What is the Legal France Drinking Age? (2024)

Knowing how old you need to be to legally drink before embarking on your French vacation is important. The legal drinking age can differ greatly from the minimum legal drinking age in the United States.

Before travelling to any European country it is important to know the drinking laws before participating in any drinking related activities.

We will look at the legal drinking in France when French teenagers can start drinking wine, the differences between drinking in France and the United States, and some handy French phrases to know when drinking in France.

Ready to grab a drink? Let’s go!

Table of Contents

What is the France Drinking Age?

The French, famous for their love of wine, set their legal drinking age at 18.

Once you hit that magic number, you can go to uncork some Bordeaux or pop a bottle of bubbly Champagne.

France takes the ‘live and let live’ approach a step further by allowing parents to introduce their kids to alcohol responsibly and measuredly in the family setting at 16 years old – a part of the country’s wine culture that’s as cherished as the grapes themselves.

Drinking Laws in France

Proof of Age Requirements

In order to prove of you are old enough to purchase or consume alcohol you will need a driver’s license, passport, or any other government-issued ID card that shows your birth date.

And remember, a picture of your ID on your phone won’t work either.

So, while it might feel a bit of a drag to carry around your passport or ID, think of it as your golden ticket to the rich, diverse world of French Alcohol.

Legal Age for Purchasing Alcohol in France

In France, you’ve got to be 18 to legally purchase alcohol, whether it’s a smooth Chardonnay, a refreshing bière, or a snifter of Cognac.

It doesn’t matter if you’re at a swanky nightclub in Nice, a rustic vineyard in Burgundy, or a supermarket in the heart of Paris, the same rule applies everywhere.

Remember, no matter your age, it’s always best to have your valid ID handy, as you might be asked for proof.

A photo in paris with metropol sign lit up and a red and white umbrella out the front of a cafe

Rules for Drinking and Consumption in Public

We’ve chatted about the legal drinking age in France and the need for a valid ID, but what about drinking in public?

The French laws are quite relaxed when it comes to enjoying a drink in the great outdoors.

A bottle of wine at a picnic by the Seine, a can of beer on the beach, or a flask of Calvados on a mountain hike – it’s usually not a problem.

But hold your horses – or your flutes – because there are exceptions. Certain public places like parks, gardens, or near schools may have specific rules prohibiting alcohol.

Also, causing a ruckus, disturbing public order, or getting too ‘joie de Vivre while under the influence can land you in hot water with the gendarmes.

So, in France, do as the French do: enjoy your public tipple with decorum and respect for others.

Legal Limit For Driving

In France, the legal alcohol limit for driving is 0.05% blood alcohol concentration, which is pretty low and roughly translates to a small beer or a glass of wine for most people.

However, if you’re a new driver (with less than three years of driving experience), that limit dips even lower, to 0.02%.

If you plan on driving, it’s best to leave the wine tasting for another day or designate a sober driver.

French authorities don’t hesitate to perform random breathalyzer tests, and penalties for driving under the influence can be severe.

Legal Consequences for Breaking the French Drinking Laws

Selling or serving alcohol to anyone under 18 is a big no-no in France, and if you’re caught doing it, you could face a hefty fine of up to €7,500
Driving under the influence can result in penalties like losing your driver’s license, being required to take a driver’s safety course, or even facing imprisonment in severe cases
Creating a ruckus after one too many glasses of Beaujolais, and disturbing public order while under the influence can also lead to fines and, in some cases, even jail time

The bottom line? Enjoy France’s delicious drinks responsibly. Respect the rules, respect the locals, and respect yourself by drinking in moderation. Here’s to enjoying France, responsibly and legally. Santé, my friends!”

