Tipping in France: What You Need to Know About Service Compris

If you’ve ever reached the end of a meal in France and wondered whether you should leave a tip, you’re not alone. The good news is that French tipping culture is fairly relaxed.

In restaurants, cafés and bars, the price you see already includes service. You’ll often see the words service compris on a menu or bill, meaning there is no need to add a compulsory percentage on top.

That doesn’t mean tipping never happens. A small pourboire is always appreciated when the service has been particularly good, but it is very much a gesture rather than an expectation.

How much should you tip in a French restaurant?

There is no set rule. For a straightforward meal, it is perfectly acceptable to pay the exact amount on the bill. If you’ve had good service, many people simply round up, €47 to €50 for example, or leave a few euros on the table.

In a smarter restaurant, or after an especially memorable meal, you might leave around 5 to 10 per cent, but there is no obligation to do so. The main thing is not to overthink it. Tipping in France is less about calculating percentages and more about showing appreciation.

What about cafés and bars?

Tipping is even more informal in cafés. If an espresso costs €2.80, you might leave €3. If you’re sitting on a terrace enjoying a few drinks and the service has been good, leaving a euro or two is a nice gesture.

The same applies in wine bars. If a sommelier or server has spent time helping you choose a bottle or introducing you to something new, you may want to leave a little extra, but nobody will expect a fixed percentage.

Can you tip by card?

Increasingly, yes. Some card machines now give customers the option to add a tip when paying, sometimes suggesting percentages. Don’t feel obliged to choose one – service compris still applies. Leaving a few euros in cash after paying by card is also completely normal.

A few useful French phrases

The French word for a tip is un pourboire.

If you’re paying in cash and want the server to keep the change, say:

Gardez la monnaie – keep the change.

And when you’re ready to settle up:

L’addition, s’il vous plaît – the bill, please.

So, should you tip?

Yes, if you want to – but you don’t have to. For everyday meals and drinks, rounding up or leaving a few euros is more than enough. For exceptional service, you may choose to leave a little more.

The easiest rule to remember is simple: in France, a tip is a thank-you, not part of the bill.

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