Essential French Phrases for Travelers (That Locals Actually Use)
When you’re heading to France—whether it’s for a week in Paris, wine-tasting in Bordeaux, or sunbathing in Nice—you don’t need to master the entire language. But you do need to know how to sound like you didn’t just pull phrases from a 90s travel book.
Why? Because French locals appreciate effort, and there’s a world of difference between “textbook French” and what people actually say. This guide gives you essential, real-life French phrases that will help you connect, get around, and avoid awkward moments—all while sounding natural.
We’re skipping over-studied phrases like Comment allez-vous? (unless you’re trying to impress your French professor). Instead, we’ll focus on what real people say in cafés, metro stations, shops, and daily life.
Ready to sound like a savvy traveler, not a lost tourist? Let’s dive in.
1. Starting Off Right: Basic Politeness That Goes a Long Way
Politeness is the foundation of French culture. Forget to say hello or thank you, and you’ll likely get the dreaded cold stare. These basics will keep your interactions smooth and respectful.
Bonjour ! – Hello! (Used until evening)
Bonsoir ! – Good evening! (Used after 6 p.m.)
Merci ! – Thank you!
Merci beaucoup ! – Thank you very much!
S’il vous plaît. – Please. (Formal)
S’il te plaît. – Please. (Informal)
Excusez-moi. – Excuse me.
Pardon. – Sorry / excuse me
Je suis désolé(e). – I’m sorry.
Avec plaisir. – With pleasure.
Enchanté(e). – Nice to meet you.
Comment allez-vous ? / Ça va ? – How are you? (Formal / Informal)
It’s not just about words—it’s about attitude. Make eye contact, smile, speak clearly. Always say “Bonjour” before asking for anything. When leaving, “Au revoir” is equally important.
Stick to formal expressions when in doubt. French etiquette is built around respect, and these small acts go a long way in making your stay pleasant.
2. Ordering Food Like a Local
Food is serious business in France. Whether you're grabbing a croissant or dining at a Michelin-starred bistro, using the right phrases makes your experience smoother.
At a Café:
Un café, s’il vous plaît. – A coffee, please.
Un espresso / un noisette. – An espresso / espresso with milk.
Un verre de vin rouge/blanc. – A glass of red/white wine.
Un croissant / un pain au chocolat. – A croissant / chocolate croissant.
Je vais prendre… – I’ll have…
Je voudrais… – I would like…
C’est tout, merci. – That’s all, thank you.
Pour ici ou à emporter ? – For here or to go?
Un thé / une infusion. – A tea / herbal tea.
Un jus d’orange / une eau minérale. – An orange juice / mineral water.
At a Restaurant:
La carte, s’il vous plaît. – The menu, please.
Qu’est-ce que vous recommandez ? – What do you recommend?
Quelle est la spécialité de la maison ? – What’s the house specialty?
Je suis allergique à… – I’m allergic to…
C’est délicieux ! – It’s delicious!
L’addition, s’il vous plaît. – The bill, please.
On peut partager ? – Can we share?
Est-ce que le service est compris ? – Is service included?
Un menu fixe / à la carte ? – Fixed menu / à la carte?
Avez-vous des options végétariennes ? – Do you have vegetarian options?
Meals in France are leisurely, and you’ll often need to request the bill. Tipping is optional—round up or leave a euro or two for good service.
3. Navigating the Streets, Trains, and Métro
French cities are walkable and well-connected by public transport, but you’ll need some basic vocabulary to get around.
Directions:
Où est… ? – Where is…?
Où sont les toilettes ? – Where are the restrooms?
Comment aller à… ? – How do I get to…?
C’est loin ? – Is it far?
Tournez à droite / gauche. – Turn right / left.
Prenez la première rue à droite. – Take the first street on the right.
Transportation:
Un ticket de métro, s’il vous plaît. – A metro ticket, please.
Un carnet de tickets. – A pack of 10 metro tickets.
Ce bus va-t-il à la Tour Eiffel ? – Does this bus go to the Eiffel Tower?
Où est la station la plus proche ? – Where is the nearest station?
Je dois changer à quelle station ? – Where do I transfer?
