Even if you're just starting out or somewhere in the middle of your learning journey, knowing a few basic French expressions can truly transform your travel experience. 

These everyday phrases will help you feel more confident, connect with locals more easily, and avoid the awkward silence that can happen when you're not sure what to say. The good news? You don’t need to be fluent — just a few well-chosen expressions can open doors (and win smiles). 

🧳 Why Learning a Few Key French Phrases Matters

In France, even a small effort to speak the local language is appreciated. It’s not just polite — it’s cultural. Greeting someone with a cheerful “Bonjour !” isn’t optional; it’s considered essential in everyday interactions. Whether you're asking for directions or ordering a coffee, starting with a proper greeting shows respect and immediately sets a friendly tone.

Making the effort to communicate in French — even at a basic level — often leads to better service, warmer interactions, and a deeper connection to the places you visit.

🇫🇷 Top 10 Basic French Expressions for Travel

Let’s dive into the essential phrases that every traveler should have in their pocket this summer:

1. Bonjour / Bonsoir – Hello / Good evening

Use “Bonjour” in the daytime and “Bonsoir” in the evening.
✅ Always say hello when entering a shop, speaking to a waiter, or approaching someone.
📣 Pronunciation tip: Say it like bohn-zhoor, not “bon-jer.”

2. Je voudrais… – I would like…

Polite and practical for cafés, shops, and anywhere you’re making a request.
Example: Je voudrais un café, s’il vous plaît.
📌 More polite than je veux, which can sound a bit too blunt.
📣 Practice the soft French “r” in voudrais.

3. Excusez-moi, est-ce que vous pouvez m’aider ? – Excuse me, could you help me?

This is a very polite and friendly way to ask for assistance — more effective than just asking if someone speaks English.
✅ Bonus phrase: Je cherche la gare = I’m looking for the train station.
👂 Add: S’il vous plaît to soften any request.

4. Combien ça coûte ? – How much does it cost?

Use this in markets, boutiques, or ticket counters.
📣 “Combien” sounds like kohm-byen.
💬 You can follow up with: C’est trop cher ! (That’s too expensive!)

5. Où sont les toilettes ? – Where are the restrooms?

Trust us — this one will come in handy.
✅ Add “s’il vous plaît” to keep it polite.

6. Je ne comprends pas – I don’t understand

A helpful phrase when you get lost in conversation.
Add: Pouvez-vous répéter, s’il vous plaît ? (Could you repeat, please?)

7. Pouvez-vous m’aider ? – Can you help me?

Perfect for asking for directions, using public transport, or in emergencies.
✅ Extra vocab:

• Perdu(e) = lost

• Une carte = a map
  
  

8. L’addition, s’il vous plaît – The bill, please

Use this after your meal at a café or restaurant.
🚫 Don’t say “check” — it’s not used in France.

9. C’est délicieux ! – It’s delicious!

Show your appreciation for French cuisine.
Try: Merci, c’était très bon (Thank you, it was very good)

10. Pardon / Excusez-moi – Sorry / Excuse me

Use “Pardon” if you bump into someone.
Use “Excusez-moi” when trying to get someone’s attention or pass by.

❌ Mistakes English Speakers Often Make in French

Here are a few common traps you can avoid to sound more natural:

• ❗ Skipping greetings – In France, not saying “Bonjour” can come off as rude. It’s absolutely essential in French culture, even for brief interactions.
  
  

• ❗ Sounding too direct – Using “Je veux” (I want) instead of “Je voudrais” (I would like) sounds pushy.
  
  

• ❗ Translating too literally – French often uses different expressions and structures. Try to learn phrases as a whole, rather than word by word.
  
  

• ❗ Mispronouncing nasal sounds – Practice sounds like on, en, and in to be more easily understood.
  
  

🧱 How to Build Simple Sentences in French

As a beginner, you can already start making your own sentences with this basic structure:

Subject + Verb + Object
E.g.: Je + prends + le métro → I take the metro

Start with verbs like:

• Je suis – I am
  
  

• J’ai – I have
  
  

• Je vais – I go / I’m going
  
  

• Je voudrais – I would like
  
  

Then mix in vocabulary you need for travel: train, ticket, map, suitcase, etc.

💬 Let’s Chat!

Have a favorite expression you’ve used while traveling in France?
Leave a comment below — I’d love to hear what worked for you!
Or let me know what French situation you’d like help preparing for — I’ll cover it in a future post.

🙋 FAQ: Basic French for Travel – What Learners Ask Most

What are the most useful French phrases for tourists?

Definitely start with Bonjour, Je voudrais, and Où sont les toilettes ?. These cover greetings, basic requests, and asking for help — the essentials!

Is it rude to speak English in France?

Not at all, but it’s considered polite to first greet someone in French and ask gently if they speak English. Starting with "Bonjour, excusez-moi, est-ce que vous parlez anglais ?" shows cultural awareness.

How can I improve my pronunciation before my trip?

Practice speaking aloud daily, use French podcasts or YouTube videos, and repeat after native speakers. Focus on tricky sounds like nasal vowels and silent letters. 

👉 Check here my post about Best French Podcasts for beginners.