A high-altitude restaurant in Val Thorens has been fined €8,000 for refusing to serve free tap water to customers, France’s fraud prevention agency (DGCCRF) announced on Tuesday.

Inspectors discovered Les Aiguilles de Péclet, located at 3,000 metres altitude, only offered bottled water for sale despite French law requiring all restaurants to provide free drinking water, whether fresh or room temperature. The establishment must also display information informing customers of this right.

Online reviews of the restaurant reveal multiple customers surprised at being denied free water, particularly given the establishment charges over €30 for burgers. One customer wrote: “I asked the waiter for water and he told me it was too expensive.”

Altitude complicates compliance

The restaurant’s management explained the situation is complicated by its location. At 3,000 metres, the establishment draws drinking water from tanks of filtered and treated water rather than standard municipal supply.

Since the inspection, the manager confirmed free water is now being served to customers as required by law.

Restaurant obligations

Free drinking water represents one of several obligations imposed on French restaurants by beverage service regulations. Establishments must also serve drinks by the glass in front of customers so they can see the source bottle. When customers order a full bottle or can, it must arrive sealed and be opened at their table.

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