Validate all train tickets or risk a fine—even if it’s paid. Don’t hesitate to ask locals for help. Most are happy to guide you.
4. Shopping and Markets
From flea markets to chic boutiques, France offers a rich shopping experience. Use these phrases to navigate like a pro:
Combien ça coûte ? – How much does it cost?
C’est combien ? – How much is it?
C’est trop cher ! – It’s too expensive!
Vous avez ça en bleu ? – Do you have this in blue?
Vous avez ça en taille M ? – Do you have it in size M?
Je regarde, merci. – I’m just looking, thank you.
Je le prends. – I’ll take it.
Un sac, s’il vous plaît. – A bag, please.
Vous acceptez la carte ? – Do you accept cards?
Est-ce que c’est en solde ? – Is this on sale?
Markets are friendly places. Smile, greet the vendor, and show interest. That interaction is half the fun.
5. In Case of Emergency
Just in case, here are phrases for those unexpected moments:
Je suis perdu(e). – I’m lost.
Pouvez-vous m’aider ? – Can you help me?
J’ai besoin d’un médecin. – I need a doctor.
Appelez la police ! – Call the police!
C’est une urgence. – It’s an emergency.
J’ai perdu mon passeport. – I lost my passport.
Où est la pharmacie la plus proche ? – Where is the nearest pharmacy?
J’ai mal à la tête / au ventre. – I have a headache / stomachache.
Un hôpital, s’il vous plaît. – A hospital, please.
Carry a small card with your allergy or medical info in French. Most pharmacies can help with basic ailments.
6. Everyday Expressions Locals Use
Skip the stiff textbook talk and use these:
Pas de souci ! – No problem!
Ça marche. – Sounds good.
C’est pas grave. – No big deal.
T’inquiète. – Don’t worry.
Tu rigoles ? – Are you kidding?
C’est chiant. – That’s annoying. (Informal)
Il y a du monde ! – It’s crowded!
J’en peux plus ! – I can’t take it anymore!
These expressions help you sound natural—and understand locals in real life.
7. Making Small Talk
Want to connect with someone in line or at a café? Try:
Il fait beau, hein ? – Nice weather, huh?
Vous êtes d’ici ? – Are you from here?
Première fois à Paris ? – First time in Paris?
C’est sympa ici. – It’s nice here.
Vous parlez très bien anglais ! – You speak great English!
Small talk doesn’t need to be deep—just pleasant and respectful.
8. At Your Hotel or Airbnb
Smooth over check-in with these:
J’ai une réservation. – I have a reservation.
À quelle heure est le petit-déjeuner ? – What time is breakfast?
La clé, s’il vous plaît. – The key, please.
Le Wi-Fi fonctionne ? – Does the Wi-Fi work?
Où est l’ascenseur ? – Where’s the elevator?
Pouvez-vous appeler un taxi ? – Can you call a taxi?
Un plan de la ville ? – A city map?
9. Slang to Know (Use with Care)
Want to impress younger Parisians? Try these (casually!):
C’est ouf ! – That’s crazy!
Grave ! – Totally!
Bof… – Meh…
C’est relou. – It’s annoying.
J’sais pas. – I dunno.
T’es sérieux ? – Are you serious?
C’est pas terrible. – It’s not great.
Slang is fun—but only in the right setting. Listen first, then try.
10. How to Practice Before You Go
Confidence comes with practice:
Watch YouTube vlogs in French
Label items in your home
Speak aloud daily
Practice at our school or with a tutor
Roleplay travel scenarios
👉 Join our French classes in Berkeley or online for real-life speaking confidence.
Final Word
French locals don’t expect perfection—but they appreciate when you try. A few well-pronounced phrases and a warm smile go a long way in cafés, trains, and even tough situations.
Use this list, practice regularly, and enjoy a deeper, more authentic experience in France.
📚 Read More from Our Blog:
👉 French Number Agreement: Rules, Exceptions, And Best Practices
👉 How To Conquer French Verb Conjugations: A Beginner's Guide
👉 French Classes At Polyglottist Language Academy – In-Person & Online Worldwide
Want more help? Check out our French classes here.
Bon voyage et à bientôt ! 🇫🇷✈️