✈️ French Phrases for Travel: Your Friendly Guide to Speaking with Ease

Planning a trip to France or a French-speaking country?

Learning a few French phrases for travel can make your journey a lot smoother—and way more fun!

Whether you’re exploring Paris, relaxing in Nice, or visiting a small French village, knowing how to say simple things like “Where is the bathroom?” or “I need help” can really come in handy.

Many travelers worry about the language barrier. But don’t stress—you don’t need to speak perfect French.

Just a few useful French phrases can help you connect with locals, show respect, and avoid confusion.

In this guide, we’ll walk through the most helpful travel French vocabulary, grouped by real-life situations.

From greetings to emergencies, you’ll find basic French for tourists that’s easy to learn and fun to use. 🧳

Let’s dive in and start speaking a little French—bon voyage!

🌟 Why French Phrases for Travel Matter

Speaking a few words in the local language shows respect. It also helps you:

Ask for directions when you’re lost
Order food at a café without pointing at pictures
Understand signs and train announcements
Handle emergencies with more confidence

For example, imagine getting on the wrong train. If you can ask, “Est-ce que ce train va à Lyon?” (Is this train going to Lyon?), you’ll save time and stress.

Even just knowing how to say “Bonjour” (Hello) or “Merci” (Thank you) creates a friendly vibe. Locals really appreciate it when travelers try—even just a little!

Let’s look at the most common French expressions for travel, organized by situation.

👋 Greetings & Polite Phrases

These help you start conversations the right way—with kindness and respect.

Bonjour – Hello / Good morning

Short Explanation: The standard way to greet someone during the day.
Use When: Greeting someone during daytime hours.
Example: Bonjour, je voudrais un café, s’il vous plaît.
(Hello, I would like a coffee, please.)

Bonsoir – Good evening

Short Explanation: A polite way to say hello at night.
Use When: Greeting people in the evening.
Example: Bonsoir, avez-vous une table pour deux?
(Good evening, do you have a table for two?)

Merci – Thank you

Short Explanation: A simple but important way to show gratitude.
Use When: Someone helps you or gives you something.
Example: Merci pour votre aide!
(Thank you for your help!)

S’il vous plaît – Please

Short Explanation: Adds politeness to any request.
Use When: Asking for anything politely.
Example: Un croissant, s’il vous plaît.
(A croissant, please.)

Excusez-moi – Excuse me

Short Explanation: Used to get someone’s attention or apologize.
Use When: Before asking a question or saying sorry.
Example: Excusez-moi, où est la gare?
(Excuse me, where is the train station?)

🧭 Asking for Directions

If you’re lost or exploring, these phrases will help you find your way.

Où est… ? – Where is…?

Short Explanation: Basic question to find locations.
Use When: Searching for places like the bathroom or museum.
Example: Où est la toilette, s’il vous plaît?
(Where is the bathroom, please?)

C’est loin ? – Is it far?

Short Explanation: Helps you know how long a walk or ride will be.
Use When: Wondering about distance to a place.
Example: La tour Eiffel, c’est loin ?
(Is the Eiffel Tower far?)

À droite / à gauche – To the right / to the left

Short Explanation: Common directions given on the street.
Use When: Listening to or giving directions.
Example: Tournez à gauche, puis à droite.
(Turn left, then right.)

Continuez tout droit – Keep going straight

Short Explanation: Tells you to walk or drive straight ahead.
Use When: Following someone’s directions.
Example: Continuez tout droit jusqu’à la station de métro.
(Keep going straight to the metro station.)

🍽️ Eating Out at Restaurants

These are must-know phrases to order food and enjoy French cuisine.

Je voudrais… – I would like…

Short Explanation: A polite way to ask for food or drinks.
Use When: Ordering at a restaurant or café.
Example: Je voudrais une baguette, s’il vous plaît.
(I would like a baguette, please.)

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

Short Explanation: Use this when you’re ready to pay.
Use When: Asking for your bill after eating.
Example: L’addition, s’il vous plaît.
(The check, please.)

C’est délicieux ! – It’s delicious!

Short Explanation: Compliment to share when food tastes great.
Use When: Praising the meal or drink.
Example: Votre soupe est délicieuse !
(Your soup is delicious!)

Avez-vous des options végétariennes ? – Do you have vegetarian options?

Short Explanation: Helps you ask about meat-free meals.
Use When: You need a vegetarian dish.
Example: Avez-vous des options végétariennes ?
(Do you have vegetarian options?)

