France's consumer protection agency, the DGCCRF, has fined a restaurant at 3000 meters altitude in Val Thorens, Savoie, 8000 euros for refusing to serve free potable water to customers. The venue, Les Aiguilles de Péclet, offered only paid bottled water during an inspection. The establishment claims it is now compliant with the rules.
A mountain restaurant in Val Thorens has been hit with an 8000-euro fine from France's DGCCRF for failing to provide free potable water. Located at 3000 meters altitude, Les Aiguilles de Péclet was inspected on December 30, when officials found only paid bottled water available. Customers had to pay for any water, even with dishes like burgers priced over 30 euros.
Online reviews highlight the issue: “I asked the server for water and he said it was too expensive...”, one customer noted. French law requires restaurants to serve free potable water, fresh or tempered, and to display a reminder of this right. At high altitude, the venue sources water from filtered and treated tanks, complicating matters according to its manager.
Reached for comment, the restaurant says it has since rectified the situation and now offers free water. The case underscores broader beverage service rules: restaurateurs must pour drinks by the glass in front of the customer so they can see the bottle's origin, and open full bottles or cans in the customer's presence if ordered that way.
This penalty highlights strict consumer rights in the restaurant sector, especially in remote spots like ski resorts.
