Drinking in France

Wine is by far the most popular alcoholic drink in France.

There are several wine-producing regions in the country; some of the more notable are Bordeaux, Burgundy, Loire, Rhône and Champagne.

Coffee is always served after the meal, and will always be black, in small cups, unless a café au lait (or crème) is requested.

Liqueurs are available, unusual made from an aromatic plant, however these can be very strong and should be treated with respect, for example eau de vie and calvados (apple brandy), especially as spirit measures are usually doubles unless a baby is specifically asked for.

A typically French drink is pastis, such as Ricard or Pernod.

Alsace is said to brew the best beer in France but fruity white wines, such as Riesling, Traminer and Sylvaner, and fine fruit liqueurs, such as Kirsch and Framboise, are also produced in this area.

The legal age for drinking alcohol in a bar/café is 18, although minors are allowed into bars if accompanied by an adult, but they will not be served alcohol.

Hours of opening depend on the proprietor, but generally bars in major towns and resorts are open throughout the day and some as late as 0200.