Tipping for meals, a modest guide

Yes, service is included and built into the prices on the menu. No, a pourboire (tip) is not included and may be added by a satisfied customer. Some people leave 5-10%, others leave only 2-3 euros regardless of the total, usually in cash. If using a chip and pin card the extra amount can be added by the server at the time the card is handed over and processed at the table. If the card is taken off the table to the register (to be mag swiped) you are much more likely to see the dreaded tip line on the slip that is returned. Many (most) of us dislike the growing practice of tip begging in certain establishments.


Everyone's tipping practices (French and America, et al) depend on the quality of the services rendered and are partially a function of feeling good about oneself.
The 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, etc decision is completely personal, but the fact of being solicited for a tip or lied to regarding French law or French tipping standards is not personal and is not acceptable.