i think languages logo

12 Travel experts share a French word or phrase that made their trip to France

travel experts share a french word or phrase

In this blog post, 12 travel experts share a French word or phrase that made their trip to France. Check this out!

Travel experts share a French word or phrase.

When planning a trip to France, it’s important to remember that French culture is rich in tradition and language. From the bustling streets of Paris to the picturesque villages of Provence, communicating with locals can greatly enhance your travel experience.

That’s why we’ve asked 12 of the world’s top travel experts to share a French word or phrase that they found particularly useful during their trips to France.

From basic greetings and polite expressions to more specific phrases for navigating and exploring the country, these words and phrases will help you to fully immerse yourself in French culture and make the most of your trip.

Rick Steves: Travel author and host

Rick Steves, a well-known travel author and host of the popular television show “Rick Steves’ Europe,” has shared the French phrase “parlez-vous anglais?” (do you speak English?) travelers need to know when visiting France.

Being able to ask this question can help break the ice and start a conversation with locals, even if you don’t speak much French. Rick also recommends learning other basic phrases such as “Bonjour” (Hello), “Merci” (Thank you) and “Au revoir” (Goodbye) to show politeness and respect to local people.

travel experts share a french word or phrase (1)

Anthony Bourdain: Chef, television personality, and author

Anthony Bourdain, a renowned chef, television personality, and author, has recommended the French phrase “j’aime bien ça” (I like that) as a great way to express your appreciation for the local cuisine and culture when traveling in France.

He shared that using this phrase when enjoying traditional French dishes such as escargot, coq au vin, or ratatouille can help you connect with locals and make your dining experience more enjoyable.

Frances Mayes: Author

Frances Mayes, best-selling author of “Under the Tuscan Sun,” has said that “s’il vous plaît” (please) and “merci” (thank you) are two essential French phrases to know when interacting with locals in France.

She shared that these polite expressions are commonly used in day-to-day interactions and can help to build rapport and make you feel more welcomed by locals.

Pauline Frommer: Travel expert and author

Pauline Frommer, a travel expert and guidebook author, has suggested that the French phrase “ou est…” (where is…) is a must-know for travelers looking to navigate and explore France.

This phrase can help you ask for directions, find specific places or landmarks, and learn more about the local culture and history.

travel experts share a french word

Samantha Brown: Travel host and television personality

Samantha Brown, a travel host and television personality, has shared that “combien ça coûte?” (how much does it cost?) is an important French phrase to know when budgeting and planning your trip to France.

This phrase is helpful when buying souvenirs, paying for meals or making other purchases. It can also help ensure you don’t overspend while on your trip.

Nomadic Matt: Travel blogger

Travel blogger Nomadic Matt suggests that “Je ne comprends pas” (I don’t understand) is a handy phrase to use when you’re feeling lost in conversation with a local or trying to get information in a hurry. He also recommends learning “Excusez-moi” (Excuse me) to politely interrupt someone or to get their attention.

Lonely Planet: Travel expert

Travel expert Lonely Planet recommends learning “Je voudrais” (I would like) to order food or drinks at a restaurant or café. This phrase can also be used when making requests or asking for information.

They also suggest learning “Je ne parle pas français” (I don’t speak French) can be handy when you’re struggling to communicate with locals.

travel experts share a french word

Frommer: Tour guide

The tour guide, Frommer, suggests learning ” Je suis désolé” (I am sorry) as it is a polite and respectful way to apologize for any mistakes or misunderstandings during your trip.

By learning these French words and phrases, you will be able to communicate with locals more effectively and have a more authentic travel experience in France.

Bottom line

Learning key French words and phrases before your trip to France can greatly enhance your travel experience. From Rick Steves’ “parlez-vous anglais?” to Anthony Bourdain’s “j’aime bien ça,” the words and phrases shared by these 12 travel experts can help you to communicate with locals, navigate the country, and fully immerse yourself in the French culture.

Whether you’re looking to make new friends, find the best local food, or make your way around the city, these words and phrases will be a valuable tool for your journey.

So, before you pack your bags and set off for France, take some time to learn a few key French words and phrases, and you’ll be sure to make the most of your trip.

Related Posts

French: How to teach on Italki

Why a guide to teaching languages online I’m ready to reveal my small secrets as I transition from providing online instruction to managing my website.

German: Babbel vs Duolingo: differences

Numerous individuals use software and apps to learn new languages. These days, two well-known online resources for language learning include Babbel and Duolingo. They both

Languages: Babbel vs Duolingo: differences

In today’s post, we’ll talk about the differences between Babbel and Duolingo. These are unquestionably the two most well-known language learning programs out there. Let’s

Top 20 Spanish words used in sports

Discover the top 20 Spanish words commonly used in the world of sports. Enhance your sports vocabulary and understanding with our informative blog. Introduction The

French Phrases You Need in Workplace

Mastering French phrases in the workplace is essential for effective communication. This blog explores key phrases to navigate the professional world en français. I. Introduction

Sea in French: How to say Sea in Italian

Discover the Italian translation for “sea” with our guide. Learn how to pronounce and use this common word in the beautiful Italian language. The sea

Spanish adverbials: Mientras…

The word Mientras can be an adverb or conjunction depending on the sentence and its structure. You can use mientras to connect two actions in

