Beer Buying In France: Legal Age And Hours

France has a reputation for being a wine-lover's paradise, but beer is just as popular and widely available. The legal drinking age in France is 18, or 16 if accompanied by an adult. Beer can be purchased in any supermarket, convenience store, or wine boutique, but the specific hours of sale vary by region and establishment. In Paris, for example, certain areas have banned the purchase of alcohol in supermarkets after 5 pm, while some restaurants only have a license to serve alcohol with food. Beer is typically ordered by size, with options such as un demi (half-pint) or une pinte (pint), and it is customary to be served with a glass even if ordered bottled. The cost of beer in France can also depend on where you choose to sit, with prices varying between the bar and table service.

The legal drinking age in France is 18, or 16 if accompanied by adults

France has a reputation for being a country of wine lovers, and it is true that wine has always been popular there. However, the legal drinking age in France is now 18, or 16 if accompanied by adults. This means that if you are 16 years old, you are allowed to consume alcohol, but only when you are with your family or other adults. Those who are 18 or older can enjoy their drink of choice freely.

This may come as a surprise, as there used to be no legal drinking age in France at all. In fact, until the 1950s, wine was considered a healthy and fortifying drink, even for children. It was served in preschools and elementary school cafeterias, and it was common for young people to be taught about the pleasures of sipping wine (sometimes diluted with water) at home with meals from an early age. However, as understanding of the effects of alcohol on developing bodies and brains improved, the French government began to change its stance on underage drinking.

In the late 20th century, a drinking age of 16 was established. However, this changed in 2009 when a law was passed by Health and Sports Minister Roselyne Bachelot that raised the legal drinking age to 18. This change was brought about by emerging research on the negative impact of alcohol on health, as well as a binge-drinking epidemic among young people.

Today, France has strict laws in place regarding the sale and consumption of alcohol by minors. It is illegal to serve alcohol to those under 18, or to get them drunk. Young people who want to drink in bars and clubs must be 18 and are required to present proof of age, usually in the form of a driver's license or other photo ID. While the implementation of this requirement doesn't seem to be as strict as in the US, it is still important for young people to be aware of the laws and carry the appropriate identification when purchasing alcohol.

Beer is served with a glass, whether bottled or not

Beer is served with a glass in France, whether it is bottled or not. This is a small cultural difference between France and the United States. In France, you will always be given a glass to pour your drink into when you order a bottled beer, and bars always serve beer in a glass. This is in contrast to the experience of an older French acquaintance in Louisiana, who was shocked when he ordered a bottled beer and the bartender simply gave him the bottle without a glass.

There are many different types of beer glasses available, from pint glasses to versatile and stackable tumblers. You can also find a range of French beer glasses online, including vintage and engraved options.

Beer prices vary depending on where you sit

While beer is available pretty much everywhere in France, the typical beer experience in the country is different from what you might find in North America or the UK. One of the differences is how the cost of your beer can vary depending on where you choose to sit and drink it.

In France, if you opt to sit at the bar, your drink will be about €1 cheaper than if you decide to sit at a table. So, if you're looking to save some money, opt for a seat at the bar. However, it's important to note that this price difference only applies to beer and not other types of alcohol.

In some establishments, such as upscale restaurants on the Champs-Elysées in Paris, your drinks may also cost a few euros more if you choose to sit outside. So, if you're looking for a specific ambiance or view, be prepared to pay a little extra for the privilege.

It's worth noting that the price of beer in France can also depend on other factors, such as the size of the glass you order. Typically, you have the option of a "un demi" (a half-pint) or a "une pinte" (a pint). The price difference between these two options is usually significant, with the demi costing about half the price of the pinte. So, if you're looking to pace yourself or don't plan on drinking much, the demi might be a more economical option. On the other hand, if you plan on drinking more than one demi, you might save some money by opting for the pinte.

In addition to the base price of the beer, there may be additional costs for syrups or mixers that are commonly added to beer in France. For example, it's common to add fruit syrups such as peach, strawberry, lemon, ginger, black currant, or mint to your beer. These syrups typically cost around €.20 to .50 extra. Another popular option is to add grenadine, which will cost you about the same as the fruit syrups. If you're looking for a unique French beer experience, you might want to try one of these sweet and flavorful options, but be prepared to pay a little extra.

So, when ordering a beer in France, keep in mind that the final cost can depend on various factors such as where you sit, the size of the glass, and any additional mixers or syrups you add. By being aware of these factors, you can make more informed choices about your beverage selections and manage your budget accordingly.

Happy hours offer discounts on beer

Happy hours are a welcome relief in France, especially in expensive cities like Paris. Establishments offering happy hour will usually advertise this with a chalkboard or easel near their entrance, making them easy to spot. While the discounts on beer are great, it's worth noting that the cost of beer in France can depend on where you choose to sit. For example, if you opt for a seat at the bar, your drink may cost about €1 cheaper than if you decide to sit at a table. So, if you're looking to make the most of happy hour discounts, you might want to consider grabbing a seat at the bar.

In France, you also get to choose the size of your beer. Your bartender will typically ask if you want "un demi" (a half-pint costing around €3-4) or "une pinte" (a pint costing €6-8). If you're not a big drinker, "un demi" is a great option to pace yourself, but if you plan on having more than one, "une pinte" might be more cost-effective.

So, if you're looking to enjoy a few discounted beers during happy hour in France, keep an eye out for those chalkboards and consider making it a non-alcoholic drink or two to go with your beer!

Beer is often mixed with syrups, Picon, or Panache

In France, beer is often mixed with syrups, Picon, or Panache. While the legal drinking age in France is 18, there is no nationwide ban on the sale of alcohol to adults over 18 outside of specific hours. However, local regulations may restrict alcohol sales after 8 pm or 10 pm in some areas.

Picon is a famous French orange bitter liqueur, created in 1830, that is commonly mixed with pilsner or wheat beer. It also contains essences of gentian and quinine, enhancing the flavour of the beer. Panaché, on the other hand, is a light and refreshing French drink that combines a light beer with a citrusy soda like 7-Up. The proportions can vary, but typically it is made with one part beer and one to three parts of the mixer. While it is usually served without ice in France, some prefer it with ice for an extra refreshing touch.

The addition of syrups, Picon, or Panache to beer creates unique and enjoyable drinking experiences. Picon Biere, in particular, is a potent brew that is beloved by many in France. The combination of beer with mixers like Panache results in a refreshing drink that is perfect for hot days, as it is not overly sweet and has a subtle touch of alcohol.

The flexibility of these beer mixtures allows for customization to suit individual tastes. Whether enjoyed with ice or without, these mixed beer drinks offer a delightful twist to the traditional beer experience, making them popular choices in France and beyond.

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