Most people studying French before a trip to France are learning the wrong things.

They memorize grammar rules. Conjugation tables. Textbook dialogues nobody actually says.

Then they land in Paris, open their mouth, and the waiter responds in rapid-fire French and they freeze.

Here's what actually works — the 12 phrases I use on every trip:

1. "Excusez-moi" — Your most-used word. Use it before everything.

2. "Vous avez une table pour deux?" — Do you have a table for two?

3. "L'addition, s'il vous plaît" — The bill, please.

4. "C'est combien?" — How much is it?

5. "Où sont les toilettes?" — Essential. No explanation needed.

6. "Je voudrais..." — I would like... (the politest way to order anything)

7. "Pouvez-vous répéter plus lentement?" — Can you repeat that more slowly?

8. "Un café, s'il vous plaît" — One coffee, please.

9. "Quel est le Wi-Fi?" — What's the Wi-Fi?

10. "C'est délicieux!" — It's delicious! Makes any server smile.

11. "Merci beaucoup" — Thank you very much.

12. "Au revoir!" — Always say it when leaving a shop. Always.

The 3 that nearly ruined it:

• Saying "Je suis excité" (means something inappropriate — say "Je suis enthousiaste" instead)

• Asking "Où est la bibliothèque?" in a restaurant (that's the library, not the restroom)

• Skipping "Bonjour" — French people find it rude. Always lead with it.

If you're heading to France and want to go deeper, I run FrenchFlow — structured lessons and coaching built for English speakers traveling to France.

Bonne chance! 🇫🇷