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Restaurants · France

Do you tip at restaurants in France?

Short answer

Round up, or 5–10%

Nothing is required. A euro or two, or 5–10% if it was excellent.

OptionalCash preferred

Because service is included, leaving nothing is completely acceptable and common among locals. After a good meal many people leave loose change or round up; 5% at a nicer restaurant is generous. Leave it in cash on the table, adding it to the card payment is unusual.

In practice

  • A €76 dinner for two → leave €80
  • A €38 lunch → leave €40

Tip calculator

5%
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10%
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Common questions

How much should you tip at restaurants in France?
Round up, or 5–10%. Nothing is required. A euro or two, or 5–10% if it was excellent.
Can you tip by card in France?
Card terminals in France almost never prompt for a tip. If you want to leave one, use cash.

Full tipping guide for France

Reviewed by Greg Kockott on 3 September 2026.

Figures checked against the sources below on 4 September 2026.

Sources