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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/fr-carafe-eau

How do you ask for a free pitcher of tap water in a French café?

Ask for Une carafe d'eau, s'il vous plaît.

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  1. Une bouteille d'eau, s'il vous plaît.
  2. Un verre d'eau, s'il vous plaît.
  3. Une carafe d'eau, s'il vous plaît. ✔

Why: Une carafe d'eau is a pitcher of tap water, free when you eat or drink at a French restaurant or café. Bouteille means bottle and verre means glass.

Huh, didn't know that: French consumer rules say you can skip bottled water and wine and ask for a free carafe d'eau instead.

The dad joke
Why did the carafe get invited to every cafe table? It was pour-fect.
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References

Answer: Une carafe d'eau, s'il vous plaît.. Une carafe d'eau is a pitcher of tap water, free when you eat or drink at a French restaurant or café. Bouteille means bottle and verre means glass.

  1. Le Robert, carafe dictionnaire.lerobert.com/definition/carafe
    Récipient à base large et col étroit ; son contenu. Une carafe d'eau.
    Checked 2026-10-12.
  2. DGCCRF (economie.gouv.fr), Restaurants: droits et obligations www.economie.gouv.fr/dgccrf/les-fiches-pratiques/restaurants-droits-et-obligations-des-professionnels
    vous pouvez vous contenter d'une carafe d'eau ; celle-ci est gratuite
    Checked 2026-10-12.

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