50 Essential French Phrases for Travel (Plus How to Pronounce Them)

Author: Henri Falque-Pierrotin · Published: 2026-04-30 · Updated: 2026-04-30 · Category: Learn French

50 essential French phrases for travel with IPA pronunciation, literal translation and when to use each. Hotels, restaurants, transport and more.

A French waiter once told me he could always spot the visitors who would have a great trip and the ones who would leave grumpy, and the difference came down to a single word. The first group said Bonjour before anything else. The second launched straight into English. France runs on small courtesies, and learning even fifteen phrases will change every interaction.

This guide gives you fifty French phrases real travellers actually use, organised by situation. Each phrase includes a simplified pronunciation guide, a literal translation, and a quick note on when to use it. We have also added a short section on the pronunciation traps (silent letters, liaisons, the dreaded French r).

If you want a deeper foundation, see our everyday French phrases guide and our French pronunciation guide.

Greetings (5 Phrases)

Greetings are not optional in France. Walking into a shop without saying Bonjour is mildly rude.

1. Bonjour

Pronunciation: bohn-zhoor Literal: good day When to use: every time you walk into a shop, restaurant, or office before noon (and often after). Pair with a small smile.

2. Bonsoir

Pronunciation: bohn-swahr Literal: good evening When to use: from late afternoon onwards. The exact transition from bonjour to bonsoir varies, but around 6pm is safe.

3. Salut

Pronunciation: sah-loo Literal: hi (informal) When to use: only with friends, peers, or younger people. Never in shops or formal settings.

4. Au revoir

Pronunciation: oh ruh-vwahr Literal: until seeing again When to use: leaving a shop, hotel, or restaurant. Always say it. The French notice when you do not.

5. Bonne journee / Bonne soiree

Pronunciation: bun zhoor-nay / bun swah-ray Literal: good day / good evening When to use: as you leave, instead of or after au revoir. Adds warmth.

At the Hotel (8 Phrases)

Hotel staff are usually patient but appreciate a basic effort.

6. J'ai une reservation au nom de [name]

Pronunciation: zhay oon ray-zair-vah-syohn oh nohm duh Literal: I have a reservation in the name of When to use: at check-in. Have your booking confirmation ready.

7. Avez-vous une chambre disponible ?

Pronunciation: ah-vay voo oon shahm-bruh dees-poh-nee-bluh Literal: have you a room available When to use: walking in without a booking. Outside Paris and high season this often works.

8. Pour combien de nuits ?

Pronunciation: poor kohm-byan duh nwee Literal: for how many nights When to use: you are likely to be asked this. The answer is pour deux nuits (for two nights), and so on.

9. Le petit dejeuner est inclus ?

Pronunciation: luh puh-tee day-zhuh-nay ay an-klu Literal: the little lunch is included (yes, breakfast is literally "little lunch") When to use: confirming whether breakfast is part of the rate.

10. A quelle heure est le petit dejeuner ?

Pronunciation: ah kell ur ay luh puh-tee day-zhuh-nay Literal: at what hour is the breakfast When to use: planning your morning.

11. Pouvez-vous appeler un taxi, s'il vous plait ?

Pronunciation: poo-vay voo ah-puh-lay un tahk-see seel voo play Literal: can you call a taxi please When to use: most hotels will arrange this for you.

12. La cle ne fonctionne pas

Pronunciation: lah klay nuh fohn-syon pah Literal: the key does not function When to use: any small problem with the room. Ne fonctionne pas is the polite way to say "is broken".

13. Je voudrais regler ma note

Pronunciation: zhuh voo-dray ray-glay mah note Literal: I would like to settle my note (bill) When to use: at check-out.

At the Restaurant (8 Phrases)

You wait to be seated, you do not split the bill by item, and you tip lightly because service is included.

14. Une table pour deux, s'il vous plait

Pronunciation: oon tah-bluh poor duh seel voo play Literal: a table for two please When to use: arriving at a restaurant. Adapt the number.

