In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore Best and Useful French travel phrases used by native speakers. These phrases will help you navigate the vibrant and culturally rich world of French-speaking destinations. From greetings and polite expressions to dining, shopping, getting around, and sightseeing, you’ll be equipped to engage with locals, explore new places, and enhance your travel experience.
French Greetings
- Bonjour – Good morning.
- Bonsoir – Good evening.
- Salut – Hi.
- Comment ça va ? – How are you?
- Enchanté(e) – Nice to meet you.
French Farewell Phrases
- Au revoir – Goodbye.
- À bientôt – See you soon.
- Bonne journée – Have a nice day.
- Bonne soirée – Have a good evening.
- À la prochaine – Until next time.
French Polite Phrases
- S’il vous plaît – Please.
- Merci – Thank you.
- De rien – You’re welcome.
- Excusez-moi – Excuse me.
- Je suis désolé(e) – I’m sorry.
French Travel Inquiries
- Où est… ? – Where is…?
- Combien ça coûte ? – How much does it cost?
- Pouvez-vous m’aider ? – Can you help me?
- Parlez-vous anglais ? – Do you speak English?
- Quand ouvre/ferme… ? – When does… open/close?
French Travel Directions
- Tout droit – Straight ahead.
- À gauche – To the left.
- À droite – To the right.
- Loin – Far.
- Près d’ici – Near here.
Dining Travel Phrases
- La carte, s’il vous plaît – The menu, please.
- Je voudrais… – I would like…
- L’addition, s’il vous plaît – The bill, please.
- Délicieux – Delicious.
- L’eau, s’il vous plaît – Water, please.
Shopping French Travel Phrases
- Combien ça coûte ? – How much does it cost?
- Je voudrais l’acheter – I would like to buy it.
- Négocier – To bargain.
- Taille – Size.
- La couleur – Color.
Getting Around
- Où est la gare ? – Where is the train station?
- Un billet aller simple/aller-retour, s’il vous plaît – One-way/round-trip ticket, please.
- Le métro – The subway.
- Taxi – Taxi.
- Plan de la ville – City map.
French Conversation Phrases
- Comment vous appelez-vous ? – What is your name?
- Parlez plus lentement, s’il vous plaît – Speak more slowly, please.
- Je ne comprends pas – I don’t understand.
- Pouvez-vous répéter ? – Can you repeat that?
- C’est magnifique – It’s beautiful.
Sightseeing Phrases
- C’est très impressionnant – It’s very impressive.
- C’est incroyable – It’s incredible.
- Je veux prendre une photo – I want to take a photo.
- Quelle vue magnifique – What a beautiful view.
- C’est une œuvre d’art – It’s a work of art.
At the Market
- Combien coûte ceci ? – How much is this?
- Je cherche… – I’m looking for…
- Pouvez-vous me montrer ? – Can you show me?
- C’est trop cher – It’s too expensive.
- Je prends deux – I’ll take two.
Asking for Help
- À l’aide ! – Help!
- J’ai besoin d’assistance médicale – I need medical assistance.
- Mon passeport a été volé – My passport was stolen.
- La police – The police.
- Où est l’hôpital le plus proche ? – Where is the nearest hospital?
Final Thoughts
These French travel phrases and the books are your key to unlocking a more immersive and enjoyable travel experience. Speaking the local language allows you to connect with people, discover hidden gems, and truly savor the culture. Whether you’re dining in Paris, shopping in Nice, or sightseeing in Quebec, these phrases will help you make the most of your journey. Bon voyage!