TRAVEL TIPS FOR FRANCE 2026
Every week, the Masterworks Newsletter will contain a brief “Tip” about Paris, the French language, words to practice, getting around, money, paying for food, tipping, etc. Many of these ideas are distilled from a series of
YouTube videos by Les Frenchies, a French/American couple. For more detailed information, these videos cover many topics of interest to American travelers in France, especially Paris. They are fun to watch and very informative.
Paris tip No. 7
A few new words to practice: You already know
about Bonjour (bohn-zhoor), the most important word in french to practice. There are a few other words that will make your life easier and are simple to remember. Other helpful
phrases will be provided in a later Paris tip.
Merci (mahr-see), meaning “Thank you”. If you would like to add a little to it, say merci beaucoup
(mahr-see bow-coo) meaning “thank you very much.” Even if the conversation is in English, addingthis word is a nice touch.
Au Revoir (oh ruh-vwah), meaning “goodbye” In French, the “r” is soft and barely pronounced. It is common and polite to say this at the end of a transaction in a shop as you leave.
S’ilVous Plait (Seel-voo-play) meaning “please”.
Pardon and Excusez-Moi (Par-dohn and excus-ay mwah). Both of these words mean excuse me, but Pardon is usually used if you need to get
by someone or if you accidentally bump into someone.
Excusez-moi is used to get someone’s attention like approaching a shopworker.
Parlez-Vous Anglais (par-lay voo ang-lay) meaning “Do you speak English”. It is considered polite to ask before speaking English, especially outside of tourist areas.
Oui and Non (wee and nohn)
meaning “yes and no”. In “non”, the final “n” is soft and nasal, almost like you are swallowing the “on” sound.
A NOTABLE TRAVEL TIP FROM MICHAEL S.
I have a suggested Paris tip (in case this is not projected to be one of them). It may be one that is too soon to put in the newsletter, but it's also something
that would be useful to know a bit ahead of time.
In case you don't know, June 21st, summer solstice, is always the day for "Fête de la Musique" all over France (and many parts of the world). It's a big thing in France, having experienced it myself a few times in different French cities. There will be A LOT of FREE (many open air and somewhat informal) concerts all over the place--probably at major plazas,
squares, or parks.
This year, June 21st falls on a Sunday, two days before the Tuesday Hagenberg Gala Concert. According to the basic choir trip schedule, it looks like there are rehearsals Sunday morning and evening for the concert, but in between there is "sightseeing" time, though I am not sure if that's on our own or as a group.
I guess my tip would be to be prepared for (more) crowds in the city on that day and not overplan if there is '"on our own time." Especially if one wants to experience the vibe of the music festival all around. Also, there is not usually a single (universal) website that lists every possible event connected to the Fête (there may be several or may appear much later--and currently not all is set), so for me personally, I'd be as flexible as possible when planning for things
to do that day (outside of rehearsals).
I hope this helps.
Michael
