TRAVEL TIPS FOR FRANCE 2026
Every week, the Masterworks Newsletter will contain a brief “Tip” about Paris, the French language, words to practice, getting around, money, paying for food, tipping, etc. Many of these ideas are distilled from a series of
YouTube videos by Les Frenchies, a French/American couple. For more detailed information, these videos cover many topics of interest to American travelers in France, especially Paris. They are fun to watch and very informative.
Paris tip No. 10: Water
You may wonder
if you can drink the tap water in Paris. The answer is absolutely. The water in Paris and all of France is carefully tested and treated so that it is safe for drinking. In fact, there are over 1200 public water fountains in Paris. Some of these are works of art. These are the green fountains called Wallace Fountains that you will see in many locations, especially the parks. Feel free to fill your water bottle from any of these public fountains knowing the
water is safe to drink. A fun fact is that some of the fountains provide sparkling water. The web site map at “eau de Paris” will show you where to find these sparking and regular water fountains. The only fountains you should not use for drinking water are those labeled “eau non potable”.
In restaurants, you may be asked if you want water. For free water, ask for a “carafe d’eau” (sounds
like dough). If you do not ask for this, the waiter will probably bring a bottle of water and charge you for it on your bill. They may ask if you want “still or gas” when asking about water. This is bottled water with a charge. If you just want plain water, be sure to ask.
A NOTABLE TRAVEL TIP FROM MICHAEL S.
I have a suggested Paris tip (in case this is not projected to be one of them). It may be one that is too soon to put in the newsletter, but it's also something that would be useful to know a bit ahead of time.
In case you don't know, June 21st, summer solstice, is always the day for "Fête de la Musique" all over France (and many parts of the world). It's a big thing in France,
having experienced it myself a few times in different French cities. There will be A LOT of FREE (many open air and somewhat informal) concerts all over the place--probably at major plazas, squares, or parks.
This year, June 21st falls on a Sunday, two days before the Tuesday Hagenberg Gala Concert. According to the basic choir trip schedule, it looks like there are rehearsals Sunday morning and evening for
the concert, but in between there is "sightseeing" time, though I am not sure if that's on our own or as a group.
I guess my tip would be to be prepared for (more) crowds in the city on that day and not overplan if there is '"on our own time." Especially if one wants to experience the vibe of the music festival all around. Also, there is not usually a single (universal) website that lists every possible event
connected to the Fête (there may be several or may appear much later--and currently not all is set), so for me personally, I'd be as flexible as possible when planning for things to do that day (outside of rehearsals).
I hope this helps.
Michael
