Quote: Originally posted by lizex on 29/6/2006
They have to comply with exactly the same laws as we do on the water front.
Yep! Since about 1989 - an EU directive. Over 15 years and yet still people worry about water. And campsites had to have 'potable' water ONLY on site for many years AFAIAA.
The main difference being they actually give a damn about the quality of what they put in their bodies.
Although according to an EU report some 'authorities' may not be as vigilant as others! There has been some concern over the levels of minerals/pesticides etc getting into drinking water in some regions in France. :-( But, it's being watched.
As I recall, they publish the results of water tests on the noticeboard outside the local town hall.
Yep! As the monitoring/responsibilty is different in France to the UK.
As others have said, it'll be marked non-potable if it's not ok to drink, but that's probably ok for a healthy adult to brush their teeth with.
Absolutely!
For bottled water for littlies, kidney stone sufferers and the like, pick Spa as it has almost no minerals in at all. And tiny little bubbles - it's definitely my favourite 
In total agreement. One reason why we have a water softener at home - not only does it make a great scum-free black coffee, it tastes great too and is supposed to help/prevent stones. And as a tough old SAS friend of mine was reduced to tears passing stones, (ouuuuuch!) I think I'll pass on that! ;-)
On the other hand .... drinking the wine instead is a valid option.
Yeah ......... but not to clean your teeth! Hic! ;-))
Food-wise I think the main thing is to be aware that they do love their unpasturised milk and cheese. Pasturised is "pasturisé" and unpasturised is "non-pasturisé". Nothing wrong with unpasturised milk and some of the cheese is lovely, but there is always a slight chance of Listeria if it's unpasturised. So not for littlies, pregnant women and the elderly really.
Liz
Liz ......... you are my sort of person! Spot on. All the worry about drink and food - then you get run over by a tram in the middle of France. Ha ha!
France is much like the UK these days - not (sadly, IMHO) as different as it used to be. I've just had an e-mail from the nephew of an old French friend and his attitude to his national football team is exactly the same as mine is to England's. The French attitude to food is changing ...... to eating out ..... clothes/fashion etc etc. I couldn't believe it when we met some old friends a few months ago and the head of the house is now known as the pizza king of his village! He used to be so proud of French cooking. :-( Basically, we're becoming 'global' in so many ways. Thank goodness they speak a different language (at present) ........ otherwise I might as well go to Margate for a holiday! ;-))
Enjoy France and get friendly with the French ..... they're actually a wonderful nation when you get to know them - and they just love to rib us Brits! :-)
Oozat
Topic: French Tap Water
