Do They Speak English In Paris?
Do they speak English in Paris? The answer is yes. Despite the persistent stereotype, quite a few Parisians speak English. And It is very possible to travel to Paris without speaking French.
However, while English is spoken in Paris, there are some important things you need to know before you travel there. In this guide, we will deep dive into just what it means to be an English speaker in Paris, and how to make your trip as easy as possible!
I lived with locals in Paris for almost a month in August 2023, and I’m here to give the most updated guide on traveling to Paris as an English speaker.
Do Many People Speak English in Paris?
According to a report from Euromonitor International for the British Council, 57.25% of French people speak a basic level of English. And that number is higher in Paris, with 60.28% having a basic level.
Why is the number higher in Paris? Well, not only is the city the 7th most visited city in the world. It is also a major hotspot for expats and international students, making it a hub for many cultures and languages.
However, even though 60% of the city’s population can understand basic English, does not mean everyone will be comfortable speaking it. And outside of tourist areas, the likelihood of you finding Parisians who regularly speak English steadily decreases.
What Language Do They Speak in Paris?
French is the national language of France, the country where Paris is located. 96% of Parisians speak French, with 80% having French as their first language.
However, it is common to hear many other languages in Paris, such as Arabic, Spanish, Dutch, and English. This is because Paris is an incredibly international city. 49% of Parisians are immigrants or have at least one immigrant parent.
Is French Easy to Learn?
Though every language takes time and effort to learn, French consistently scores in the easiest learning category for English speakers. This is due to the fact that English and French share a large amount of vocabulary and have a similar alphabet! (Though I did study French for 5 years, and can’t speak at all.)
And keep in mind that native French can sometimes be quite different from the French you learn through lessons or apps. French Verlan is a common way of speaking largely used by youth and young adults, which involves literally reversing the syllables in a word.
For example, instead of saying ‘c’est parti!’ which means ‘let’s go’, someone speaking in verlan would say ‘c’est tipar’ instead. And it’s so… so confusing.
Is it Rude to Speak English in France?
We’ve all heard the common stereotype, ‘French people hate when people speak English’. But is it true?
Not entirely, the French are generally very friendly and helpful. However, many Parisians will dislike it if you assume everyone does or has to speak English
Instead of starting a conversation with ‘hi, how are you’, try to start the conversation in French with, ‘bonjour (hello), parlez-vous anglais? (do you speak English?)’, and continue in English if you get encouragement.
Many French people will not feel comfortable having a conversation in English even if they have basic knowledge. So starting a conversation in French shows interest and respect for their culture, and also gives locals the opportunity to reply in French if they’re uncomfortable speaking English.
Are the French Friendly to tourists?
Yes, they are friendly. But keep in mind that the French do not have the same social norms as places like Australia, the UK, and the USA.
It is much less common to smile at strangers, even if smiled at. And it is even less common to have a conversation with a stranger. This is not because Parisians are hostile towards tourists, it is simply because they tend to be more private.
Note: Despite what many people believe, It is quite uncommon for Parisians to ask each other how they are. Which is something I learned from my local friends!
Do they speak English in restaurants and cafes?
I found that it is common for restaurants and cafes around popular tourist destinations to have English menus and English-speaking staff. However, outside of those areas, it is much less likely.
This aside, menus in French are very easy to get around. On Google Chrome and the Google Translate app, you have the option to translate photos. So, snap a photo of your menu and Google will do all the work.
Similarly, it is possible to use the speak-to-translate option on the Google Translate app if the waitstaff does not speak English. The accuracy isn’t great if you speak fast; otherwise, it’s very easy to use!
My Favourite Places to Eat and Drink in Paris:
Pendi Coffee (@Pendi.coffee)
The staff at Pendi Coffee, located in the 17th Arrondissement, are probably the loveliest people I met in Paris. Walk in and you’ll be treated by the lovely owner Benjamin or one of his baristas.
It is also safe to say that the vibes at Pendi Coffee are immaculate with a neutral hip aesthetic, and an open front with cushioned benches looking out onto the street.
While at Pendi Coffee, I recommend trying their well-known matcha latte (as Benjamin would say, it’s even better without any sweetener!).
I also recommend their housemade matcha crepe cake, and their delicious cheese naan, which Is even better with pomegranate seeds.
Mokonuts (@mokonutsbakery)
Mokonuts books out weeks in advance, but it is undoubtedly worth it for the culinary experience they provide.
Run by a French-Lebanese and Japanese-American couple, and usually filled to the brim with English speakers, the tiny restaurant is a must-visit for anyone exploring Paris.
I recommend you pay a visit before 10:30 a.m. for breakfast. There are no reservations and it is a much more casual experience. But you’ll still find incredibly delicious meals.
French Words to Learn Before You Go to Paris:
Bonjour: Hello
The first and most obvious one is bonjour, which simply means hello! It is considered polite to always say bonjour before starting a conversation with someone.
