French for Paris: The Survival Phrases You'll Actually Use
Paris-specific French: métro vocabulary, café etiquette, and the one rule that actually matters - say bonjour first, every time.
For Paris, learn métro vocabulary (la station, la correspondance for transfers), café phrases (l’addition, s’il vous plaît), and above all, greet with bonjour before any request - the single habit that changes how Parisians respond to you.
Quick answer
For Paris, learn métro vocabulary (la station, la correspondance for transfers), café phrases (l’addition, s’il vous plaît), and above all, greet with bonjour before any request - the single habit that changes how Parisians respond to you.
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For the general travel-phrases hub, see essential French phrases for travelers.
The métro: vocabulary and phrases
Le métro, la station, un ticket / un titre de transport, la correspondance (transfer), la sortie (exit).
The “Parisians are rude” myth
The common complaint usually traces back to skipped greetings - greeting etiquette matters more in Paris than many tourists realize. Saying bonjour before any request changes the interaction significantly. See the bonjour rule for the full explanation.
Café terrace ordering
On peut s’asseoir en terrasse ? (can we sit outside?), l’addition, s’il vous plaît (the bill, please). For the full restaurant script, see how to order food in French.
Museum and landmark phrases
Un billet, s’il vous plaît (a ticket, please), où sont les toilettes ? (where are the restrooms? - surprisingly high-value).
| French | English |
|---|---|
| la correspondance | metro transfer |
| la sortie | exit |
| en terrasse | outdoor seating |
| un billet | a ticket |
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Questions about this note
Are Parisians actually rude to tourists?
The common complaint usually traces back to skipped greetings - saying bonjour first changes the interaction significantly.
How do you ask for a métro transfer?
Ask about la correspondance for [line/station].
How do you ask to sit outside at a café?
On peut s'asseoir en terrasse ?
What's the most useful single phrase in Paris?
Bonjour, followed by your request.
How do you ask for a museum ticket?
Un billet, s'il vous plaît.