Learning French will make your trip to France even more rewarding, from simple greetings to asking when something opens – you will require a wide range of vocabulary for travel!
Setting an upcoming trip as motivation can help keep your language learning on track – review often!
Getting Around
Making the most of France depends on your travel goals: in Paris, Metro and bus services (and, occasionally, trams) provide convenient transport; between cities TGV trains are ideal; for short journeys taxis offer fast and cost-effective options.
Long-distance coaches are an increasingly popular mode of transport for longer trips. Popular options include BlaBlaCar, Eurolines Bus, and Flixbus which operate nationally or regionally – most towns and cities will feature coach stations or stops.
Citymapper and Omio can both provide useful assistance when it comes to navigating France’s public transit. Renting a car may also be worth exploring if driving will play a significant role.
Shopping
Twice every year, France becomes a mecca for lovers of la mode (fashion). The soldes (sales) offer shoppers an incredible opportunity to add new pieces to their wardrobe. To make the most of your French shopping experience, commit some key French words and phrases to memory before entering stores; always say bonjour when entering as it would be considered rude not greeting salespeople when entering stores!
When saying, “I love shopping”, in French, try saying: “J’adore faire les courses/achats”. Rocket Record provides an easy and effective way for practicing pronunciation with native speakers – download it free onto both computers and mobile devices and get listening with native speakers as you practice! Plus it has proven effectiveness at helping learners of a new language learn their native tongue more quickly – happy shopping!
Transportation
France can be explored via buses and the Metro within cities and trains between cities, while cars provide excellent ways of exploring its countryside and visiting smaller towns. Rental car prices have seen dramatic increases following the coronavirus pandemic but can save money if booked early.
Paris taxis are plentiful and reliable. In many cities there are shared taxis where two or more travelers travel together at set prices to their respective destinations. Taxis are subject to regulation by cities which mandate roadworthiness standards and passenger capacities for safe service.
Buses can be found in most cities and towns, although their services may be scarce outside urban centers. As an alternative, trains – particularly TGV (Train a Grande Vitesse) — offer faster journey times. Tickets can be bought both at stations as well as online and delivered directly to you by email if booked online.
Long-distance coach buses have become an increasingly affordable alternative to train travel, with companies like BlaBlaCar and Eurolines providing service between most French cities as well as some smaller ones. When traveling solo, apps such as Citymapper or Omio may help navigate all your transport options and track timetables more easily.