The 10 French Phrases You Actually Need for a Weekend in Paris

February 20, 2026

The 10 French Phrases You Actually Need for a Weekend in Paris

Planning a weekend getaway to the City of Light? You don’t need to be fluent in French to have an incredible time in Paris, but knowing a few key phrases will transform your experience. Locals deeply appreciate the effort, and it can mean the difference between incredible service and a frustrating interaction.

Here are the 10 strictly essential French phrases you need. Forget the fluff—this is what you’ll actually use.

1. Bonjour / Bonsoir (Hello / Good evening)

You must say this when entering any shop, cafe, or restaurant. It is considered intensely rude in France to start a conversation or ask a question without first saying Bonjour (during the day) or Bonsoir (in the evening).

  • Say it: bohn-ZHOOR / bohn-SWAHR

2. Parlez-vous anglais ? (Do you speak English?)

Never assume someone speaks English. Always ask this first. It shows respect.

  • Say it: par-lay voo ahn-GLAY

3. Une table pour deux, s’il vous plaît (A table for two, please)

Memorize this for every cafe and bistro you walk into.

  • Say it: oon tah-bluh poor duh, seel voo pleh

4. L’addition, s’il vous plaît (The bill, please)

In France, the waiter will not bring you the check until you explicitly ask for it. It’s considered rude to rush you out!

  • Say it: lah-dee-SYON, seel voo pleh

5. Je voudrais… (I would like…)

This is the polite way to order a croissant, a coffee, or anything else. Just point and say Je voudrais ça, s’il vous plaît.

  • Say it: zhuh voo-DRAY

6. Où sont les toilettes ? (Where is the bathroom?)

Crucial for obvious reasons. Note that public restrooms in Paris often require coins!

  • Say it: oo sohn lay twah-LET

7. Merci beaucoup (Thank you very much)

Always end every interaction with a hearty thank you.

  • Say it: mair-SEE boh-KOO

8. S’il vous plaît (Please)

Attach this to the end of literally every request.

  • Say it: seel voo pleh

9. L’addition, s’il vous plaît (The bill please)

You will use this every single day.

  • Say it: lah-dee-SYON, seel voo pleh

10. Au revoir (Goodbye)

Just as you say Bonjour when you enter, you must say Au revoir when you leave a boutique or cafe.

  • Say it: oh-ruh-VWAHR

Need These Offline?

If you want to actually hear how these sound, or need to look them up while standing in front of a waiter and your data is spotty, don’t rely on Google Translate.

Download PhraseLog. It’s a beautifully designed, completely offline phrasebook built specifically for U.S. travelers. Look up the phrases you actually need, play native audio, and sound prepared in seconds.

Explore all French Restaurant Phrases | See the Paris City Guide