10 Essential French Phrases For Your Travels in France

Stepping off the plane in France feels exciting, until you need to ask for something and suddenly forget every word of French except baguette. Sound familiar? Don’t worry. A few key phrases can work magic, saving you from blank stares, unnecessary panic, and overpriced tourist traps.

Here are ten French lifesavers that make traveling smoother, easier, and a lot more fun.

1. Excusez-moi, vous pouvez me renseigner ?

Excuse me, can you help me with some information?

2. S’il vous plait, où est la station de métro la plus proche ?

Where is the nearest metro station?

3. Désolé(e), je ne parle pas bien français.

Sorry, I don’t speak French well.

4. Avez-vous un menu en anglais ?

Do you have a menu in English?

5. C’est combien ?

How much is it?

6. Je vais prendre ça, s’il vous plaît.

I’ll take this, please.

7. L’addition, s’il vous plaît.

The check, please.

8. Est-ce que vous prenez la carte ?

Do you accept card payments?

9. Où sont les toilettes ?

Where are the restrooms?

10. Ça ferme à quelle heure?

You can also say: à quelle heure ça ferme?

What time does it close?