In French, sparkling water is referred to as eau pétillante. The term comes from the word pétillant, which means ‘bubbly’ or ‘sparkling’.
When ordering in France, you might want to specify your preference for sparkling water by saying, ‘Je voudrais de l’eau pétillante, s’il vous plaît‘, meaning ‘I would like some sparkling water, please.’
This distinction is important in French dining culture because water choices can significantly influence the dining experience. Sparkling water is often served with meals and is a popular alternative to still water. So, the next time you find yourself in a French restaurant, you’ll be ready to order your refreshing sparkling water like a local!