Drinking in France vs Drinking in the US

	France	USA
Legal Drinking Age	18	21 (in most states)
Legal Purchase Age	18	21 (in most states)
Alcohol Limit for Driving	France is known for its wine culture. Wine is commonly consumed during meals, and even inexpensive wines are often high-quality.	Varies by state, typically 0.08% blood alcohol concentration
Public Drinking	Generally permitted with exceptions in certain areas	Varies widely by state and city. Many places prohibit or restrict public drinking, though there are exceptions
Proof of Age Documentation	Government-issued ID card, Driver’s License, Passport	Government-issued ID card, Driver’s License, Passport
Penalties for Breaking Alcohol Laws	Can include fines, driver’s license suspension, mandatory driver’s safety course, and imprisonment	Varies by state but can include fines, imprisonment, community service, and mandatory alcohol education programs
Drinking Culture	Drinking, particularly wine, is ingrained in French culture and is often associated with meals and social gatherings. Moderation is key, and excessive drinking is generally frowned upon.	Drinking culture in the U.S. varies widely depending on region and social group. It can range from casual social drinking, often associated with sporting events or celebrations, to college “party culture.” The emphasis on moderation can vary.
Wine Consumption	France is known for its wine culture. Wine is commonly consumed during meals; even inexpensive wines are often high-quality.	Wine is enjoyed across the U.S., but it’s not as central to daily life as it can be in France. The U.S. also produces high-quality wines, especially in regions like California and Oregon.
Alcohol Variety	In addition to wine, France is known for spirits like Cognac and Armagnac and various beers and ciders.	The U.S. has a very diverse alcohol scene, with a large craft beer industry, a growing number of artisanal spirits producers, and a wide variety of imported drinks.
Alcohol Education	French children are often introduced to alcohol, particularly wine, at family meals from a young age, encouraging a culture of moderation.	In the U.S., underage drinking is generally not condoned, and alcohol education usually happens in school health classes, focusing on the dangers of alcohol abuse and drunk driving.

Two glasses of Champagne being poured on a private champagne tour from Paris

At What Age Do The French Start Drinking Wine?

In France, the age limit for sipping fermented beverages such as beer, wine, and cider is 16 years.

However, when it comes to stronger spirits like liquor and cocktails, the legal drinking age jumps up to 18 years.

Which Beverages Can Minors Drink in France?

Fascinatingly, some “non-alcoholic” beverages actually carry a tiny amount of alcohol within them.

Take, for instance, your average alcohol-free beer which, despite boasting a 0% label, could have traces of alcohol up to about 0.5%.

Check out these non-alcoholic drinks with a minimal alcohol content that you can readily pick up from any French supermarket:

Kombucha
Alcohol-free beer
Alcohol-free wine

Drinking Etiquette in France

Always serve others first: Start with the person on your left and continue around the table
Don’t overfill glasses: Half full, or slightly more, is the norm
Eye contact during toasts: It’s considered polite and even mandatory to look into the eyes of the person you’re toasting with
Say “Santé“: It means ‘health’, and it’s the traditional way to toast before taking the first sip
Clink carefully with Champagne: To preserve the bubbles, clink the bottom of the glass, not the rim
Sip, don’t gulp: In France, drinking is all about savoring the flavors and enjoying the moment

Cultural Attitude Towards Drinking in France

In France, drinking alcohol isn’t merely about quenching thirst or getting a buzz.

It’s an art form, a social bonding ritual, and an integral part of the famed French ‘joie de vivre’.

It’s about savoring each sip, appreciating the complexities of flavors, and the conversations that flow along with the wine.

Whether it’s a family gathering or a friendly soirée, you’ll often see wine being enjoyed with meals.

This isn’t just about pairing the right Bordeaux with your beef bourguignon; it’s a way to stretch out the meal, the conversation, the togetherness.

And the keyword here is ‘moderation’.

Binge drinking or getting overly intoxicated is viewed as a serious faux pas.

It’s not about how much you drink, but how you drink it, cherishing quality over quantity. So, when you’re in France, embrace this cultural attitude.

Take your time, appreciate the drink one sip at a time. Santé!”

