🇫🇷France · Tour Guide
How much to tip a tour guide in France (2026 Guide)
ExpectedCash preferred
€5–10 per person group; €20+ private; €5–10 per person for free walking tours
10–20% of the bill is the typical range.
Tipping calculator
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Cultural notes
Tipping a tour guide is genuinely expected in France, especially for free walking tours where the guide depends entirely on tips — €5–10 per person is realistic for a two-hour Paris walking tour. For booked group tours, €5 per person; for private guides, €20+ or 10–15% of the cost. Cash is essential — tours often happen outside, with no terminal.
Common mistakes
Walking off a "free" tour without tipping — the guide earns nothing without it.
Frequently asked questions
How much for a free walking tour in Paris?
€5–10 per person is fair, more for a long or excellent tour.
Private guide?
€20+ or 10–15% of the booking cost.
Tipping other services in France
- Sit-down restaurant€0 required (service compris); €1–5 per person or 5–10% for good service
- Counter / takeaway€0 — not customary
- CaféRound up or leave 20–50 centimes per drink
- BarRound up or leave 50¢–€1 per drink at the bar
- Housekeeping€2–5 per night, left in the room
- Porter€1–2 per bag
- Concierge€5–20 for a real favour
- TaxiRound up to nearest euro, or up to 5%
- RideshareOptional — €1–2 or round up via app
- Food delivery€1–2 in app or cash; more for difficult deliveries
- Grocery delivery€1–2 in cash; not expected
- Hairdresser€2–10, or roughly 5–10% for a longer service
- Spa5–10% if not already added
- Tattoo artist€0 — not customary; 10–15% if you do tip
- Valet€1–2 on return; €5+ at luxury hotels
- Airport baggage€1 per bag if you use a porter (rare)
- Busker€1–5 if you stopped to listen
- Movers€10–20 per mover, or €5 per hour each
- Tradesperson€0 — not customary
Tipping a tour guide in nearby countries
- 🇬🇧United Kingdom10–15% of tour cost, or £5–10 per person for free walking tours
- 🇮🇹Italy€5–10 per person half-day; €10–20 per person full-day; €10+ for free tours
- 🇪🇸Spain€5–10 per person half-day; €10+ full-day; €10–15 for free walking tours
- 🇩🇪Germany€5 per person group, €10–20 per person for free walking tours, 10% private
Last verified: · Sources: afar.com, secretsofparis.com