French Signs You’ll See Everywhere—And What They Actually Mean
Introduction: Decoding France, One Sign at a Time 🌍📝
Imagine this: You’re walking through the streets of Paris, Marseille, or Lyon. A sign reads "Sortie" over a doorway. Another near the metro says "Validation Obligatoire." There’s a small plaque by a door that reads "Interphone." And on a charming corner café, you see a handwritten note: "Fermeture exceptionnelle." What does it all mean?
French signs are everywhere, and they’re an essential part of navigating life in France. They tell you how to exit the train, where to validate your ticket, whether the boulangerie is open, and even what to expect in an emergency. But to non-native speakers, they can seem confusing, vague, or even unintentionally funny.
The truth is, learning to read French signs is one of the fastest ways to feel more confident, more fluent, and more "in the know" when traveling or living in France. Signs offer bite-sized pieces of language that are repeated everywhere—perfect for practice and real-world vocabulary building.
Even more importantly, signs in France reflect culture, habits, and values. A handwritten note may show warmth or irony. A government notice might be long, formal, and full of bureaucratic flair. Reading signs helps you understand not just language, but mentality. Whether you're lost in a metro station or standing in front of a locked door, decoding the sign can mean the difference between stress and ease.
In this guide, we’ll explore the most common French signs you’ll see around cities, towns, and villages—and break down what they actually mean. We’ll include transportation signs, official notices, shop announcements, and even a few quirky handwritten ones that offer insight into the culture. Let’s decode France, one sign at a time.
1. Transport and Travel Signs 🌏🚌
Sortie – Exit
You’ll see this at every metro, train station, airport, shopping mall, and public building. It's crucial to know this word when finding your way out. Often posted in bold white letters on a blue or green background, it's your key to not looking lost when you leave.
Sometimes it's accompanied by arrows pointing in different directions, which can be confusing if you're in a big station with multiple exits. Knowing that sortie = exit helps you orient yourself quickly.
Correspondance – Transfer
Used mainly in metros and train stations, this sign helps you navigate from one line to another. You’ll see it when moving between Line 1 and Line 6 in the Paris Metro, for example. It's the French equivalent of "connections."
Sometimes, these corridors are long or include escalators. Seeing Correspondance is your cue that you're not lost—just in a transition.
Accès interdit / Entrée interdite – No entry
Whether it’s a one-way street or a restricted door, these signs tell you where not to go. Accès interdit is more common on roads, while Entrée interdite may be seen in offices or back rooms.
They’re often in red and white, mimicking stop signs. Ignoring them might get you a whistle from a security guard—or a fine.
Ralentir – Slow down
This is more than a traffic command. You may see it in residential areas, near schools, or even in shared pedestrian zones. It signals caution.
It’s a useful verb to recognize in other contexts too, such as learning materials, where it might be used metaphorically to slow down speech.
Validation Obligatoire – Ticket validation required
In many train stations or buses, you’ll see machines marked Validez votre billet. Not validating can lead to hefty fines—even if you bought a valid ticket.
Some cities use contactless cards, others still require paper tickets. Always look for this reminder when boarding.
Guichet – Ticket window or counter
Whether you're buying train tickets or asking for information, this is where to go. Most guichets are labeled with numbers and may have different purposes—one for refunds, another for sales.
It’s a useful word in banks and post offices too, where it also means "counter."
Retard prévu – Expected delay
Useful when traveling—particularly by train or flight. You might see a display board showing "Retard prévu: 15 min." That’s your heads-up.
Listen for this word in announcements too: "Nous vous informons d’un retard prévu…"
Voie / Quai – Platform
Voie (track) is usually used in train stations, while quai (platform) is common in metros or smaller stations. Always double-check the number so you’re not waiting on the wrong side.
2. Public and Government Signs 🚧📜
Mairie – Town hall
The mairie is where you go for birth certificates, marriage licenses, voting, and local events. The building often has a French flag and official signage.
If you're staying in one place long-term, you'll likely interact with your mairie for residency papers, housing requests, or local information.
Interdiction de stationner – No parking
This one appears frequently, especially in cities with narrow streets. It might be permanent or temporary.
Look for accompanying dates/times—it could mean no parking during market hours or street cleaning.
Propriété privée – Private property
You’ll see this on gates and fences. It's a polite but firm warning to stay out.
Sometimes it’s paired with défense d’entrer (no entry) or vidéosurveillance en place (video surveillance in use).
Sortie de camions – Truck exit
You’ll find this near warehouses or shops with regular deliveries. If you park there, your car might get towed.
The presence of this sign often means heavy traffic or loading zones—use caution when walking or cycling.
Affichage libre – Free display
These are public bulletin boards, often managed by the city. You’ll find posters for concerts, markets, political meetings, or language classes.
They’re a great place to discover local culture—and practice reading real-world French.
Zone piétonne – Pedestrian zone
Indicates car-free streets. Common in old towns, tourist areas, and commercial districts.
These zones are often lively with performers, open-air cafés, and markets. Knowing you're in one means less worry about cars—and more fun walking.
Stationnement réservé – Reserved parking
These spots might be for residents, delivery vehicles, or disabled drivers. Misusing them can lead to fines.
Look for accompanying icons (wheelchairs, loading symbols) or text clarifying who can use the space.
Défense d'afficher – Post no bills
Common on walls or doors. It forbids unauthorized posters and flyers.
