Polite French is a travel cheat code. A single “Excusez-moi” can turn a hurried barista into a guide, a packed metro into a clear path, and a confused check into a smile and “l’addition” arriving without fuss. We sat down with Paul, a French native, to break down simple phrases and cultural nuances that make moving through France, Belgium, and other French-speaking regions easier, friendlier, and a lot more delicious.

We start with the essentials: when to use bonjour versus bonsoir, why vous signals respect, and how “Excusez-moi, parlez-vous anglais ?” softens almost any interaction. From there, we get practical. You’ll learn how to ask for help (Aidez-moi, s’il vous plaît), admit confusion (Je ne comprends pas), and get un-stuck quickly (Je suis perdu, Où est…?). We also cover the basics that save time and stress—finding les toilettes, asking for l’eau, and navigating taxis with a simple Où allez-vous and a pointed map. Along the way, Paul shares why effort matters more than perfect pronunciation and how a calm tone, a nod, and “s’il vous plaît” transform the whole vibe.

Food lovers, this one’s for you. We walk through ordering at cafés and bakeries: Je voudrais du pain, s’il vous plaît, un café, du thé, and the great national debate between pain au chocolat and chocolatine. You’ll learn how to ask for the check with grace, spot the difference between a boulangerie, boucherie, and fromagerie, and even request a taste of cheese without overstepping. We wrap with easy goodbyes—Au revoir and À bientôt—so you leave every encounter on a warm note.

Ready to travel lighter and connect deeper? Hit play, practice a few lines, and try them on your next coffee run or metro ride. If this helped, subscribe, leave a quick review, and share the episode with a friend planning a trip—what phrase will you use first?

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Alexa and Rory
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