishment. It is rare to find a menu in English in France, we strongly recommend a 'menu decoder' if you do not have a full grasp on the French language, or a true sense of adventure!

Fixed price menus are quite common and a good value. This allows the chef to focus on a select variety of options. For example, there may be an 18 Euro option where you choose from 1 of 3 appetizers, 1 of 3 entrées and 1 of 3 desserts or a cheese plate. Next there may be a 22 Euro option that includes a soup course. There may be four or five different fixed menus that increase in size, complexity and price.

Some restaurants have a cover charge or a charge for bread. Pain et Couvert Compris means that it is included in the prices listed, or Non-Compris means it will be added to your total. Bread is usually not served with butter, if you request it, there can be an additional charge.

Tips, known as Service, are usually included in the listed prices or automatically added to your total. For example, Service 15% or Service Compris 15% means 15% has already been added into the listed prices. Service Non-Compris 15% means that 15% will be added to your total. It is customary to leave a small tip in addition to this added service charge, maybe a Euro per person or couple, but not nearly the amount one would leave in the States.

If you are eating at a snack bar or café, there is probably a sign near the cash register to let you know if service is included. When given a receipt, you can always ask "Service?", this implies, "is the tip included?". If the answer is "Non." leave a small tip.

Smoking restrictions are beginning to take hold in France. Chances are no matter what a sign may say, you will not be able to avoid second hand smoke when inside a restaurant. In summer months opt for sitting outside if possible. Please let us know if you see a change.

Types of Dining Establishments

Restaurant- Offers a complete meal, the cost of a meal correlates to the elegance of the establishment and the reputation of its chef.

Brasserie- Originally a beer serving establishment, brasserie now means a restaurant offering hearty food in addition to the bar.

Auberge- A country inn with both food and lodging. Known for their food, location, picturesque decor, gardens or patios, these are often the best restaurants in France.

Snack Bar- You will find, sandwiches, pastries, prepared salads, cold cut plates and other light dishes. Often you will have the option to sit or stand, with slightly higher prices for sitting.

Bar- The bar offers coffee and pastries in the morning, aperitifs, wine, beer, soft drinks, hard liquor and water throughout the day. You may also find pre-made sandwiches, tobacco products and postage stamps.

Bistro- Small family run restaurants. These enjoyable places are often not named bistro, but referred to as one.

Café- This is basically a drink serving establishment that may offer pre-made sandwiches and desserts such as ice cream.

Routier- These are road side dining establishments, similar to a truck stop but with a bit of refinement.

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