Despite this, you might still see political slogans or graffiti. That contrast reflects France's vibrant street culture.
3. Shop and Business Signs 🌍🌿
Ouvert / Fermé – Open / Closed
Basic but essential. Some stores also use sliders with hours.
Pay attention to lunch breaks—Fermé de 12h à 14h means closed for lunch, common in smaller towns.
Fermeture exceptionnelle – Exceptionally closed
Used for unexpected closures—vacation, illness, family emergency.
It often includes a handwritten date of return. Don’t be surprised if it lasts longer than expected!
Horaires d’ouverture – Opening hours
Usually listed on doors or windows, often split by morning and afternoon blocks.
Monday closings (fermé le lundi) are also common, especially for restaurants and museums.
Service continu – All-day service
Rare and precious. It means you can eat outside of set lunch/dinner hours.
Especially helpful for travelers adjusting to local dining schedules.
CB acceptée – Credit cards accepted
Helpful to know, since not all places accept cards—especially for small purchases.
Some also specify CB uniquement (card only), or note which networks (Visa, MasterCard).
Minimum CB: 10€ – Minimum card purchase
Many shops have minimums, especially for low-margin items.
If you don’t meet the minimum, they may ask for cash or decline the transaction.
Merci de patienter – Thank you for waiting
Common in bakeries, pharmacies, or service counters.
You’ll also hear the spoken version, often said kindly when lines grow long.
Retrait en caisse – Pay at the register
Means bring your items to the cashier—often used for perfume, beauty items, or locked merchandise.
It’s your cue not to try opening or taking the item to a different part of the store.
4. Cultural and Everyday Notices 🏛️🎭
Interphone – Buzzer or call box
Found at residential buildings. Usually lists names or apartment numbers.
Say "Bonjour, c’est [your name]" when buzzing someone in.
Appuyez ici – Press here
Seen on ticket machines, soap dispensers, and doors.
It’s a handy verb to know in general: appuyer means to press or support.
Toilettes publiques – Public restrooms
Sometimes just marked "WC." Often require coins or a code from a café receipt.
In cities, they might be automated cleaning stalls—watch the timing!
Chiens interdits / Tenir votre chien en laisse – No dogs / Keep dogs on leash
Dog-friendly France still posts these near bakeries, food shops, or delicate areas.
You may also see signs specifying dog-friendly hours or leash-free zones.
Attention au chien – Beware of dog
Not always aggressive—often posted even for small breeds.
Think of it as a "heads-up" more than a warning.
Silence SVP – Quiet please
Common in hospitals, museums, or spiritual spaces.
Also seen on trains in "carte silence" cars for peaceful travel.
Ascenseur en panne – Elevator out of order
Seen in older buildings or during strikes. It might include a time estimate or alternative.
Often handwritten, with an apology and a shrug.
Chèques non acceptés – Checks not accepted
Checks are falling out of fashion. Most places prefer cards or cash.
Especially true in tourist zones where staff want quicker payments.
5. Quirky, Local, or Handwritten Signs 🌬️🗺️
Merci de ne pas toucher – Please do not touch
Seen in shops, bakeries, art studios. Respect the request—some items are fragile or custom.
You may also see Ne pas toucher, merci in markets.
Attention au marchepied – Mind the step
Important in historic buildings, cafés, or temporary constructions.
It helps you avoid an awkward trip or stumble.
Pas de publicité SVP – No ads or flyers, please
A polite but firm sign on mailboxes. Common in apartment buildings.
Sometimes includes additions like Sauf informations municipales (except town info).
On est en terrasse ! – We’re on the terrace!
A fun and informal note left by shopkeepers or café staff during breaks.
Often scrawled with an arrow or smiley face.
En vacances jusqu’au 24 août – On holiday until August 24
It’s very French to take 3+ weeks off in August. Don’t be shocked.
Watch for similar signs near Easter and Christmas too.
Revenez demain – Come back tomorrow
Common in markets or artisan shops. Friendly, not dismissive.
Often paired with Merci de votre compréhension.
En grève – On strike
Used on storefronts, buses, schools, and public offices.
Sometimes paired with messages of solidarity or political slogans.
Travaux en cours – Work in progress
Seen on roads, in buildings, or museums. It might signal detours or noise.
The sign may include time frames or alternative access instructions.
Why Learning French Through Signs Works 🎓
French signs are repetitive, highly visible, and often accompanied by images—perfect for language learners. They're also rich with context, helping you remember words like fermeture, accès, and obligatoire with little effort.
Each sign reinforces key vocabulary and grammar, from imperatives (e.g., appuyez, ralentir) to negation (e.g., interdiction de, pas de). Think of it as a daily, free immersion experience. The more signs you recognize, the more fluent your world becomes.
Signs make French feel tangible. They’re everywhere, every day. You learn without studying, just by moving through the world. It’s a rewarding and empowering way to see your language progress—and feel like a local.
Learn French the Real-Life Way 🌟
At Polyglottist Language Academy, we teach French that helps you thrive in real-world situations. Whether you’re traveling, relocating, or dreaming of a croissant-fueled afternoon in Paris, our classes will help you confidently read signs, navigate cities, and engage with locals.
Our immersive approach helps you go beyond textbooks—into the streets, cafés, museums, and boulangeries where language actually lives. Learn French that makes sense where it matters most.
Click here to start learning the kind of French that actually shows up in everyday life—from metro signs to handwritten notes on boulangerie doors.