Do the French get dehydrated?
"Garçon, une carafe d'eau, s'il vous plaît!"
Bonjour, c’est Véro.
If you believe testimonials on social media the French don’t drink water or at least not as much as other nationalities, our American friends for example.
When some folks visit l’Hexagone (or move there) they love to grouse about the small size of French water glasses (mere “thimbles” according to them) or the lack of water fountains in public places.
When we were growing up and temperatures climbed in the summer months our moms would pack une gourde to bring along.
La gourde was small, far from sexy; the plastic smelled horrible; the water inside got warm quickly.
It did the trick. I can attest absolutely none of my friends ever landed at the emergency room for acute cases of dehydration (even as we spent most of our time playing outside in the sun in the pre-smart phone/tablet days.)
In 2025 we’ve gotten spoiled and became pickier. The size of water bottles reflects a new trend. My urbanite American-born son carries around an oversized water-filled contraption as if his life depended on it. He clearly thinks it does.
Last summer while browsing at a local Target store in downtown Chicago I chuckled when I spotted an entire aisle featuring items such as the giant-sized, so-called “Stanley Quencher.” A beast of a gourde if you ask me.
Several thoughts came to mind as I perused the wares:
“How handy. If I get lonely it will keep me company !”
“How handy. I get to work on those biceps if I skip my morning workout.”
“How handy. Maybe I can pee in it once the water has filtered through my body and I can’t find a public restroom.”
“How handy. The label says it fits inside my car’s cup holder. Wait. My Renault’s too old. I don’t have a cup holder. Now what? ”
Please forgive the hint of sarcasm. On ne se refait pas. I am French after all.
I also know that it’s easy to get access to water in my homeland at a grocery store, the local café and even (I promise) at water fountains. Would you believe some deliver free sparkling water? (French arrogance at its best!)
We don’t consider our glasses to be too small. Duralex has taken care of us since our school cafeteria days and continues to have our backs at the local bistro when we order un café.
At lunch we know to ask for une carafe d’eau and even if the glass that comes with it seems too small to international visitors (like so many things in European life) we realize glasses - and carafes - can be refilled for free. It’s the law by the way.
One day when I start working on that book I’ve been thinking about for years there might be a chapter about the concept of moderation and its meaning in various cultures. It will be fun to write!
Garçon, une carafe d’eau s’il vous plaît!
Vero, you are hilarious! My current water bottle is from Pylones on the Ile and is decorated with scenes of Paris. It is smallish and makes me smile!
Bonjour et merci! There is a free app called Fontaine Paris which will guide you to innumerable spots for water in Paris. I believe carting around a huge water cup is simply another affectation of the many food “cults” that are popular in the US.