Unique Qualities of French Bottled Water and When to Enjoy Them

I’ll never forget being out for dinner with my girlfriend Cécile and, upon ordering a bottle of sparkling water, the waiter asked if we preferred our water très pétillante ou un peu pétillante – meaning very sparkling or a little sparkling? It had never occurred to me to consider the sparkle factor of water or what might be best suited for our dinner.

With that and a brief tutorial from my dear friend Cécile—who also introduced me to Perrier-Menthe and Perrier-Grenadine many years ago during a road trip through the South of France— I began paying attention.

Just as people carefully choose the perfect wine or champagne to match the mood, the menu, and the moment, I learned that water, too, deserves the same consideration. A bold red for a cozy dinner, a crisp white for a summer gathering, or bubbly champagne for a toast—every bottle is chosen with intention. So why not water? A lightly sparkling option can add a festive touch to an apéritif, while a smooth, mineral-rich still water can enhance a gourmet meal. Just as a sommelier pairs wine, selecting the right bottled water can subtly yet beautifully elevate any occasion.

So where to begin?

Here is a a bit of background on my top five brands. All are commonly found it France and each has a unique profile, making it ideal for certain occasions.

Evian

Evian, a still water sourced from the French Alps near Évian-les-Bains, has a smooth, neutral taste with balanced minerals, making it perfect for everyday hydration, business meetings, and spa experiences. Its gentle composition, naturally filtered through glacial rocks for 15 years, makes it easy to drink throughout the day while providing natural replenishment. Evian is my go-to water when stocking apartment rentals, hotel rooms, or my travel bag.

Perrier

In contrast, Perrier, a sparkling water from Vergèze in the Occitanie region, is crisp and intensely carbonated, with a slightly salty, mineral-rich taste. This makes it a refreshing choice for hot climates, social gatherings, and cocktails, where its strong bubbles serve as an excellent palate cleanser or mixer. During hot summer days, I’m most likely to choose Perrier with lemon, Perrier Menthe, or Perrier Grenadine for a refreshing by light beverage.

Vittel

For those looking for a more mineral-rich option, Vittel, a still water sourced from the Vosges Mountains in northeastern France, stands out with its high calcium and magnesium content, making it ideal for post-workout recovery and wellness-focused lifestyles. Its slightly mineral taste is invigorating, supporting muscle function and hydration after exercise.

Badoit

Badoit, a naturally sparkling water from Saint-Galmier in the Loire Valley, is known for its fine, delicate bubbles and elegant mineral balance. With a soft effervescence and a slightly salty taste, it’s perfect for pairing with gourmet meals and for those seeking a sophisticated sparkling water experience. I visit the Loire Valley fairly often and usually enjoy this local favorite during my time there. When in Rome!

Chateldon

On the more exclusive side, Chateldon, a naturally sparkling water from the Auvergne region, offers a refined, smooth texture with rich bicarbonates. Once favored by Louis XIV, this historical water is best suited for fine dining and luxury experiences, where its exclusivity and elegant profile shine. Chateldon became known at the court of kings at Versailles for his digestive virtues. It is said that under Louis XIV, Chateldon was transported in cylinders from Auvergne to the King’s table at Versailles. Fagon, Physician of the Court, is said to have recommended it to the King for its medicinal virtues. Under Louis XV, Doctor Desbrest, King’s Councillor, praised it… The waters of Chateldon will often relieve you, sometimes heal you and always console you. It is no longer only the legendary benefits of this royal water that explain its prestige but its great purity, the delicacy of its bubbles and the flavor of its unique taste. But the story doesn’t end there… since it still adorns the tables of the greatest restaurants for the most refined tasting. I’m not going to lie – when Chateldon is an option, I always choose it. Quelle snob!

Whether for daily hydration, social occasions, or luxury dining, these French waters each offer a distinct experience tailored to different settings, with both still and sparkling varieties catering to different tastes and preferences.

Santé!