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The lightest mineral water in France: top 10 compared
Among the mineral waters available in France in the h2oMatch database, these have the lowest fixed residue values.
In the context of bottled water, ‘lightness’ refers to a low level of total dissolved minerals, measured as fixed residue. This is a key characteristic that influences taste and the water's official classification.
Lightest Mineral Waters in France (selection)
Here are some of the lightest mineral waters available in France, in the h2oMatch database.
| Water | Fixed residue (mg/L) | Sodium (mg/L) |
|---|---|---|
| Montcalm | 32 | 2.2 |
| Mont Roucous | 33 | 3 |
| Volvic | 130 | 12 |
| Mont Blanc | 134 | 1.5 |
| Ogeu | 250 | 16 |
| Plancoët | 257 | 32 |
| Thonon | 342 | 6 |
| Evian | 345 | 6.5 |
| Chambon | 349 | 10.6 |
| Perrier | 456 | 9.6 |
Montcalm and Mont Roucous are almost identical at 32 and 33 mg/L, then fixed residue roughly quadruples to 130 mg/L for Volvic. Light waters can still differ in sodium: Plancoët contains 32 mg/L, far more than the two leaders.
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Get your h2oMatch recommendationLight mineral waters from France
Waters with a very low fixed residue generally have a neutral taste. This makes them a frequent choice for everyday hydration and for preparing beverages like coffee or tea, where a neutral water profile is often preferred.
Many of France's lightest waters originate in mountainous regions. This is due to geology: areas with poorly soluble rocks, like the granite of the Pyrenees and parts of the Massif Central, release very few minerals into the water.
Want to understand what fixed residue means? Read our guide on fixed residue in mineral water →
Explore light waters across Europe and by country
Compare French light waters with the lightest mineral waters in Europe, or explore options in other countries.
Explore Other Water Profiles in France
Looking for a different mineral balance? Explore other types of mineral waters available in France.
FAQ
What is the lightest mineral water in France?
Montcalm, at 32 mg/L of fixed residue, is the lightest in the h2oMatch database, followed very closely by Mont Roucous (33 mg/L). The top 10 appears in the table above.
What does 'very low mineralisation' mean?
It is a regulatory category for natural mineral waters whose fixed residue does not exceed 50 mg/L. Waters with a fixed residue between 50 and 500 mg/L are categorized as having ‘low mineral content’. In this ranking, only Montcalm and Mont Roucous qualify as ‘very low’.
Is fixed residue the same as sodium?
No, fixed residue measures all dissolved minerals, while sodium is just one of them. For example, Mont Blanc has a higher fixed residue than Mont Roucous (134 vs 33 mg/L) but less sodium (1.5 vs 3 mg/L).
Why do the lightest waters available in France come from the mountains?
This is typically due to geology. The lightest waters often emerge from regions with poorly soluble rocks like granite, which impart very few minerals to the water as it passes through.
Is a light water suitable for preparing infant bottles?
A low fixed residue alone is not sufficient. For this use, you should rely on the official statement ‘suitable for the preparation of infant food’ on the bottle's label, which confirms the water meets all required criteria.
All values are based on official mineral water labels and the h2oMatch database.