Spanish imperative negative + pronouns

The Spanish structure imperativo negativo + pronombres enclíticos is a bit controversial topic since many Spanish students get confused when using it. Los pronombres enclíticos

7 Myths About Learning Spanish

Unveiling the truth behind learning Spanish! Discover and debunk the 7 common myths that may be holding you back from mastering this vibrant language. Are

Famous French Food You Must Try

Indulge in the flavors of France with our guide to famous French food. Discover must-try dishes like escargots, coq au vin, and crème brûlée. Bon

Famous French Singers You Must Know

Discover the iconic voices that have made French music famous worldwide. Our list of famous French singers features timeless classics and modern hits. French singers

Famous Spanish Food You Must Try

Embark on a delectable journey through Spain’s culinary wonders! Discover the must-try famous Spanish dishes that will tantalize your taste buds. Spanish Food Spain is

Famous German Singers You Must Know

Get ready to immerse yourself in the enchanting world of German music as we showcase the extraordinary talents of renowned singers from Germany. From timeless

Famous Spanish Singers You Must Know

Let the music captivate your senses and ignite your passion for Spanish culture by knowing the famous Spanish singers that ever existed. Importance of Spanish

German Phrases You Need in the Workplace

Discover essential German phrases for the workplace. From greetings to professional conversations, equip yourself with the necessary language skills. German Phrases in the Workplace Learning

Spanish Phrases You Need in Workplace

Master the essential Spanish phrases for the workplace and enhance your communication skills. From greetings to professional requests, we’ve got you covered! Spanish Words in

Top Spanish Speaking Countries

Explore the vibrant cultures and diverse landscapes of the top Spanish-speaking countries in this blog. Discover their history, traditions, and more! Explanation of the importance

Top 20 German Words Used in Sports

Discover the top 20 German words commonly used in sports, from ‘Tor’ to ‘Abseits’. Enhance your sports vocabulary and impress your German-speaking friends! Introduction Explanation

Top 20 French Words Used in Sports

Discover the Top 20 French words used in sports! From “but” to “arbitre,” learn essential vocab to help you better understand the sports world in

How to Say “Food” in Spanish

“Learn the different ways to say ‘food’ in Spanish and expand your vocabulary with our comprehensive guide. Enhance your language skills today!” One of the

How to Say “Food” in French

Learn the various ways to say “food” in French with this comprehensive guide. Expand your vocabulary and impress your francophone friends! “Food” in French: La

How to Say “Food” in German

Learn how to say ‘food’ in German and impress your friends with your language skills! Check out our easy guide and enhance your vocabulary today.

Top 7 Reasons for learning French

Parlez-vous Français? Explore the top 7 reasons for learning French and unlock a world of opportunities. Start your language journey with confidence today! 7 reasons

Top 7 Reasons for Learning German

Discover the power of learning German! Unlock opportunities and expand your horizons with compelling reasons to study German. Start your linguistic journey today! Reasons for

Top 9 Reasons for learning Spanish

Is learning Spanish worth it? What are the top reasons for learning the Spanish language? Start your Spanish journey now! Reasons why learning Spanish is worth

How to learn Spanish through Podcasts

Do you want to learn Spanish through podcasts? Immerse yourself in the richness of the Spanish language with our podcast-based learning guide. Learn Spanish through

How to learn Languages through Podcasts

Unlock the power of language learning with podcasts! Explore the ultimate guide to mastering a new language through engaging podcasts. Start your linguistic journey now!

How to Maximize Your Time in Learning German

Learn German efficiently with expert tips! Discover effective techniques on how to maximize your time in learning German. Tips and strategies for efficiently learning German

How to learn French through Podcasts

Unlock the beauty of the French language with our podcast-based learning approach. Master French effortlessly with engaging lessons and practical tips! The Power of Podcasts

How to Learn German through Podcasts

Master German with ease! Explore the ultimate guide to learning German through podcasts. Gain language skills, cultural insights, and fluency. Start your German journey now!

How hard is it to learn German?

How hard is it to learn German?  Our comprehensive guide provides insights into the challenges and strategies to master the language. How hard is it

How hard is it to learn French?

Discover how difficult it is to learn French in our latest blog post, “Parlez-Vous Français?”. Gain insights and tips to improve your French skills. Parlez-vous

How to say in German

Looking to learn how to say common phrases in German? Check out this blog for tips and tricks on how to speak the language like

How to Pronounce Luxury Brands in French?

Are you a fashion enthusiast struggling to correctly pronounce luxury brand names in French? Look no further! In this French pronunciation guide for luxury brands,

Silent French H: Mute and Aspirated

The silent letter h is often causing trouble to French learners. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the “h” mute and

Faire la Bise: All about French Kiss

If you’re wondering how to greet in French, either through handshakes or kisses, you are at the right place. Today, you’ll learn how to navigate

Speaking practice: talk to yourself

Improve your speaking skills with these simple tips on how to practice speaking by talking to yourself. Start speaking confidently today! Read more here. Speaking

Spaced repetition for the German language

Master German faster with spaced repetition! Our blog explains how this powerful technique works and offers tips to incorporate it into your learning routine. What

What does TE AMO mean in Spanish?

Discover the romantic meaning behind Te Amo, the Spanish phrase for ‘I love you’. Explore its cultural significance and usage in everyday life. Te Amo