How to Visit (and Enjoy) Paris Even If You Don’t Speak French

I’ve been living in Paris for almost 5 years now, and when I first arrived, I didn’t know a single word of French.

When I first touched down at the Paris airport, I was terrified. I had this idea in my head that French people hate Americans, and that they don’t like speaking English and would just completely ignore me if I couldn’t speak any French.

Looking back now, I see how ridiculous that sounds. But at the time, the anxiety I had any time I had to say more than three words to anyone was a lot to handle.

I quickly realized that locals are usually pretty friendly, and some can even speak English quite well. You’ll find many tourist attractions with English-speaking staff, while many restaurants offer menus in multiple languages as well.

That being said – there are a few French words and phrases that are essential to know for navigating Paris.

Whether you’ve just moved here or are just visiting, having a few of these words in your arsenal and knowing when to use them can make your Paris experience 10x more enjoyable.

Keep reading for my top tips for visiting Paris without speaking French and my cheat sheet of the most important French words and phrases to know!

Can you enjoy Paris if you don’t speak French?

Yes, you can definitely enjoy Paris without speaking French. It is an international city with lots of English speakers and even those who don’t speak English well will still make an effort to understand you (most of the time).

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That said, Parisians do appreciate it if you make an effort in French, even if it’s just a simple “Bonjour!”

Aside from learning a few basic phrases, I’d also recommend downloading a translation app for your phone. Trust me, it can be a lifesaver when trying to decipher menu items or understand important signs.

And hey, you’ll find that many of the best experiences in Paris are universal – like admiring the Eiffel Tower, strolling along the Seine River, or indulging in a warm croissant at a local bakery.

You don’t need to be fluent in French to appreciate these moments!

Tips for Visiting Paris As A Non-French Speaker

Like I mentioned earlier, it’s been four years since I first arrived in the City of Lights without knowing a lick of French.

Just like a classic American tourist, I was nervous about navigating the city and interacting with locals. Turns out, my fears were unfounded, and I soon learned that getting around and enjoying the city without speaking French is doable, and even fun!

So, let me share some tips and experiences to help you enjoy your time in Paris without the language barrier stress.

First things first, let’s bust a myth: French people do speak English.

Of course, the level of fluency varies, but you’ll find most Parisians can communicate in English, especially in popular tourist spots. Being an international city, Paris’s hospitality sector is well accustomed to non-French speakers.

So, breathe a sigh of relief, and let’s move on.

Now, onto some essential tips for navigating Paris as a non-French speaker:

1. Learn a few basic phrases

Believe me, a little French goes a long way! Learn some simple expressions like “bonjour” (hello), “merci” (thank you), and “excusez-moi” (excuse me).

If you want to get a bit more fancy, go for “Salut” (informal hello) or “Bonsoir” (good evening).

Trust me, it’s like, magic. Parisians appreciate the effort, and it’s an easy way to show politeness and respect for their culture.

⚡ Related read: What does “Quoi” mean?

French greetings

If you learn anything in French, learn a few basic greetings.

The French are very particular on being greeted before you start any kind of interaction with them, so saying “hello” or “good evening” before starting a conversation is essential.

• Bonjour (bahn-joor): Hello (formal)
• Salut (sah-lew): Hello (informal, mostly said to friends or family)
• Bonsoir (bone-swahr): Good evening
• Bon journée (bone-joor-nay): Have a good day (Saying goodbye)
• Bon soirée (bone-swahr-ay): Have a good evening (Saying goodbye)

Essential French phrases (dining out, asking for help, directions)

These are the essentials – I’d say, at a minimum, you’ll want to remember these must-know phrases. They can be a lifesaver when you’re dining out or trying to navigate through the city.

• S’il vous plaît (seel-voo-play): Please
• Merci (mehr-see): Thank you
• Pardon (pahr-dohn): Excuse me
• Excusez-moi (eks-kyoo-zay-mwah): Excuse me (a more formal version of “Pardon”)
• Oui (wee): Yes
• Non (nohn): No
• Excusez-moi: (Excuse me)
• Où sont les toilettes?: (Where is the bathroom?)
• L’addition, s’il vous plaît: (The bill, please)

When you’re in a restaurant, it’s handy to remember “L’addition, s’il vous plaît” (lah-dee-syohn, seel-voo-play) which means “the check, please.” Trust me, I’ve had awkward moments where I’m trying to mime and gesture for the bill, and it’s much easier to just say it in French!

If you find yourself lost (which happened to me more times than I can count), just ask “Où se trouve la station de métro la plus proche?” (ooh suh-truv lah stah-syon duh metro lah ploo prosh), meaning “Where is the nearest metro station?” It’s a lifesaver when you’re wandering around trying to find your way.

⚡ Related read: What does “Desolé” mean?

2. Download a translation app

This is a lifesaver! I’ve had some hilarious attempts at ordering food gone wrong, but with a handy app, those miscommunications become fond anecdotes.

Save yourself from saying “Je suis chaud” (I am turned on) instead of “J’ai chaud” (It’s hot) – speaking from experience!

The Google Translate app became my best friend as I fumbled through my early days in the capital. It not only helped me translate text, but also spoken words too!

