8 Unspoken Rules for Eating in Public in France

Eating on the go is second nature in some countries. In France, it isn’t. If you’re traveling and wondering when and where it’s okay to snack, especially in public spaces or on public transport, here’s what experienced travelers and locals consistently observe.

Eating in Public Is Fine But Quietly Watched

In theory, you can eat in many public places in France. In practice, it depends how and where. Snacking on a park bench is fine. Bringing a sandwich to a museum is not.

Walking and eating at the same time still draws attention. It’s often seen as rushed, messy, or touristy.

Even locals who snack between meals usually pause to eat. You’ll see them sit on low walls, steps, or benches, even if just for five minutes. It shows you’re not treating food like fuel.

Trains Are a Mixed Bag

On French trains, food is everywhere, but not always welcome. On long-distance trains like TGVs, it’s common to see people with sandwiches, pastries, even bottles of wine. Some cars have tray tables. Some have restaurant bars.

But suburban trains like the RER (especially Paris to Versailles) are a different story. These trains are often packed, standing-room only. There’s no table. No garbage bin. No staff checking tickets. They’re designed for daily commutes.

If you’re wedged between other passengers, unwrapping food will feel awkward, even if no one stops you.

Still, many travelers report eating a quick snack or feeding kids during the ride without issue. As long as it’s discreet, quiet, and cleaned up afterward.

Don’t Assume Every Train Has a Bathroom or Trash Can

If you’re heading out on a regional or suburban train, like the RER from Paris to Versailles, plan ahead. These trains often have no toilet and no trash bin. They’re built for short commutes, not long rides.

If you’re bringing food, this means two things: go to the bathroom beforehand, and carry your trash with you the entire way.

Several people are surprised by this, especially those used to more equipped trains. If your meal includes anything that might need cleanup (like yogurt, fruit, or a drink), make sure you’re prepared. A plastic bag, a few napkins, and hand wipes go a long way.

Skip the Stinky Stuff

France loves its cheese, but don’t mistake that for a pass on smelly food. Fast food, tuna sandwiches, eggs, ripe camembert, if it has a strong smell, expect looks. It doesn’t matter if it tastes amazing. On a crowded train or closed metro car, the smell takes over the space.

Several travelers mention this as a key point. Even if others are eating, they tend to stick with mild items: baguettes, packaged sandwiches, croissants, fruit. Anything that smells aggressively savory, oily, or fishy is considered disruptive.

Clean Up Like a Local

If you eat in a public space or on a train, it’s not enough to avoid a mess, you need to make it look like you were never there. That’s the standard.

One traveler shared how they saw a man eat a huge sandwich that spilled on the floor. He cleaned every crumb before getting off. That’s the expectation. There’s no such thing as “the staff will take care of it” in this context.

If you drop a wrapper or crumb and walk away, you’re the rude one, even if your food was polite.

The Picnic Alternative Is Stronger Than You Think

A lot of people suggest skipping the train snack and eating in Versailles instead. And not just because it’s polite, it’s a better experience.

There’s a big market just outside the station, with bakeries, fruit stands, cheese vendors. It’s easy to grab what you want, then head into the palace gardens for a picnic.

Many travelers report doing this and loving it. The gardens are beautiful and calm, and nobody minds if you sit down for lunch.

If the weather’s good, this beats juggling sandwich wrappers on a crowded commuter train.

Kids Can Snack, But Be Smart About It

Everyone agrees that a sandwich and apple for children is fine. No one in France is going to scold you for feeding your kids on a train. But the same rules apply: no strong smells, no mess, no crumbs on the seat.

Also: don’t let your kids walk around with food in hand, especially on moving trains. And whatever you do, don’t let them put their feet on seats, not even on the edges. This isn’t just frowned upon, it’s fined. Multiple people get fined €60-€100 on the spot, without warning.

Context & Crowd Levels Matter

In France, the behavior around food depends on context. On the train to Disneyland? People snack freely.

On a packed weekday metro in central Paris? People keep their food in their bags. At Roland Garros? Everyone brings food. In a boutique or gallery? Eating is inappropriate.

Some visitors expect rules to be consistent, but you’re expected to use judgment. Look around. See what others are doing. If you’re the only person eating, there may be a reason for that.