General

Holidays by Destination Europe France General Eating Out 

Ask French hotels whether children are allowed to eat in the restaurant and you will receive some old-fashioned looks. Of course they are, and even three-star Michelin establishments usually tolerate a low level of childish fidgeting. They can hope for good food too. We have seen beautifully prepared dishes just for children, so they don't feel that they are receiving second class treatment.

If you have concerns about the behaviour of yours being acceptable, go for somewhere noisy, such as a brasserie, or outdoors where noise is less of a problem, children seem to feel less restricted, and may rebel less against having to sit down.

If you have a child who does not eat enough to warrant ordering a separate dish, most restaurants are happy to let little ones share with their parents. (The French ask for a 'couvert' ie plate and cutlery, so as to serve the child from the adult meal, however, restaurants get irritated if you ask for too many of these in proportion to paying adults). The only time we found this entirely ruled out was at an eat-as-much-as-you-like buffet.

In most restaurants you should be able to find something suitable on the menu but failing that something with eggs or cold chicken and chips are usually available.