Paris Café Etiquette: How to Order, Sit & Pay
Navigating Paris café etiquette can be the difference between blending in like a local and standing out as a tourist. From the moment you step through the door, small common gestures shape your experience. This guide takes you beyond the coffee cup, sharing the unspoken rules that Parisians follow so you can sip, snack, and socialize with confidence in Paris.
Walk In Right — Bonjour First
You’re entering someone’s space, and politeness paves the way. A simple “Bonjour, monsieur / madame” earns respect and smoother service. Dropping a “hello” is a fast track to feeling and looking like a tourist. This is the first unwritten rule of Paris (and France!).
Ask to Sit – Even if Places Are Available
Most cafés let you sit wherever; the server will greet you if it’s okay. But if the tables are set for a meal (cutlery, tablecloth, condiments), wait to be shown to your seat. Jumping in might land you at the wrong table—or the wrong end of judgment. The customer is not seen as a king but as a guest, so be respectful of their establishment. And use the following phrases:
When you’re on your own: “Puis-je m’installer ici ?”
When you’re with others: “On peut s’installer ici ?”
When asking the above you can gesture to the seat you were hoping to take, but let the server guide you if they don’t immediately say yes.
Counter vs. Table
Locals know a secret: un café at the counter costs less than sitting at a table. If you’re aiming to blend in and save a euro stand or sit at the bar.
Ordering Like a Parisian
When ready, catch the server’s eye and keep it simple:
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“Un café, s’il vous plaît.” – they will likely give you an espresso here if you don’t specify further from the menu.
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Waiting on company? “J’attends un ami(e).”
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And on a busy terrace, possibly the first phrase you will hear from your server is “J’arrive”. It means they’re coming haven’t forgotten you.
Getting Free Water
“Une carafe d’eau, s’il vous plaît.” That’s tap water, and it’s free. Bottled water will cost extra, and if you simply say “de l’eau,” you’ll often be brought an Evian (and the bill to match). Locals nearly always opt for the carafe, and it’s perfectly polite. Just order it along with your coffee or meal, not as a standalone.
Keep It Quiet & Casual
Nobody’s here for a duet. Keep your volume low, and if you can, avoid scrolling your phone. Be in the moment, let the scene change slowly, people-watch and enjoy Paris like locals do. Though, in all honesty, you will catch a fair number of locals scrolling on their phone.
Ask for the Bill — L’Addition, S’il Vous Plaît
When you’re ready to leave, make eye contact and say “L’addition, s’il vous plaît.” Avoid shouting “GARÇON!”—it won’t help, and it definitely won’t make you look like a local. If you want to be polite and subtle, ask for the addition when your server is clearing your table. If there are a lot of clients and all staff are busy, you might need to gesture with your hand as a little wave.
Tipping — Not Required, Still Kind
Service is already included (around 15%). If you feel generous, leave a few coins or give 5 % for great service—cash is best. More than 5 %? That’s for extraordinary experiences. Here’s a resource for tipping in France (and Spain).
TL;DR:
Always greet staff politely and act as a guest, try your best with common French phrases, tip modestly if at all, and check your bill closely to avoid overcharging!