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France · freely available

Alcohol Laws in France

France: alcohol is freely available.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I drink alcohol in France?

Alcohol in France is freely available. Widely sold in shops and restaurants — the legal drinking age is 18.

Where can I buy alcohol in France?

Widely sold in shops and restaurants — the legal drinking age is 18.

Is there a legal drinking age in France?

Yes — check the specific age noted above, and carry ID, since many venues check regardless of how relaxed local drinking culture seems.

Are there times when alcohol sales are banned in France?

Possibly — some countries ban retail alcohol sales on election days or during specific religious periods like Ramadan, even where alcohol is otherwise freely available. Check close to your travel dates if this could affect you.