Is the water from taps OK to drink in Paris?

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Millie

Tap water is absolutely fine and healthy for drinking everywhere in France (and already was when you were last there). The flavor differs in each town but in most of Paris the water tastes good without requiring any filtering (unlike where I live here in the US). Actually, Parisian tap water is often spring water, coming from remote springs, and the pipes are in good condition. In the street, the best is to refill a bottle from one of the many Wallace water fountains, it tastes great and is free.

Your brother's stomachaches could just be a result of traveling or business stress or heavy meals, different foods, lack of sleep, etc, definitely not the water. A lot of people get stomachaches from traveling, no matter what the country.

It is France, one of the 5 most developped countries in the world, not a third world country!

@ mrs clause: kidney infections are not even directly related to infected water, ask your doctor and check your own hygiene or pre-existing health issues before spreading stupid rumors.

Rose T

Where do these crazy rumors come from? The tap water in Paris, London, Rome, Barcelona, etc. is perfectly fine to drink. I've spent a considerable amount of time in all these cities and have never had any issues. I only ever drink tap water, both abroad and at home!

ma1lad

Yes it is perfectly fine. I have been visiting Paris on a regular basis for 10 years and have had no porblems at all.

Paul S

Generally, it probably won't hurt you to drink the tap water in Paris, especially in hotels or restaurants. It's not like drinking the tap water in India or central Africa. I was just fine drinking the Paris water in my hotel. However, if you have a sensitive stomach, the differences from the water you are used to back home might be enough to upset your system. If so, stick with bottled water. It is relatively cheap and plentiful in France, especially if you don't mind sparkling water.

Quizard

Mostly, unfit to drink water should be marked (as in anywhere in France "Eau non potable."

old know all

It's safe to drink tap water in Paris, but it tastes of iodine. As well as the expensive brands, French supermarkets sell bottled water for around 20p a litre.

Well they don't use it for washing in France.

skittlesjunkie93

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