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Since 1945, the consumption of bottled water has experienced spectacular growth in France, in the context of a general development in industrialised beverages in Europe. Initially, mineral water had a clear medical status attached to it. This image changed over the century and bottled water is now seen as just one consumer product among many. How did this process occur and to what extent can bottled water be called a mass consumption product? In order to answer this question, it is first necessary to measure the phenomenon both quantitatively and from a qualitative point of view. The analysis then attempts to offer some explanation for the complex nature of this particular market: increased corporate efficiency, technical innovations, the use of marketing, the role of large-scale distribution. Finally, the article tries to analyse consumer motivations.