I’m telling you, this app is a lifesaver when you’re faced with an unfamiliar menu or need directions from a kind Parisian.

Here are some features you’ll love about using translation apps like Google Translate:

• Text translation: Simply type in what you want to translate, and voila! The app will do the rest. You can even copy-paste text from other apps for quick translations.
• Voice translation: This one is a game-changer. Just speak into your phone, and the app will translate it into French. Or, if you’re chatting with a local, have them speak into the app for an English translation.
• Camera translations: Stumped by a sign or instruction? Just point your camera at it and the app will translate it for you – how cool is that? This one is especially handy for restaurant menus that aren’t translated into English.
• Offline mode: Download the French language pack before you go so you’re not caught without a translator if you lose internet access. This way you’ll always have access to the translator, whether you have data or not.

3. Politeness Goes a Long Way

Understanding the importance of politeness can save you from a lot of awkward situations. So let me share with you a piece of advice that has served me well – always be polite and use common courtesy.

💡 Let me start with this cheeky tip: Remember the magic words you learned as a kid? They work here as well!

A simple merci (thank you) or s’il vous plaît (please) can take you a long way. Surprise the locals by throwing in a bonjour (hello) and au revoir (goodbye).

Here’s my personal *Politeness Starter Kit* that’ll help you win hearts without speaking fluent French:

• Bonjour: Good morning or hello
• Bonsoir: Good evening
• S’il vous plaît (SVP): Please
• Merci: Thank you
• Excusez-moi: Excuse me

That’s it. That’s all you need.

You don’t have to be an expert linguist to learn these simple phrases, but using them will make your interactions more pleasant and demonstrate respect for French culture.

Believe me, your efforts will be appreciated.

For instance, it’s always a good idea to greet shopkeepers and waitstaff with a cheery Bonjour before switching to English. They will be way more inclined to help you and even speak English with you if you don’t just start immediately rattling off words to them.

Now, being polite isn’t just about using these phrases. It’s also about the way you say them.

Here are some tips for sounding like a courteous Parisian:

1. Speak clearly, but not too loud: Americans are often perceived as speaking loudly, which can be off-putting in Paris. Sorry to say it my friends, but it’s true. Keep your volume at a conversational level. there’s no reason why the entire café should hear your phone call or conversation with the person in front of you.
2. Maintain eye contact while speaking: Eye contact shows that you’re engaged and paying attention. It’s considered a natural part of any conversation in France.
3. Be patient: Remember, language barrier or not, being patient goes a long way in any situation. So, if there’s a little struggle to understand each other, don’t stress. You’ll manage.

Remember, even if your French is limited to just a few basic courtesies, using them with a warm smile will help you break the ice.

4. Learn a bit about French culture

One of the best ways to ease your way into this beautiful city is by learning a bit about French culture.

Not only does it make you feel more comfortable in your new surroundings, but it also shows respect and appreciation for the locals.

• Understand personal space: Have you ever heard of the Parisian “bubble”? Well, it’s more of an aura, really. In Paris, people generally value their personal space, both in private and public areas. So, it’s a good idea to maintain a comfortable distance from others, especially during these post-pandemic times.

• Appreciate Parisian cuisine: Food in Paris is more than just baguettes and cheese. It’s an experience! Try out some of the city’s famous pastries, like croissants and macarons. If you’re feeling adventurous, go for the escargot or foie gras. My favorite choice is the classic French dish, steak frites (steak and fries). Don’t forget to accompany your meal with a glass of French wine!

• Navigate the city: Okay, let’s address the elephant in the room: getting around Paris without speaking French. Fear not, my navigation-challenged friend! The CityMapper app is your new BFF. I’ve been using it for years, and it does a fantastic job of directing you to the nearest metro or attraction.

P.S. Check out my guide on How to Use the Paris Metro for an in-depth guide on public transport in Paris!

• Cultural Norms: You know how at a fancy dinner party you’d never put your elbows on the table? In Paris, it’s also considered rude to put your hands in your pockets or chew gum in public areas. No one’s going to scold you, but a little knowledge of these cultural nuances can help you blend in like a pro!

By following these simple guidelines, you’ll be setting yourself up for a fantastic time in Paris, even without speaking French. Just think of it like learning to ride a bike – a little shaky at first, but once you get going, it’s smooth sailing!

5. Stay Patient and Open-Minded

One of the most important tips I can give you in this post is to just stay patient and open-minded throughout your journey.

One of the first things you’ll notice is that not everyone in Paris speaks English fluently. While it’s true that many Parisians have at least a basic grasp of English, you’ll need to approach each interaction with a bit of poise and understanding.

Think of it as a game of charades – sometimes you have to use gestures, facial expressions, or even drawings to convey your meaning.

But seriously, laughter and a sense of humor go a long way here. You’ll quickly find that most Parisians appreciate your effort to communicate in their language, even if it’s just a few words. It’s a small courtesy, but it can make a huge difference in how well you’re received.

After all, who doesn’t appreciate politeness and gratitude?

In the end, visiting Paris without speaking French is absolutely doable. By staying patient, open-minded, and embracing a sense of humor, you’ll create lasting memories exploring this beautiful city I call my home.

Happy travels!

xo,

Tiana

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