15. La carte, s'il vous plait

Pronunciation: lah cart seel voo play Literal: the menu please When to use: when seated. La carte is the menu, le menu is the fixed-price set meal. Confusing but important.

16. Qu'est-ce que vous recommandez ?

Pronunciation: kess kuh voo ruh-koh-mahn-day Literal: what is it that you recommend When to use: a great way to discover regional specialities and to charm the waiter.

17. Je vais prendre...

Pronunciation: zhuh vay prahn-druh Literal: I am going to take When to use: ordering. Add the dish name. Je vais prendre le poulet (I will have the chicken).

18. Une carafe d'eau, s'il vous plait

Pronunciation: oon kah-rahf doh seel voo play Literal: a carafe of water please When to use: tap water is free in France. Always ask for une carafe d'eau unless you want to pay for bottled.

19. C'est delicieux !

Pronunciation: say day-lee-syuh Literal: it is delicious When to use: when the waiter checks on you. Compliments make the rest of the meal smoother.

20. L'addition, s'il vous plait

Pronunciation: lah-dee-syohn seel voo play Literal: the bill please When to use: French waiters do not bring the bill until you ask. You may need to ask twice.

21. Est-ce que je peux payer par carte ?

Pronunciation: es-kuh zhuh puh pay-yay par cart Literal: is it that I can pay by card When to use: cards are accepted almost everywhere now, but smaller bistros sometimes have a minimum.

Transport (7 Phrases)

The French transport system is excellent but signs and announcements are often only in French.

22. Un billet pour [destination], s'il vous plait

Pronunciation: un bee-yay poor seel voo play Literal: a ticket for please When to use: at a ticket counter. Add the destination at the end.

23. Aller simple ou aller-retour ?

Pronunciation: ah-lay san-pluh oo ah-lay ruh-toor Literal: simple going or going-return When to use: you will be asked this. Aller-retour is round trip, aller simple is one way.

24. A quelle heure part le prochain train ?

Pronunciation: ah kell ur par luh proh-shan tran Literal: at what hour leaves the next train When to use: timetable confusion is universal.

25. C'est quel quai ?

Pronunciation: say kell kay Literal: it is which platform When to use: French trains often only display the platform fifteen minutes before departure. Asking helps.

26. Ou est la station de metro la plus proche ?

Pronunciation: oo ay lah stah-syohn duh may-troh lah ploo prosh Literal: where is the metro station the most near When to use: in any French city with a metro (Paris, Lyon, Marseille, Toulouse, others).

27. Je voudrais un Pass Navigo

Pronunciation: zhuh voo-dray un pahs nah-vee-goh Literal: I would like a Navigo pass When to use: in Paris specifically. The Navigo pass covers metro, bus, and RER.

28. C'est combien le trajet ?

Pronunciation: say kohm-byan luh trah-zhay Literal: it is how much the journey When to use: in a taxi or for a single journey.

Shopping (5 Phrases)

Shops in smaller towns expect a polite verbal exchange, not silent browsing.

29. Je regarde, merci

Pronunciation: zhuh ruh-gard mair-see Literal: I am looking, thanks When to use: a shop assistant asks if you need help and you want to browse.

30. C'est combien ?

Pronunciation: say kohm-byan Literal: it is how much When to use: any time something is not clearly priced.

31. Avez-vous cela en taille [size] ?

Pronunciation: ah-vay voo suh-lah ahn tie Literal: have you that in size When to use: clothes shopping. French sizing is European: 36, 38, 40, 42 for women.

32. Est-ce que je peux essayer ?

Pronunciation: es-kuh zhuh puh ess-eye-yay Literal: is it that I can try When to use: before going to the fitting room.

33. Je le prends

Pronunciation: zhuh luh prahn Literal: I take it When to use: closing the deal. Use je la prends for feminine items.

Emergencies (5 Phrases)

You are unlikely to need these, but being able to say them under stress matters.

34. Au secours !

Pronunciation: oh suh-koor Literal: to the help (help) When to use: in genuine danger. Loud and clear.

