How to Book Hotels, Trains, and Restaurants in France in French
Traveling to France? Learn how to book hotels, trains, and restaurants in French with practical phrases and cultural tips. Perfect for language learners and travelers alike.
✈️ From Bonjour to Booking: Why Speaking French Changes Your Travel Experience
Let’s be honest—France is one of the world’s most visited countries, but it can also be one of the most intimidating for non-French speakers. Not because people aren’t helpful (they usually are), but because the French take language seriously—and so should you if you want smoother, more enjoyable travel experiences.
Imagine checking into a hotel and getting an upgrade because you charmed the receptionist in French. Or reserving a train seat by asking questions confidently at the counter. Or better yet—landing that perfect corner table at a cozy bistro in Lyon simply because you knew how to say, “J’ai une réservation au nom de…”
The truth is: a little French goes a long way. And when it comes to travel logistics—like booking hotels, train tickets, or restaurant tables—it can be the difference between stress and success.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through essential phrases, real-life examples, and cultural tips for booking accommodations, transportation, and meals in France—en français. Whether you’re planning your first trip or returning for the tenth, mastering these interactions will make your journey easier, more immersive, and a whole lot more rewarding.
🏨 Part 1: Booking a Hotel in French
Hotels range from charming chambres d’hôtes to chic city boutiques. But no matter your style, the booking process involves a few key steps—and a handful of useful expressions.
📅 Making a Reservation
By phone or email:
Bonjour, je voudrais réserver une chambre, s’il vous plaît.
Hello, I’d like to book a room, please.C’est pour combien de nuits ?
How many nights?C’est pour deux personnes, du 3 au 6 juin.
It’s for two people, from June 3rd to 6th.Avez-vous une chambre avec vue ?
Do you have a room with a view?Le petit déjeuner est-il compris ?
Is breakfast included?
By website (when confirming or clarifying):
Je voudrais confirmer ma réservation pour ce week-end.
I’d like to confirm my reservation for this weekend.Je préférerais un lit double.
I’d prefer a double bed.
🛎️ Checking In and Out
Bonjour, j’ai une réservation au nom de Dupont.
Hello, I have a reservation under the name Dupont.À quelle heure est le check-out ?
What time is check-out?Puis-je laisser mes bagages ici après le check-out ?
Can I leave my luggage here after check-out?
Cultural Tip:
Even in large hotels, making the effort to greet the staff in French with Bonjour (before launching into English) is seen as a basic courtesy—and may lead to warmer service.
🚄 Part 2: Booking Trains in French
France’s train system is one of the best in Europe—but it’s also full of regional nuances and options. Booking online is easy, but knowing how to speak at the counter or ask questions at the station gives you flexibility and confidence—especially if things go off schedule.
🎟️ Buying Tickets
At the counter:
Bonjour, je voudrais un billet pour Paris, s’il vous plaît.
Hello, I’d like a ticket to Paris, please.Aller simple ou aller-retour ?
One-way or round trip?Je voudrais un aller-retour pour demain matin.
I’d like a round trip for tomorrow morning.En première ou en deuxième classe ?
First or second class?À quelle heure part le prochain train ?
What time does the next train leave?
Key Vocabulary:
un billet – a ticket
une place réservée – a reserved seat
un TGV – high-speed train
la voie – platform or track
le quai – platform
composter – to validate (older tickets)
🧳 At the Station
Où est la voie 4 ?
Where is platform 4?Le train pour Lyon est-il à l’heure ?
Is the train to Lyon on time?Je crois que je me suis trompé de train.
I think I got on the wrong train.
Cultural Tip:
You don’t need to validate tickets purchased online, but traditional paper tickets from vending machines must be validatedin yellow machines before boarding. If you’re unsure, ask: “Dois-je composter mon billet ?”
🍽️ Part 3: Booking a Restaurant in French
Whether it’s a Michelin-starred marvel or a tiny countryside auberge, making a reservation in French can be your secret weapon for scoring great seats and better service.
☎️ Making a Reservation
Bonjour, je voudrais réserver une table pour deux ce soir à 20 heures.
Hello, I’d like to book a table for two tonight at 8 p.m.Avez-vous une table en terrasse ?
Do you have a table on the terrace?C’est au nom de…
It’s under the name of…Nous préférerions une table tranquille si possible.
We’d prefer a quiet table if possible.
If calling in advance:
C’est pour quelle date ? – For what date?
À quelle heure ? – At what time?
🪑 Arriving at the Restaurant
Bonsoir, j’ai une réservation pour deux à 19h30 au nom de Martin.
Good evening, I have a reservation for two at 7:30 p.m. under the name Martin.La carte, s’il vous plaît. – The menu, please.
Qu’est-ce que vous recommandez ? – What do you recommend?
L’addition, s’il vous plaît. – The bill, please.
Cultural Tip:
In France, lingering over a meal is normal. The table is yours for the evening unless you’re told otherwise. Don’t expect the check to arrive until you ask for it—politely. Also, tipping is appreciated but optional—rounding up is enough.
📘 Bonus: Pronunciation Tips for Travelers
If you're nervous about speaking, these sound hacks help:
“J’ai” (I have) is pronounced like zhay
“Réservation” is ray-zair-va-syon
“Voie” (track) sounds like vwah
“Table pour deux” = tah-bluh poor duh
Avoid over-rolling your Rs. A light throat R is more French than a strong Spanish one.
Don’t worry about perfection—just speak slowly, clearly, and with a smile. French people appreciate effort much morethan you think.
🎯 Why Booking in French Makes You a Smarter Traveler
Speaking French—even at a basic level—doesn’t just get you better service. It also:
Boosts confidence in other parts of your trip
Builds rapport with locals and staff
Helps avoid miscommunication (especially with bookings and times)
Shows respect for the culture, which often leads to better experiences
At Polyglottist Language Academy, we’ve helped hundreds of travelers learn how to speak up, book smart, and enjoy every minute of their French adventure.
❓FAQs: Booking Hotels, Trains, and Restaurants in French
Q: Can I get by with English in most places?
A: In major tourist areas, yes—but not always. And even in Paris, using French for bookings earns more patience and friendliness.
Q: What if I mess up my French sentence?
A: That’s okay! Most French speakers will help you finish the thought—and may even switch to English if you make an effort first.
Q: Is it better to book in person or online?
A: Online is convenient, but being able to ask or confirm details in French (like check-in time or table location) is useful and often appreciated.
Q: Do I need to use formal French (vous)?
A: Yes. Always use vous instead of tu when booking or speaking to staff. It’s more polite and expected in professional settings.
Q: Can I write my booking requests in French by email?
A: Absolutely. Short, polite French emails go a long way and often get faster responses.
🏫 Want to Book and Travel Like a Local?
At Polyglottist Language Academy, we offer beginner-friendly and travel-focused French courses designed to prepare you for real-world conversations in hotels, stations, and cafés.
✅ Small classes (3–6 students)
✅ In-person and online options in Berkeley
✅ Focus on useful phrases, pronunciation, and cultural know-how
✅ Teachers with real travel experience and native fluency
🌍 Sign up today and get ready to speak French with confidence on your next trip to France.