Using Your French in Real Life: From Check-In to Check-Out
Learn how to use your French skills from check-in to check-out. Real phrases for hotels, cafés, shops, and transit—perfect for travel and language learners alike.
🗼 Why Learning French Is Just the Beginning—Using It Brings It to Life
You’ve been studying French for weeks, maybe months. You’ve mastered bonjour and au revoir, can conjugate avoir and être, and you’ve even memorized how to order a croissant. But now the real moment is here: you're in France, ready to explore. You step into the hotel lobby, and the receptionist greets you with a smile and rapid-fire French. You freeze. All that practice suddenly feels distant.
Sound familiar?
The truth is: the leap from classroom French to real-life French can feel intimidating—but it’s also the most exciting part of the journey. That’s when the language stops being a school subject and starts being your passport to connection, confidence, and culture.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to use your French in real-life travel situations—from the moment you arrive at your hotel to the moment you check out and hop on the next train. We’ll cover essential vocabulary, useful phrases, pronunciation tips, and cultural notes that will help you speak with confidence in hotels, cafés, markets, museums, and beyond.
Whether you're a beginner traveler or a returning Francophile, these tools will empower you to engage with locals, make your trip smoother, and enjoy every moment of your experience. Because the real reward of learning French isn't just saying the right words—it's being understood, appreciated, and immersed.
🏨 Part 1: At the Hotel – Check-In, Check-Out, and More
Hotels are often your first stop in a French city. Even if staff speak English, starting the conversation in French is a respectful and rewarding choice.
📅 Check-In Phrases
Bonjour, j’ai une réservation au nom de…
Hello, I have a reservation under the name…C’est pour combien de nuits ?
For how many nights?Une chambre simple ou double ?
A single or double room?Avez-vous besoin de mon passeport ?
Do you need my passport?À quelle heure est le petit déjeuner ?
What time is breakfast?Y a-t-il un ascenseur ?
Is there an elevator?Est-ce que le Wi-Fi est gratuit ?
Is Wi-Fi free?
🧳 Check-Out and Requests
Je voudrais régler ma note.
I’d like to settle my bill.Puis-je laisser mes bagages ici après le check-out ?
Can I leave my bags here after check-out?Merci pour votre accueil.
Thank you for your hospitality.
Cultural Tip:
Always greet staff with bonjour before anything else—it’s seen as rude to skip it. Even a short “Bonjour, excusez-moi…”makes a big difference.
☕ Part 2: Cafés and Restaurants – Eat Like a Local, Speak Like One Too
Ordering food in French is one of the most enjoyable parts of travel—especially when you do it à la française.
🪑 Asking for a Table
Bonjour, avez-vous une table pour deux ?
Hello, do you have a table for two?À l’intérieur ou en terrasse ?
Inside or on the terrace?Nous préférerions une table tranquille.
We’d prefer a quiet table.
📝 Ordering Food and Drinks
Je prends… / Je voudrais…
I’ll have… / I’d like…Un café crème et une quiche, s’il vous plaît.
A latte and a quiche, please.Le plat du jour, c’est quoi ?
What’s the dish of the day?C’est épicé ?
Is it spicy?Est-ce que c’est végétarien ?
Is it vegetarian?
🍮 At the End of the Meal
L’addition, s’il vous plaît.
The check, please.On peut payer séparément ?
Can we pay separately?C’était délicieux, merci beaucoup.
It was delicious, thank you very much.
Cultural Tip:
Tipping is not required in France—service is included—but leaving a euro or two for good service is appreciated.
🛍️ Part 3: Shopping at Markets and Boutiques
Markets and shops are a treasure trove of cultural immersion. Plus, they're the perfect place to practice numbers, greetings, and common vocabulary.
👗 At a Clothing Store
Est-ce que je peux essayer ceci ?
Can I try this on?Avez-vous cette robe en taille M ?
Do you have this dress in a size medium?Combien ça coûte ?