35. J'ai besoin d'un medecin

Pronunciation: zhay buh-zwan dun maid-san Literal: I have need of a doctor When to use: pharmacies (green cross) can also help with minor issues.

36. Appelez la police, s'il vous plait

Pronunciation: ah-puh-lay lah poh-lees seel voo play Literal: call the police please When to use: emergency number in France is 17 for police, 15 for medical, 18 for fire, 112 for general.

37. J'ai perdu mon passeport

Pronunciation: zhay pair-doo mohn pahs-por Literal: I have lost my passport When to use: you should also contact your embassy.

38. Je ne me sens pas bien

Pronunciation: zhuh nuh muh sahn pah byan Literal: I do not feel well When to use: any sudden discomfort. Pharmacists in France are well-trained and can advise.

Small Talk (8 Phrases)

These phrases turn a transaction into a conversation.

39. Comment allez-vous ?

Pronunciation: kuh-mahn tah-lay voo Literal: how are you going (formal) When to use: with adults you do not know. Less casual than the English equivalent.

40. Tres bien, merci

Pronunciation: tray byan mair-see Literal: very well, thank you When to use: the standard reply. The French rarely launch into details.

41. D'ou venez-vous ?

Pronunciation: doo vuh-nay voo Literal: from where come you When to use: someone is curious about you. The reply is Je viens de + your country.

42. C'est ma premiere fois en France

Pronunciation: say mah pruh-myair fwah ahn frahnss Literal: it is my first time in France When to use: explains your accent and usually earns recommendations.

43. J'adore votre ville

Pronunciation: zhah-dor voh-truh veel Literal: I adore your city When to use: works on shopkeepers, taxi drivers, and waiters everywhere.

44. Quel temps fait-il ?

Pronunciation: kell tahn fay-teel Literal: what weather does it do When to use: the universal small-talk topic.

45. Bon appetit

Pronunciation: bohn ah-pay-tee Literal: good appetite When to use: said by everyone (waiter, fellow diners, even strangers passing your table).

46. Sante !

Pronunciation: sahn-tay Literal: health When to use: French equivalent of cheers. Keep eye contact when you clink glasses.

Polite Asks (4 Phrases)

These four phrases make every request feel less abrupt.

47. Est-ce que vous pourriez m'aider, s'il vous plait ?

Pronunciation: es-kuh voo poor-ee-ay may-day seel voo play Literal: is it that you could help me please When to use: any request for help. Sounds genuinely polite.

48. Pardon de vous deranger

Pronunciation: par-dohn duh voo day-rahn-zhay Literal: pardon for disturbing you When to use: interrupting someone. Almost always earns a warm response.

49. Je ne parle pas tres bien francais

Pronunciation: zhuh nuh parl pah tray byan frahn-say Literal: I do not speak very well French When to use: opens the door for the other person to slow down or switch to English without insult.

50. Merci beaucoup, vous etes tres gentil(le)

Pronunciation: mair-see boh-koo voo zet tray zhahn-tee(yuh) Literal: thank you very much, you are very kind When to use: closing a successful interaction. Use gentil for a man, gentille for a woman.

French Pronunciation Gotchas

Silent final letters

Most final consonants are silent. Paris is pah-ree. Trop is troh. Beaucoup is boh-koo. The main exceptions are c, r, f, l (CaReFuL), which usually get pronounced.

Liaisons

When a word ending in a normally silent consonant is followed by a vowel, the consonant comes back to life. Vous etes is pronounced voo-zet. Les amis is lay-zah-mee.

The French R

The French r is made at the back of the throat, not the tongue. The closest English sound is the ch in Scottish loch, very softened.

Nasal vowels

When you see on, en, an, in, un at the end of a syllable, the n is not pronounced; the vowel becomes nasal. Bonjour is bohn-zhoor. Pain (bread) is pan.

For deeper practice, our French pronunciation guide breaks each one down with audio.

