313+ French Phrases For Tourists: Speak Confidently While Traveling

Hey there, traveler! So, you’re planning a trip to France, right? 🗼 Whether it’s sipping coffee at a Parisian café, strolling through the charming streets of Nice, or exploring the vineyards of Bordeaux knowing a few French phrases for tourists can make your journey so much smoother. Imagine asking for directions, ordering food, or greeting locals with a confident “Bonjour!” instead of awkward hand gestures.

Trust me, French people really appreciate it when visitors try to speak their language — even if it’s just a few simple words.

In this guide, we’ll go through essential French phrases every tourist should know, from greetings and polite expressions to restaurant and shopping phrases. So, grab your travel notebook (or just screenshot these phrases), and let’s make sure you can travel France like a local or at least sound like one!

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🌞 Why It Matters: The Power of French Phrases for Tourists

When you visit France, using basic French phrases isn’t just polite—it shows respect for the culture and opens doors to warmer interactions. Locals appreciate when visitors make an effort, even with simple words.

Imagine walking into a bakery and saying, “Bonjour, une baguette s’il vous plaît!” instead of just pointing. You’ll likely get a smile and better service too! 🥐

Moreover, language barriers can cause confusion during travel—especially in smaller towns where English isn’t widely spoken. Having a few key French travel phrases ready can save you time, stress, and money. Whether you’re asking for the restroom, finding a metro station, or ordering wine, these expressions make your trip smoother and more fun.

🏡 Greetings & Basic Politeness

Every good conversation starts with a warm greeting. These phrases help you sound friendly and respectful.

Bonjour / Bonsoir – Hello / Good evening

Use When: Greeting people during the day or evening.
Example: “Bonjour, madame! Comment allez-vous?” (Hello, ma’am! How are you?)

Merci beaucoup – Thank you very much

Use When: Expressing gratitude for help or service.
Example: “Merci beaucoup pour votre aide!” (Thank you very much for your help!)

S’il vous plaît – Please

Use When: Making polite requests.
Example: “Un café, s’il vous plaît.” (A coffee, please.)

Au revoir – Goodbye

Use When: Leaving a shop, restaurant, or conversation.
Example: “Au revoir! Bonne journée!” (Goodbye! Have a nice day!)

Excusez-moi – Excuse me

Use When: Getting someone’s attention politely.
Example: “Excusez-moi, où sont les toilettes?” (Excuse me, where are the restrooms?)

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🍽️ Dining & Café Phrases

Eating in France is an experience! Here are French phrases for tourists that make dining easy and enjoyable.

Je voudrais… – I would like…

Use When: Ordering food or drinks.
Example: “Je voudrais un croissant et un café.” (I would like a croissant and a coffee.)

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

Use When: Asking for the check after a meal.
Example: “L’addition, s’il vous plaît.”

C’est délicieux! – It’s delicious!

Use When: Complimenting the food.
Example: “C’est délicieux, merci!” (It’s delicious, thank you!)

Avez-vous des plats végétariens? – Do you have vegetarian dishes?

Use When: Asking about meal options.
Example: “Avez-vous des plats végétariens?”

Une carafe d’eau, s’il vous plaît – A jug of water, please

Use When: Asking for free tap water instead of bottled.
Example: “Une carafe d’eau, s’il vous plaît.”

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🧳 Travel & Transportation Phrases

Whether you’re at the airport, train station, or taxi stand, these travel-related French phrases help you move smoothly.

Où est la gare ? – Where is the train station?

Use When: Asking for directions.
Example: “Excusez-moi, où est la gare?”

Combien coûte le billet ? – How much is the ticket?

Use When: Buying tickets for transport.
Example: “Combien coûte le billet pour Paris?”

Je veux aller à… – I want to go to…

Use When: Telling a taxi driver or guide your destination.
Example: “Je veux aller à la Tour Eiffel.” (I want to go to the Eiffel Tower.)

C’est loin ? – Is it far?

Use When: Checking if something is nearby.
Example: “C’est loin d’ici?”

À quelle heure part le train ? – What time does the train leave?

Use When: Confirming train schedules.
Example: “À quelle heure part le train pour Lyon?”

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🏨 Hotel & Accommodation Phrases

Checking into hotels becomes stress-free with these French phrases for tourists.