How much does it cost?C’est en solde ?
Is it on sale?
🧀 At a Market
Bonjour, je voudrais 200 grammes de fromage, s’il vous plaît.
Hello, I’d like 200 grams of cheese, please.Quels légumes sont de saison ?
Which vegetables are in season?Ce pain est fait maison ?
Is this bread homemade?Merci, c’est tout pour aujourd’hui.
Thank you, that’s all for today.
Cultural Tip:
French vendors appreciate politeness. Always start with bonjour, and end with merci, bonne journée (have a nice day).
🖼️ Part 4: Museums, Sites, and Cultural Spaces
If you’re visiting a museum, castle, or historical site, a few simple phrases help you navigate and learn more.
🎟️ Buying Tickets
Deux billets pour l’exposition, s’il vous plaît.
Two tickets for the exhibition, please.Y a-t-il un tarif réduit ?
Is there a discount?Puis-je prendre des photos ?
May I take photos?Est-ce qu’il y a une visite guidée ?
Is there a guided tour?À quelle heure commence la prochaine visite ?
What time does the next tour start?
Cultural Tip:
Many museums have signs in English, but staff will often switch to French if you lead with it. You’ll get more engagement—and possibly insider tips.
🚇 Part 5: Transportation – Trains, Taxis, and More
Getting around is easier when you know what to say and how to ask for help.
🚄 At the Train Station
Je voudrais un billet pour Marseille, s’il vous plaît.
I’d like a ticket to Marseille, please.Aller simple ou aller-retour ?
One-way or round trip?Quelle est la voie pour le train à Bordeaux ?
Which platform is for the Bordeaux train?Ce train s’arrête à Lyon ?
Does this train stop in Lyon?
🚕 In a Taxi
Bonjour, vous pouvez m’emmener à l’Hôtel Le Marais ?
Hello, can you take me to Hotel Le Marais?Est-ce que vous acceptez la carte ?
Do you take card?Pouvez-vous me déposer ici ?
Can you drop me off here?
🧠 Real Life = Real Practice: Why Using French Changes Everything
Every traveler has a story about trying to speak a language and failing gloriously—or surprisingly succeeding. The point isn’t perfection—it’s connection.
Using your French in everyday travel moments:
Builds your confidence
Solidifies vocabulary in context
Improves pronunciation through real interaction
Makes you a participant, not just a tourist
You don’t need to be fluent. You just need to be willing.
At Polyglottist Language Academy, we prepare you for exactly these moments—so you can speak up, make memories, and get far more out of every trip.
❓FAQs: Using French While Traveling in France
Q: What if I mess up my grammar?
A: That’s okay! Most French speakers appreciate the effort. Keep going—you’ll improve with practice.
Q: Should I always use “vous” or “tu”?
A: Always use vous with strangers, service people, or anyone in a professional context. Reserve tu for close friends or children.
Q: How can I practice before my trip?
A: Take conversation-focused classes, listen to travel dialogues, and rehearse real-life scenarios. Even rehearsing aloud helps!
Q: Will people respond in English?
A: Sometimes. If they do, you can say: “Je voudrais pratiquer mon français, si c’est possible.” (I’d like to practice my French, if that’s okay.)
Q: What if I get overwhelmed?
A: Pause, smile, and ask: “Pouvez-vous répéter lentement, s’il vous plaît ?” (Can you repeat slowly, please?)
🏫 Want to Practice Real-Life French Before You Travel?
At Polyglottist Language Academy, we specialize in French that’s practical, engaging, and travel-ready. Our small-group classes simulate real situations—ordering food, booking hotels, navigating cities—so you’ll feel prepared the moment you land.
✅ Small class sizes (3–6 students)
✅ In-person and online options in Berkeley, Oakland, San Francisco, and Marin
✅ Focus on real conversations, pronunciation, and cultural cues
✅ Taught by expert instructors who bring France to life
🌍 Sign up today and make your next trip to France a true language immersion.