It is probably the most common greeting and can be used in both formal and informal settings.
Excusez-moi: Excuse Me
When approaching someone on the street, saying ‘excusez-moi’, which translates directly to ‘excuse me!’, is a great way to begin a conversation.
Merci: Thank you
Merci is one of the most commonly known French words, and it means ‘thank you’!
S’il vous plait: Please
Essentially translating to ‘please’, s’il vous plait is another phrase that is incredibly useful in France.
Parlez-vous anglais?: Do you speak English?
As I mentioned above, the most polite way to start a conversation with a Parisian as an English speaker is to begin in French. Saying Bonjour, and following up with ‘parlez-vous anglais?’, is polite and respectful!
5 Paris Travel Tips for English Speakers:
Although I do not often recommend traveling to Western Europe (especially as a backpacker, which I talk about in my post ‘The Truth About Backpacking Western Europe’), there is just something I love about Paris.
Many people who have never even been to Paris claim the city is dirty, dangerous, and overrated. But as someone who lived there for almost a month, I can assure you that it is nothing like that.
However, Paris is a city. And like any other city, it has its ups and downs. There are some important things you need to note about visiting Paris as a tourist to make your stay as enjoyable as possible.
Download the Google Translate app
The Google Translate app has been my lifesaver while I’ve been overseas, and it is something that I recommend to ALL travelers going to a country with a different native language.
It allows you not only to translate text but also photos and voice. Meaning you can easily translate menus, street signs, and general information.
On top of this, its speak-to-translate feature allows you to speak directly into the app instead of spending time typing. Then gives you the option to have the translation repeated out loud instead of having to hand someone your phone!
Even though the app is incredibly useful, I also still recommend you learn some basic French words and phrases before traveling to Paris. Not only does it make your life easier, but it will go much farther with locals!
Book a Hotel in a popular tourist area
Most hotels will have English-speaking staff on-site as English is generally considered the tourist language. However, if you’re worried about being thrown in the deep end, I definitely recommend booking accommodation in a touristy area.
I found that areas like the 1st, 3rd, 5th, 6th, and 7th arrondissements are where you are much more likely to find accommodation with English-speaking staff. On top of that, these are the areas where you will find the most accommodating shops, eateries, and supermarkets.
Though prices are generally a bit higher in these areas, if you’re worried about not being able to communicate on your trip to Paris, staying in one of these areas is your safest bet.
Carry as little as possible in your day bag
There are two major reasons why carrying lots around with you is probably a bad idea. The first one is security, and the second is crime.
First off, security in Paris is quite strict. It is very common to find airport-style security checkpoints at the entrances to popular tourist attractions and historical sites. The more you have, the more likely it is for you to be pulled up on something or for security to be suspicious.
Secondly, pickpocketing continues to be a major problem in Paris. I recommend only wearing a cross-body bag or a tote instead of bringing a fancy purse or a backpack.
The more you carry, the more likely you are to be targeted. And the more important things you carry, the more likely you are to lose something valuable. I recommend only taking necessities, and leaving the rest locked in your accommodation.
Book in advance to avoid the hassle
Paris is a busy city, and popular restaurants like Mokonuts, accommodations, and activities can be booked out FAR in advance.
It’s not great for backpackers like myself looking for spontaneity, but if there is something you really want to do or somewhere you really want to go I highly recommend you book at least a week in advance.
And when it comes to accommodation, it is generally much cheaper to book a month or two in advance. Especially for hostels, where prices surge a few weeks before the booking date.
Always Say Bonjour/Bonsoir
You’d be surprised how far a simple ‘Bonjour/ Bonsoir’ can go in Paris. When walking into a café, shop, or starting a conversation with someone, it is very important to greet them!
Saying bonjour (hello, for mornings), or bonsoir (hello, for night) is the standard way to politely acknowledge the person you are passing or chatting to.
As a tourist, it also shows an appreciation for the French people and language, which I’ve mentioned a few times now. And that goes a long way in being respectful to locals, and therefore giving you a better experience of Paris.
Conclusion: Do They Speak English In Paris?
So, Do they speak English in Paris? Yes, over 60% of Parisians speak at least a basic level of English. Paris has a lot of infrastructure to support tourists. Meaning you can get around relatively easily without speaking fluent French.
However, remember that not all Parisians speak English, and not all want to! So, it is important not to expect anyone to speak a foreign language to accommodate you. There will always be someone willing to help, and if it’s not the first person, that’s okay!
English isn’t as common in Paris as it is in other European cities, so use the Google Translate app if necessary, and try to learn a few words and phrases in French! It makes your life much easier but also shows respect towards the French culture.
Note: Thinking about a trip to Europe as a solo traveler? Read my guides on How to make friends as a solo traveler, or How to travel for less than rent.
