How much is alcohol in Paris?

Question

I've heard its very expensive... And also is there a law in France which says you can't drink too much?

Answer 1

After sailors come to town, there isn't much alcohol left.  Seriously, drinks (and almost everything else) in Paris are expensive.  If you just want to try liquors/wines from France, just go to a supermarket and you will have an aisle or two stocked with all kinds of booze.  I have heard that some bars in France MIGHT install breathalyzers but I doubt there are any laws limiting how much you can drink.  BTW, some ppl go to taverns to have a drink for breakfast. No kidding.  Until the 1970s, wine was served to kids in elementary school cafeterias (now there is a min. drinking age).

Answer 2

It depends where you buy it. Bars, cafes, etc are expensive, but if you just want to buy a bottle of wine, get it from a supermarche.. very cheap, and its where I found the cheapest wine I've seen anywhere (from 1.49 euros for a bottle of red). Not sure about the laws though.

Answer 3

I'm intrigued by Jerry 71's assertion that "Until the 1970s, wine was served to kids in elementary school cafeterias". I attended primary school in France for two years in the late 70's (1977-1979), and don't remember hearing about any such thing. I'll have to ask my father if he experienced or observed that when he was attending school in France in the 50's, but I have to say- that sounds like a rather dubious assertion, and I'd love to know the source he's basing that on. As for your question- places like Carrefour, Ed, and Leader Price would be good options- with Carrefour having the largest selection of the three.

Answer 4

Alcohol purchased in stores isn't particularly more expensive in France

But getting a drink in a cafe or bar in Paris is  more expensive than in Ireland, the UK or the USA.

A big part of this is that people tend to drink considerably less. Customers may buy just one drink and nurse it for hours and  it is not part of the culture for the bar to suggest the customer buy more or move on.

Therefore, when you buy a glass of wine in a cafe and sit and read a book for hours, no one will harrass you because the price of the wine is taken to include "rent" for the seat you are occupying.

Of course, for people who are intent on drinking for effect and becoming drunk this is not a satisfactory situation. My observation is that those who do want to get drunk will buy a bottle at the store and get drunk at home (or at least get a good start) before going out.

There is a law that forbids being drunk in public ("ivresse sur la voie publique" ) although it is enforced only if the drunk is creating a disturbance. To the best of my knowledge the law in France in this regard is not much different than the law in Ireland.

NB: Jerry seems to be distubed that someone might have a drink with breakfast. While I don't do it all the time I certainly have been known to take a shot of calvados with my morning coffee at a cafe when in Paris. In the States, a Mimosa (champagne and orange juice) or a Bloody Mary (vodka and tomato juice) is often served at a festive brunch.