Tipping in France
Tipping in France is optional because French law requires menu prices to include service — that's what "service compris" means. Waiters receive a regular wage, so a tip (pourboire) is just a thank-you for good service. Most French people leave a few euros at restaurants and small change at cafés, which is much less than visitors from the US or Canada are used to.
Usual: 0–5%
Short answer
In France, service is included in prices by law ("service compris"), so tipping is optional: leave €1–5 or about 5–10% for good restaurant service, a few coins in cafés, and round up taxi fares.
Open the tip calculator for this countryRestaurants
Every restaurant bill in France already includes service, even if it doesn't say so. For a pleasant meal, leave a few euros or round up; 5–10% is generous, and 10% is plenty even at a nice restaurant. When you pay by card, the terminal usually won't offer a tip option — if you want to tip, leave coins on the table or tell the server "gardez la monnaie" (keep the change) when paying cash. Don't tip on top of a separate service charge, which is rare but sometimes seen on large group bills. At a brasserie lunch with a formule (set menu), a euro or two is typical.
Hotels
Hotel tips are appreciated but not expected. Give a porter €1–2 per bag, and leave €1–2 per night for housekeeping if you like, ideally at the end of your stay with a note. A concierge who gets you a hard-to-book table or tickets deserves €5–10. In luxury Paris hotels, tipping is more common and amounts are a bit higher.
Taxis & Transport
Taxi drivers in France don't expect a tip; the fare (including fixed airport rates in Paris) covers everything. Round up to the next euro, or add €1–2 for help with heavy luggage, a long ride or a friendly driver. With Uber, Bolt and G7 apps, an in-app tip is optional and fairly uncommon. Private drivers on a day trip are often given €10–20.
Tours, spas, cafés & more
Cafés and bars: leave small coins (€0.20–1) on the saucer for a coffee or drink, or round up — standing at the counter costs less than sitting at a table and needs no tip. Tour guides: €2–5 per person for a half-day group tour, €5–10 for a full day; free walking tours expect €10–15. Hairdressers and spas: optional, a few euros. Theatre ushers (ouvreuses) sometimes expect €1–2 for showing you to your seat, a custom that's fading. Food delivery: €1–2 if you like. Toilet attendants may charge €0.50–1.
Common practice
Locals round up or leave small change; €1–5 at restaurants for good service is typical. Larger tips aren't expected and service is always included in the price.
Typical examples
A €42 dinner for two: leave €2–4 (about $2–5 or £2–3 — exchange rates fluctuate). A €4.50 café crème: leave €0.50 or nothing. A €120 meal at a nicer restaurant: €5–10 is generous. A €17.60 taxi ride: pay €18–20.
Helpful note
"Service compris" = service included; "service non compris" (rare) means it isn't, and then about 10–15% is appropriate. "Pourboire" is the French word for tip.
Frequently asked questions
What does "service compris" mean?
It means "service included": the price already covers the service charge (by French law, all restaurant prices include it). Any tip on top is optional.
How much do you tip in France?
A few euros or around 5–10% at restaurants for good service, small change at cafés, and rounding up for taxis. Nothing is required.
Is it rude not to tip in France?
No. Service is included, and many French people leave nothing or just small change, especially for average service.
How do you say "tip" in French?
"Pourboire" (literally "for drinking"). To leave your change as a tip, say "gardez la monnaie".