My partner Vincent had an unnerving incident happen at a restaurant that prompted me to write this post.

Vincent was at Cafe Ruc, a popular and fashionable restaurant/cafe right near the Louvre that attracts Parisians and tourists.  He was dining with an American friend, and although they ordered in French, they spoke English during their dinner. When they asked the waitress for the check, she evidently overheard them discussing whether or not to leave her an additional “tip” beyond the 15% service charge already included in the bill. The waitress immediately–and a bit smugly–piped in,”you know, the tip is not included”. His friend challenged her and said that it was French law that the tip was included. She sheepishly backed down and said that they didn’t have to leave anything.

So here is the the simple truth about tipping in Paris and the rest of France: A 15% tip is ALWAYS included in your bill, regardless of what the waiter or anyone else says.Again, it’s a French law that the tip is included.  If they say it’s not included, they are lying and trying to rip you off. If you are charging a meal, notice there is no tip box on the credit card receipt. It’s because the tip is included.

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