Drink At Home vs Public Places

Let’s explore the differences between drinking at home and drinking in public places in France:

	Drinking at Home	Drinking in Public Places
Ambiance	Typically a relaxed and intimate setting, perfect for leisurely meals and conversations.	Can range from casual to festive, depending on the venue. Cafés, wine bars, and restaurants each offer their own unique atmosphere.
Alcohol Selection	Depends on what’s available in your personal collection or what you’ve purchased. Allows for more personalized choices.	Varies based on the establishment. Some venues offer an extensive list of local and international wines, beers, and spirits.
Cost	Usually more economical, as you avoid the markup of bars and restaurants.	More expensive due to the service and ambiance provided, but offers the opportunity to sample a wider variety of drinks.
Social Interaction	Typically involves close friends, family, or guests. Offers a more personal, intimate setting.	Offers opportunities for broader social interaction, meeting new people, and observing local customs and behaviors.

Basic Phrases When Drinking in France

Here are some essential French phrases that will come in handy when you’re enjoying a drink in France, along with their English translations:

“Une bière, s’il vous plaît.” – “A beer, please”
“Je voudrais un verre de vin rouge.” – “I would like a glass of red wine”
“Quelle est votre recommandation?” – “What is your recommendation?”
“Est-ce que vous avez une carte des vins?” – “Do you have a wine list?”
“À votre santé!” or simply “Santé!” – “To your health!” or “Cheers!”
“C’est délicieux!” – “It’s delicious!”
“Puis-je avoir l’addition, s’il vous plaît?” – “Can I have the bill, please?”
“Où sont les toilettes?” – “Where are the toilets?”
“Pouvez-vous me commander un taxi?” – “Can you call me a taxi?”

With these phrases in your pocket, you’ll be ready to confidently navigate the French drinking scene. Enjoy, and remember – when in France, “Santé!”

FAQs: What is Legal Drinking Age France?

Can you drink at 16 in France?

Yes, you can drink in France at 16. At 16 years of age, you can start drinking Beer, Wine, or Cider.

Can your drink at 16 in France with parents?

Yes, you can drink alcohol at 16 in France in the presence of an adult.

What is the drinking age in Paris France?

The legal drinking age in Paris, France, just like the rest of the country, is set at 18 years old. This applies to the purchase and public consumption of all types of alcoholic beverages, from wine and beer to spirits and cocktails. Remember, respecting these laws while enjoying the vibrant Parisian nightlife is important.

What is the lowest legal drinking age in the world?

The lowest legal drinking age in the world is Burkina Faso. In West Africa, Burkina Faso allows people to drink legally at the age of 13.

What are the France alcohol selling times?

The alcohol selling times in France are subject to regulations, particularly in supermarkets. These establishments are permitted to sell alcohol from 7am to 10pm on weekdays, 7am to 11pm on Saturdays, and 10am to 10pm on Sundays.

What is the Paris France drinking age?

The Paris France drinking age is 18 years old. This age limit applies to the purchase and public alcohol consumption, whether it’s beer, wine, or hard liquor. The law is enforced throughout Paris, as it is across the entirety of France.

What is the Drinking Age in European Countries?

The drinking age in European countries varies, typically falling between 16 and 18 years. For instance, countries like Germany and Austria have a legal drinking age of 16 for beer and wine but 18 for spirits. On the other hand, the UK, France, and Italy have set their legal drinking age for all alcoholic beverages at 18.

Wrap Up: Legal Drinking Age Paris

Navigating the French drinking culture world is an informative and indulgent adventure.

From understanding the nuanced legal drinking age to appreciating the elegant rituals of toasting and sipping, the journey is as enjoyable as it is enlightening.

France, with its refined wine culture, intimate bistros, and lively bars, invites you to savor every sip and every moment.

But remember, the key to truly immersing yourself in this culture is moderation and respect for the laws and norms.

Now that you’re well versed in the intricacies of French drinking culture, why not dive deeper into the heart of France’s Champagne region?

Check out our next post about the best Champagne tours from Paris, and prepare yourself for an unforgettable journey through rolling vineyards and renowned Champagne houses.

Here’s to discovering more about France’s sparkling gems! À bientôt!

What is the Legal France Drinking Age? (2024)

What is the France Drinking Age?