🏨 Hotels & Accommodations

These help you check in and get help while staying in hotels.

J’ai une réservation – I have a reservation

Short Explanation: Let the hotel know you’ve booked a room.
Use When: Checking in at the front desk.
Example: Bonjour, j’ai une réservation au nom de Smith.
(Hello, I have a reservation under Smith.)

À quelle heure est le petit-déjeuner ? – What time is breakfast?

Short Explanation: Ask this to know when to eat in the morning.
Use When: Asking about hotel meal times.
Example: À quelle heure est le petit-déjeuner ?
(What time is breakfast?)

Où est l’ascenseur ? – Where is the elevator?

Short Explanation: Handy for finding your way in the hotel.
Use When: Searching for facilities like elevators.
Example: Où est l’ascenseur, s’il vous plaît ?
(Where is the elevator, please?)

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

Short Explanation: A polite way to ask for assistance.
Use When: You need help with bags or directions.
Example: Pouvez-vous m’aider avec ma valise ?
(Can you help me with my suitcase?)

🚇 Public Transportation

Getting around by train or bus is easier with these phrases.

Un billet pour Paris, s’il vous plaît. – A ticket to Paris, please

Short Explanation: Buy your ticket with this simple phrase.
Use When: At a train station or ticket counter.
Example: Un billet pour Paris, s’il vous plaît.
(A ticket to Paris, please.)

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

Short Explanation: Ask this to stay on schedule.
Use When: Checking train or bus departure times.
Example: À quelle heure part le train pour Marseille ?
(What time does the train to Marseille leave?)

Ce bus va à… ? – Does this bus go to…?

Short Explanation: Great for checking your route.
Use When: Making sure you’re on the right bus.
Example: Ce bus va à l’aéroport ?
(Does this bus go to the airport?)

🆘 Emergency Situations

These are important in case something goes wrong.

Appelez une ambulance ! – Call an ambulance!

Short Explanation: Urgent phrase for medical help.
Use When: Someone is sick or injured.
Example: Appelez une ambulance, vite !
(Call an ambulance, quickly!)

Je suis perdu(e) – I’m lost

Short Explanation: Say this when you need help finding your way.
Use When: You don’t know where you are.
Example: Excusez-moi, je suis perdu. Pouvez-vous m’aider ?
(Excuse me, I’m lost. Can you help me?)

J’ai besoin d’aide – I need help

Short Explanation: A general cry for assistance.
Use When: Any kind of problem or emergency.
Example: J’ai besoin d’aide, mon portefeuille a disparu !
(I need help, my wallet is gone!)

🛍️ Shopping & Souvenirs

Use these while browsing stores or markets.

Combien ça coûte ? – How much is it?

Short Explanation: Ask for prices before buying.
Use When: Shopping for clothes, food, or souvenirs.
Example: Combien ça coûte, ce chapeau ?
(How much does this hat cost?)

Je regarde seulement – I’m just looking

Short Explanation: Tells shopkeepers you’re not buying yet.
Use When: You’re browsing but not ready to buy.
Example: Merci, je regarde seulement.
(Thanks, I’m just looking.)

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

Short Explanation: Ask this if clothes don’t fit.
Use When: Shopping for clothing or shoes.
Example: Avez-vous une taille plus grande pour cette robe ?
(Do you have a bigger size for this dress?)

🎯 Final Thoughts

Learning a few French phrases for travel doesn’t have to be hard. Start with greetings, then pick the ones you think you’ll use most—like at restaurants or in hotels. Even if your accent isn’t perfect, people will appreciate your effort!

Keep practicing these common French expressions, and don’t be afraid to use them. Travel is all about connection and discovery. A simple “Bonjour” can open doors, spark smiles, and make your journey even more special.

Tip: Write a few of your favorite phrases in a notebook or on your phone. Practice saying them aloud before your trip.

Bon voyage et amuse-toi bien! 🌍✈️

📋 Bonus Recap Table: Quick Phrase Finder

Category	French Phrase	English Meaning	Use When
Greetings	Bonjour	Hello	Saying hi during the day
Directions	Où est la toilette ?	Where is the bathroom?	Finding a restroom
Restaurant	Je voudrais une baguette	I’d like a baguette	Ordering food
Hotel	J’ai une réservation	I have a reservation	Checking in at a hotel
Transportation	Un billet pour Paris	A ticket to Paris	Buying a train ticket
Emergency	J’ai besoin d’aide	I need help	Asking for help
Shopping	Combien ça coûte ?	How much is it?	Asking for a price