Can I go to France without learning french??

Australia
June 19, 2009 12:31am CST
I really want to go to France, but I can't speak french. I have a plan to go to France in a few months without tour guide. Now I need advice, should I go to France without knowing anything about french language? I know most of European countries like Spain and Germany, most of people there can speak english well. But I don't know about France and if French people can't speak english well, I have to hire a tour guide then...
1 person likes this
6 responses
@marguicha (215584)
• Chile
19 Jun 09
I donĀ“t think a tourist needs to know the language odf every country he visits. And English is a very international language. Only remember to talk VERY slowly, pronounce well and excuse yourself for not knowing their language. Being nice helps everywhere and people are most willing to help, even by geatures. Remember to get a dictionary for help. Luck and have a good time
2 people like this
• Australia
19 Jun 09
Dictionary is really important when we went to non-english countries. Thanks for the advice.
@maximax8 (31053)
• United Kingdom
19 Jun 09
I learned French for five years and it has helped my trips to France and French speaking places like French Polynesia. Many of the younger French people can speak English quite well. This applies to those that live in Paris and the northern regions close to England like Normandy and Brittany plus to resorts like Nice in the South. In the rural regions I suggest you take a phrase book. I am really keen on traveling and it is impossible to know every language. I try to pick up the basics like 'thank you'. I have been to 52 different countries and in Eastern Europe I had a language barrier sometimes. I got by fine though and am sure you will have a great time in France. Many tourists go to France and don't know the language.
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@maximax8 (31053)
• United Kingdom
19 Jun 09
French is a lovely sounding language so I think you will enjoy it. France is an amazing country. Today I got my Spanish certificate from my course I have done and in September I want to do the next course in it.
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• Australia
19 Jun 09
Wow, I think you are really love learning language. Keep it up.
• Australia
19 Jun 09
I think I will learn french for a few months before I go there. Thanks for the advice.
@chiyosan (30184)
• Philippines
20 Jun 09
i think you can of course, more so if you are just visitng the country for travel reasons... vacations as most of the tourist spots i guess does have english speaking people around.
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• Australia
20 Jun 09
You're absolutely right. If I went to tourist spot such as the eiffel tower, many people there of course will speak english. But still,I think I have to bring a dictionary. Thanks for the advice.
@egdcltd (12060)
19 Jun 09
You'll find that a lot of French will speak English, so knowledge of French isn't necessary. However, it can be a good idea to learn a few words of French. "Please" and "Thankyou" are probably the best words to learn in any language.
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• Australia
19 Jun 09
I think many young french can speak english well because they learn english at school. But still, I think I have to bring dictionary. Thanks for the advice.
@icesmile (7160)
• Romania
19 Jun 09
Hi, i can give you an advice, because i was there few times, in visit, and i think that i know french people good. If you want to visit a European country, France is the best choice, if you like history, nice and quait places, nice people, great food, and why not romantic places. But...because exist a but here...you must to take with you a dictionary for usual words, will help you a lot...french people don t like, even they know, to speak other language. Well they are a kind of nationalist, and they think that french is a language everybody must to know. I try first time when i was there, to speak in English, but only to the hotel i find somebody who speak in English....in the city, to market, nowbody don t want to speak other language. Second time when i was in visit in France, i was learning French language, and all was wonderful. So, my advice is to learn simple words and expresions, and all will be ok,you will feel good there.
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• Australia
19 Jun 09
That is a good idea. Maybe I should learn some daily phrases and bring a pocket dictionary. Thanks for the advice.
@luna198 (96)
• China
19 Jun 09
i think you will,because you know English,but if you wanna have a happy travel,i think get a tour guide is necessary~
1 person likes this
• Australia
19 Jun 09
I like your advice. Thanks for the advice.