Drinking in France?

Question

Hello! I am taking a trip to France next year with my friend and I was wondering about the drinking laws and clubs, etc. I'm 16 but I've heard they aren't very strict about drinking there. People are hardly ever carded there, and I was wondering if that was true? Can I pull it off? Haha

Also, what about the bars/clubs? Would you be carded there? How old do you have to be to get in, etc. Tell me all about it! I'm so excited.

Answer 1

The drinking age is 16 in France anyway........so you're legal......but it really wouldn't matter anyway cause they don't care.......it is nothing like the US.  I'm not sure if they even understand the concept of carding someone.......or at least I never got carded and I was there for 3 weeks when I was 16 and drank probably more than I should have........Just try to be mature about it and be responsible, the French don't tolerate drunk Americans.  They expect you to be respectful of their country (wouldn't you feel the same if they were here?)  If you do stupid things or are obnoxious they will make you leave a club, but as long as you are courteous and mature there won't be any problem.  Oh yes, and they are much nicer to you when you at least attempt to speak the language before asking them to speak to you in English.

Answer 2

Europe is pretty lax with the issue of drinking. Just remember that even when you are in a foreign country the laws of the US still apply to you. Plus you are an unofficial ambassador of America, so do us right and don't get all wasted and make a jacka** out of yourself.

Have a nice trip

Answer 3

In France nobody would argue if you go to a club and order a beer or a glass of wine being 16. However they usually should not serve you hard drink before the age of 18.

I wrote they should not, cause if you buy them in a shop, you won't have problems.