How to Practise These Phrases Before Your Trip

Practise aloud, twice a day

Pick five phrases each morning. Read them out loud, slowly, ten times each. Repeat in the evening. By day three, the muscle memory starts to build.

Use an app with audio feedback

Apps like Hello Nabu listen to you and tell you specifically which sound was off. We compared the leading options in our best app for pronunciation practice and best app to practice speaking reviews.

Practise in scenarios, not in isolation

Imagine yourself at the bakery and run through the exchange: Bonjour, une baguette s'il vous plait. Merci, bonne journee. Then the cafe. Then the train station. This approach is what the Council of Europe CEFR recommends for beginner travellers.

Conclusion

Fifty phrases is not a lot. You can memorise them in two weeks of daily practice. What you get back is disproportionate: warmer interactions, fewer mistakes, friendlier service, and a sense that you actually engaged with the country.

If you want to push beyond travel French, our everyday French phrases guide covers the next layer.

Start learning for free with Hello Nabu

Further Reading

External resources we trust on French language and travel:

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most important French phrases for travel?

The most important travel phrases are Bonjour (hello), S'il vous plait (please), Merci (thank you), Excusez-moi (excuse me), and L'addition s'il vous plait (the bill please). Combined with a polite tone and a smile, these five phrases will get you through almost any tourist situation in France. For a wider list, see our everyday French phrases guide.

Do I need to speak French to travel in France?

Most French people in tourist areas speak some English, but starting any interaction in French changes the response you receive. A simple Bonjour before switching to English signals respect and almost always earns friendlier service. Memorising twenty phrases is enough for a one-week trip. The best language learning apps for travel can get you ready in two weeks.

How do I pronounce silent letters in French?

Silent letters at the end of words (final s, t, x, d) are usually not pronounced. So Paris is pronounced pah-ree, not pah-riss. Exceptions exist for liaisons, where a normally silent letter links to a following vowel. Learning the patterns takes practice but apps with audio feedback help. Our French pronunciation guide walks through each rule.

What is the difference between tu and vous in French?

Vous is formal and used with strangers, older people, and in professional settings. Tu is informal and used with friends, family, and children. Travellers should default to vous in shops, restaurants and hotels. Using tu with a stranger can come across as rude.

How can I learn French phrases fast before a trip?

Focus on the twenty most common situations: greetings, ordering, asking directions, paying. Practise each one aloud daily for two weeks. Apps with AI pronunciation feedback like Hello Nabu help you sound natural before arrival. Save informal French (tu) for friends and peers; default to formal vous for shops, restaurants and hotels. Read the top tips for learning a language fast for the wider strategy.

Related Articles

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most important French phrases for travel?

The most important travel phrases are Bonjour (hello), S'il vous plait (please), Merci (thank you), Excusez-moi (excuse me), and L'addition s'il vous plait (the bill please). Combined with a polite tone and a smile, these five phrases will get you through almost any tourist situation in France.

Do I need to speak French to travel in France?

Most French people in tourist areas speak some English, but starting any interaction in French changes the response you receive. A simple Bonjour before switching to English signals respect and almost always earns friendlier service. Memorising twenty phrases is enough for a one-week trip.

How do I pronounce silent letters in French?

Silent letters at the end of words (final s, t, x, d) are usually not pronounced. So Paris is pronounced pah-ree, not pah-riss. Exceptions exist for liaisons, where a normally silent letter links to a following vowel. Learning the patterns takes practice but apps with audio feedback help.

What is the difference between tu and vous in French?

Vous is formal and used with strangers, older people, and in professional settings. Tu is informal and used with friends, family, and children. Travellers should default to vous in shops, restaurants and hotels. Using tu with a stranger can come across as rude.

How can I learn French phrases fast before a trip?

Focus on the twenty most common situations: greetings, ordering, asking directions, paying. Practise each one aloud daily for two weeks. Apps with AI pronunciation feedback like Hello Nabu help you sound natural before arrival. Group phrases by scenario, not by grammar rule.

Start learning free with Hello Nabu