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30 Must-Know French phrases For Travelers

Transform your trip with basic language skills

Planning un voyage to a French-speaking country, but worried about the language? You’re not alone! Many travelers feel anxious about communicating in a foreign country.
 
Download my free PDF guide with 30 essential French words & phrases. As a bonus, I’ve included audio recordings of me pronouncing each phrase to help you sound more like a native speaker.

GET THE FREE GUIDE IN YOUR INBOX!  💌

Knowing just a handful of these phrases can dramatically change your travel experience. Not only will locals appreciate ton effort (your effort), but you’ll also gain confidence with everyday situations. Here are the phrases included in my guide:

👋 Basic Politeness & Greetings

French culture values politeness, and simple greetings can go a long way. 

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✈️ Essential Travel Phrases

Handle common travel situations with ease with these practical expressions. 

In modern spoken French, the “ne” is often dropped in negated sentences. In formal written French, “ne [...] pas” is required for negation, but in everyday spoken French, using just “pas” is common.

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🗺 Transportation & Directions

Finding your way around becomes much easier when you can ask for directions en français.

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🍽 At a Restaurant or Café 

La gastronomie is a highlight of any trip—especially in France! Order and communicate with confidence with these basic phrases. 

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🚨 Emergencies & Help

While I hope you won’t need them, knowing these phrases can provide peace of mind when traveling.

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💬 Other Useful Phrases

Even with these simple phrases, you’ll find that many locals respond warmly to visitors who try to speak leur langue (their language). Many French speakers will switch to English if they hear you struggling, but your initial effort in French sets a positive tone for the interaction.

Ready to sound more confident for your next trip?


Subscribe to the Hello French newsletter to download my free PDF guide with all 30 essential phrases, complete with pronunciation audio! 

GET THE FREE GUIDE IN YOUR INBOX!  💌

Happy learning, and bon voyage ! 

—Cécilia & the Hello French team

Looking to go further?

If you’ve enjoyed my free guide and want to immerse yourself in French language learning, check out my e-books. I created these practical, engaging materials so that you can learn French the way it’s actually spoken by natives—not the textbook version you might remember from high school.

You’ll learn more everyday expressions, cultural nuances, and practical vocabulary that make communicating natural and fun. My unique approach focuses on real-life conversations and authentic situations you’ll encounter while traveling or living in a French-speaking country. 

START YOUR FRENCH LEARNING JOURNEY TODAY!

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