How to Eat Like Royalty in Paris Without the Royalty Bill
Dining is central to the French travel experience, but tourist restaurants near monuments can easily charge €30 for mediocre frozen meals. Here is how French locals eat impeccably on modest budgets.
The Secret Weapon: The Formule Midi
French law and dining culture mandate that bistros offer weekday lunch menus (Formule Midi) between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM:
- Entree + Plat or Plat + Dessert: Typically priced at €14 to €18.
- The Same Dishes at Dinner: Ordered a la carte at 8:00 PM, these identical dishes cost €28 to €38.
- Rule: Make lunch your primary sit-down meal of the day.
Tap Water is Always Free by Law
Never order expensive bottled mineral water (€6 to €8 per bottle):
- Ask the server for: "Une carafe d’eau, s’il vous plait" (a pitcher of tap water, please).
- French law requires restaurants to provide cold, filtered tap water and bread baskets free of charge.
Artisan Boulangeries for Quick Dinners
Look for bakeries with the official yellow label: Artisan Boulanger (meaning bread is mixed, kneaded, and baked on site):
- Jambon-Beurre: Crisp baguette with French butter and ham for €4.50 to €5.50.
- Quiche Lorraine: Warm slice with salad for €5.00.