Tips for visiting Paris when you don’t speak French

After hearing a lot of stories about people getting confused and lost in Paris due to the language barrier, I was a bit apprehensive about exploring the city without knowing French. But, I’m so glad that the lovely Stefanie from Free in Paris decided to share some tips for those of us might be in this situation! Stefanie is an American expat in Paris and writes a blog about all things free and inexpensive that one could do in Paris. So, without further ado, let’s see what tips she has for us.

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If you are planning a trip to Paris and you don’t speak French, you may worry about the effect the language barrier will have on your trip. Maybe you are apprehensive about interacting with local French people; we all know the stereotype of the rude Parisian. In reality, locals can be quite friendly and the language barrier can be overcome, but often it’s a question of approach.

Here are three tips to help you enjoy your trip to Paris when you don’t speak French:

 

    1. Know that many people in Paris speak at least basic English.

Compared to many of their European neighbors, French people often have a reputation for not speaking foreign languages well. But with Paris being such an international city, you’ll often find at least one person who can understand you when you are shopping or in need of directions. The Paris Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Tourism Regional Board have even created a free mobile app called “Yes I speak touriste.” Using the app’s interactive map, Paris visitors can find shops, hotels and restaurants in the city where their native language is spoken.

 

 

     2. Try to speak French anyway.

Even if you can probably find someone who speaks English well enough to communicate with you, it’s still worth the effort to learn a few phrases in French and to bring a small French language guidebook with you on your trip. Making an effort to speak French can help you avoid scams and you’ll often find that it leads to a warmer welcome from locals. For example, asking for une carafe d’eau instead of “water” can mean not being charged for expensive bottled water at a restaurant.

How to say “Do you speak English?” in French

“Bonjour, parlez-vous anglais ?”

Greeting someone with “Bonjour, parlez-vous anglais ?” before asking your question will often lead to a more pleasant interaction. And when you think about it, it makes sense. Wouldn’t it be strange for someone to come up to you in your hometown and immediately start speaking in French? Besides, making an effort to speak French—even if you only know a few words and expressions and make lots of mistakes—can make your stay in Paris much more enjoyable.

This is something I had to learn personally when I came to France from the United States. You see, I actually moved to Paris two times. My first move ended with me feeling homesick and beleaguered, ready to put an end to what had been a difficult year. This second time, my experience has been completely different. I have French friends and have pleasant conversations with the fruit and vegetable sellers I see at the local outdoor market every Sunday. Paris has truly become home for me and I contribute that in large part to having learned French this time around.

Even when I was first learning the language, my everyday interactions became much richer when I made an effort to speak French. And now, as I close in on my sixth year in the city and look back on all of the struggles and successes I’ve had in meeting people, finding a job and carving out my own spot in Paris, speaking French is one thing that stands out as having had the biggest positive impact on my experience

                                                                                              How to say “I don’t know” in French

                                                                                                        “Je ne sais pas.”

 

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   3. Expect to be confused at times

There are quite a few “false friends” in English and French, words that look or sound similar in both languages, but that have different meanings. Monnaie, for example, means “loose change” in French and not money. Grapes are raisins in French and plums are prunes.  Similarly, other French words don’t always mean what you might think. The word libre can be translated as “free,” but libre-service doesn’t mean that something is free, but that it’s self-service or something available to everyone (for a price).

Sometimes, such small language differences can lead to big mix-ups. In 2009, a British tourist traveling through France found herself in one such situation when she came upon a small town and wanted to book a room for the night. She went to the hôtel de ville, and decided to make a quick stop in the restroom before reserving her room. Unfortunately, she hadn’t realized that in French, hôtel de ville means “town hall” and not “hotel.” While she was in the toilet, local officials finished their meeting and, not realizing she was there, closed up the town hall for the night. The tourist was locked in the building until she was rescued by a local passing by the next day.

While such a major mix-up is unlikely to happen to you while you’re in Paris, you should expect some misunderstandings and moments of confusion during your trip. Try not to take yourself too seriously or get frustrated and instead, think of the funny stories you’ll have to share later on. You may even find yourself enjoying the new language challenge and celebrating small victories, like being understood when you order breakfast at a bakery, or being able to ask for directions in French. In the end, making an effort to speak a little French can make for a better trip to Paris. You may even make some new French friends.

Well, those were some very helpful tips!Thank you so much,Stefanie . What do you folks think about this? Have you faced any difficult situations due to the language barrier in France, or other places? Do you always learn a few important words and phrases beforehand? Let me know! Oh, and you can also connect with Stephanie on Twitter and Facebook!

 

 

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