It's a question that comes up often, especially from North American visitors used to a mandatory tipping system: how does it actually work in France? The honest answer fits in one sentence, but it's worth explaining, because the confusion is common and can create needless awkwardness.
Service is already included, by law
In France, unlike the US, service is legally included in the listed price at restaurants, bars and cafés, that's the "service compris" mention you sometimes see on menus. In practice, staff earn a fixed wage, not a reduced base wage topped up by tips as in some countries. A tip is therefore never a legal obligation, nor even a strong social expectation.
When a small tip is genuinely appreciated
That said, leaving something extra for particularly good service remains a common, always well-received gesture, a sign of appreciation, not an obligation. We do it ourselves when the service stands out: a lovely team, a great recommendation off the menu, a special touch for a birthday.
How much to leave, in practice
There's no expected percentage like the usual 15-20% in the US. Rounding the bill up to the nearest euro, or the nearest five euros, is more than enough in most cases. For truly exceptional service, 5 to 10% of the total is already generous and will be received as such, never any need to go beyond that.
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See our spotsTaxis, hotels, hairdressers: other situations
For a taxi or rideshare, rounding the fare up to the next round number is more than enough. At a hotel, leaving €1-2 a day for housekeeping is a nice gesture but far from systematic here. At a hairdresser or spa, a small tip for particularly good service is fine but, again, never expected.
The classic mistake North American visitors make
The most common slip-up we see from friends visiting from the US or Canada: applying the usual 15-20% out of habit. It won't shock anyone, if anything, it'll pleasantly surprise, but it really isn't necessary, and can add up to a needless expense over a multi-day trip. Save that money for one more ice cream or a last drink on a terrace: nobody will hold it against you.
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Unlock the complete guideFrequently asked questions about tipping in France
Do you have to tip at restaurants in France?
No, it isn't required: service is legally included in the listed price (the "service compris" mention). Rounding up the bill or leaving a few euros for good service is a nice gesture, never an obligation.
What percentage tip is normal in France?
There's no expected percentage like in the US. Rounding up to the next euro, or leaving 5 to 10% for especially good service, is more than generous.
Should you tip in cash or by card in France?
Cash remains the norm: leaving a few coins or a note on the table is the most common gesture. Many French card terminals don't offer a built-in tip option like in the US.