J’ai une réservation – I have a reservation

Use When: Checking into your hotel.
Example: “Bonjour, j’ai une réservation au nom de Smith.”

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

Use When: Requesting assistance.
Example: “Pouvez-vous m’aider avec mes bagages?”

Quelle est l’heure du petit déjeuner ? – What time is breakfast?

Use When: Asking hotel staff about meal times.
Example: “Quelle est l’heure du petit déjeuner?”

Y a-t-il du Wi-Fi ici ? – Is there Wi-Fi here?

Use When: Checking for internet access.
Example: “Y a-t-il du Wi-Fi ici?”

Je voudrais une autre chambre – I’d like another room

Use When: Requesting a room change.
Example: “Je voudrais une autre chambre, s’il vous plaît.”

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🛍️ Shopping Phrases

Shopping in French markets or boutiques is a joy when you know what to say.

Combien ça coûte ? – How much does it cost?

Use When: Asking about prices.
Example: “Combien ça coûte, cette robe?”

Je regarde seulement – I’m just looking

Use When: Politely browsing without buying.
Example: “Merci, je regarde seulement.”

Avez-vous une taille plus grande ? – Do you have a larger size?

Use When: Shopping for clothes.
Example: “Avez-vous une taille plus grande?”

C’est trop cher – It’s too expensive

Use When: Negotiating or expressing surprise.
Example: “Oh, c’est trop cher!”

Je le prends – I’ll take it

Use When: Deciding to buy something.
Example: “D’accord, je le prends.”

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🆘 Emergency & Health Phrases

Emergencies can happen. Here’s how to get help quickly and clearly.

Appelez une ambulance ! – Call an ambulance!

Use When: Someone is injured or sick.
Example: “Vite, appelez une ambulance!”

J’ai besoin d’un médecin – I need a doctor

Use When: You’re feeling unwell.
Example: “J’ai besoin d’un médecin, s’il vous plaît.”

Où est la pharmacie ? – Where is the pharmacy?

Use When: Looking for medicine or help.
Example: “Excusez-moi, où est la pharmacie?”

Je suis perdu(e) – I’m lost

Use When: You can’t find your way.
Example: “Je suis perdu, pouvez-vous m’aider?”

Aidez-moi, s’il vous plaît – Help me, please

Use When: Any urgent situation.
Example: “Aidez-moi, s’il vous plaît!”

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🏰 Sightseeing & Social Phrases

Connect with locals and enjoy your adventures with these cheerful expressions.

C’est magnifique ! – It’s beautiful!

Use When: Admiring a view or monument.
Example: “Wow, c’est magnifique!”

Pouvez-vous prendre une photo ? – Can you take a picture?

Use When: Asking someone for a photo.
Example: “Pouvez-vous prendre une photo de nous, s’il vous plaît?”

Où est le musée ? – Where is the museum?

Use When: Finding tourist spots.
Example: “Où est le musée du Louvre?”

Je viens des États-Unis / du Canada / du Pakistan – I’m from…

Use When: Introducing yourself.
Example: “Je viens du Pakistan.”

J’adore la France ! – I love France!

Use When: Expressing joy and appreciation.
Example: “J’adore la France, c’est un pays magnifique!”

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🧭 Bonus Recap Table

Category	Phrase	Meaning	Use When	Example
Greetings	Bonjour	Hello	Greeting someone	Bonjour, madame!
Dining	Je voudrais	I would like	Ordering food	Je voudrais un café
Travel	Où est la gare ?	Where is the station?	Asking for directions	Excusez-moi, où est la gare?
Hotel	J’ai une réservation	I have a reservation	Checking in	J’ai une réservation au nom de Smith
Shopping	Combien ça coûte ?	How much does it cost?	Asking price	Combien ça coûte, ce sac?
Emergency	Aidez-moi	Help me	Emergency situations	Aidez-moi, s’il vous plaît!
Sightseeing	C’est magnifique !	It’s beautiful!	Admiring views	C’est magnifique!

✨ Final Thoughts

Learning French phrases for tourists isn’t about being perfect—it’s about making connections. Locals love when visitors try, even if you make mistakes. Speak with confidence, smile often, and keep your tone friendly.

Remember, a few kind words in French can turn strangers into friends and make your travel experience unforgettable.

So before your next trip, practice these useful French phrases, keep them handy, and enjoy your journey à la française!