Help! I’m Going to Paris and Don’t Speak Any French

You’re off to Paris! The City of Lights, croissants, and the French language. But, like a lot of travelers to Paris, you don’t exactly speak French. Maybe the closest you’ve come to French might be watching Ratatouille or ordering that bottle of rosé at brunch. Not to worry—this is Paris, not a language exam, and spoiler: you’ll be absolutely fine without speaking fluent French.

Here’s your unofficial guide to navigating Paris like a pro—even if you don’t know a lick of French.

1. Start with “Bonjour” and Smile (Seriously, Just Do It)

First thing’s first: Parisians really aren’t rude—at least, most of them aren’t. But most do have this one unspoken rule for interacting with tourists: start every interaction with “bonjour” (pronounced bohn-zhoor) or “bonsoir” (pronounced bohn-swahr), if it’s after 6 p.m. Whether you’re ordering a pain au chocolat or asking for directions to the Louvre, a simple “bonjour” goes a long way. It’s like the golden key to unlocking good service in Paris. Always make eye contact and throw in a smile. They may not be famous for their warmth but a smile plus a “bonjour” is your secret handshake.

Pro tip: Think of Parisians as having the same attitude as your stereotypical New Yorker (which I know because I was one for a long time; and still have the attitude to show for it). In a nutshell: they’re busy with their own lives, but if you’re polite about interrupting their flow, most everyone will be more than happy to help.

2. Use the Universal Language of Gestures

Hand gestures are your best friend in Paris. Pointing, miming, or even doing a little dance when you’re trying to ask where the bathroom is will take you a lot further than you think. Parisians are used to tourists, so don’t be shy about using some charades-level moves to get your point across.

If you’re ordering in a café and can’t pronounce anything on the menu? Point at what someone else is having. It’s foolproof, and bonus points if it’s croque monsieur (kroh-k muh-syuhr).

3. English is More Common Than You Think

Despite the stereotype, many Parisians—especially in tourist areas—speak at least some English. In fact, at hotels, museums, and major attractions, you’re more likely to get an English response than a French one.

But here’s where it gets tricky: don’t open a conversation with, “Do you speak English?” It’s a quick way to turn a casual interaction into an icy one. Instead, hit them with that magical “bonjour” (I told you it’s important), and then politely ask, “Parlez-vous anglais?” (par-lay voo on-glay). It’s like the linguistic equivalent of a secret password. Trust me.

4. Learn A Few Basic Phrases (Pronunciation Included)

Now, I’m not saying you need to bust out Duo Lingo before your trip (though if you have time, that’s never a bad idea), but learning a handful of basic French phrases will make things easier—and Parisians will appreciate the effort. Here’s a mini crash course, with pronunciation included to make you feel confident:

• Bonjour – Hello (bohn-zhoor)
• Merci – Thank you (mehr-see)
• S’il vous plaît – Please (seel voo pleh)
• Excusez-moi – Excuse me (ehk-skew-zay mwah)
• Où sont les toilettes? – Where’s the bathroom? (oo sohn lay twah-let)

There’s no shame in mispronouncing something—seriously, Parisians are used to it. But if you at least attempt a few words in French, you’ll get more help and less attitude.

5. Download a Translation App (Yes, Really)

Technology is here to save the day. Before you leave, download a translation app like Google Translate. Google Translate has this awesome feature where you can point your phone’s camera at a sign or menu, and it’ll translate the text for you instantly. It’s like magic.

Bonus: Google Translate works offline, which is great if you’re trying to avoid international data roaming charges.

6. Menus and Signs: Decoding French Cuisine

Speaking of menus, let’s talk food—because you’re in Paris, and you’re obviously going to eat your weight in croissants and cheese. The good news is, a lot of Parisian restaurants cater to tourists, so English menus are often available. But if you end up somewhere more local (which you absolutely should), here are a few key phrases to recognize:

• Entrée – Appetizer (Yes, in France, entrée means the starter, not the main dish.) (ahn-tray)
• Plat principal – Main course (plah prahn-see-pal)
• Fromage – Cheese (Get it. Always.) (froh-mahzh)
• Poulet – Chicken (poo-lay)
• Bœuf – Beef (buhf)
• Poisson – Fish (pwah-sohn)

Oh, and if you’re eyeing the wine list, just say vin rouge (red wine) or vin blanc (white wine) (van roozh / van blahnk), or rosé, which you already know. Keep it simple.

7. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help

When all else fails, just ask for help. Parisians may have a reputation of seeming aloof, but they’re not really. If you’re lost in the metro or can’t figure out how to order that dreamy-looking pastry in the bakery window, ask someone nearby. Most of the time, you’ll find people really are willing to assist, especially if you’re polite and patient.

Just remember: “Excusez-moi” (ehk-skew-zay mwah) is your friend. Use it before you ask for help, and you’re golden.

8. When in Doubt, Just Point at the Map

If all this language navigation talk is stressing you out, breathe. Most public signs in Paris are pretty intuitive, even if they’re in French. Metro maps, museum signs, and tourist landmarks are easy to figure out—just follow the icons. When you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed, pointing at the map or showing someone the address you’re headed to works like a charm.

9. Relax and Enjoy the Experience

Yes, the language barrier can feel intimidating at first. You’re in a foreign country, surrounded by French words and phrases that seem impossible to pronounce. But part of the fun of travel is getting a little lost in the unfamiliar, right?

Even if you mess up a phrase or stumble over your pronunciation, it’s all part of the experience. And honestly, those little mix-ups make for the best travel stories. So embrace it. After all, Paris is still Paris, whether you’re ordering coffee in perfect French or relying on Google Translate for every interaction.

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Bottom Line: You don’t need to be fluent in French to enjoy Paris. Just remember a few key phrases, throw in some hand gestures, and rely on your translation app when things get tricky. You’ll be navigating Paris like a seasoned traveler in no time—even if your French is limited to “bonjour” and “merci.”

Now, go on and order that croissant with confidence. You’ve got this!

And if you have more questions about how to navigate Paris with zero French skills, feel free to contact me or drop them in the comments.