🇫🇷 Asking for Directions in French
Lost in Paris? Lyon? Bordeaux? These 10 phrases will help you ask for directions and understand the answers locals give you.
📝 Key phrases
| 🇫🇷 French | 🇬🇧 Translation |
|---|---|
| Excusez-moi, où est… ? | Excuse me, where is…? |
| Comment aller à… ? | How do I get to…? |
| C'est loin d'ici ? | Is it far from here? |
| Allez tout droit. | Go straight ahead. |
| Tournez à gauche / à droite. | Turn left / right. |
| C'est au coin de la rue. | It's on the corner. |
| C'est en face de la gare. | It's across from the station. |
| C'est à cinq minutes à pied. | It's a five-minute walk. |
| Où est la station de métro la plus proche ? | Where's the nearest subway station? |
| Vous pouvez me montrer sur la carte ? | Can you show me on the map? |
Cultural tip
French people appreciate when you start with "Excusez-moi" or "Pardon" before asking for directions. Jumping straight to the question is considered rude.
Did you know?
In Paris, locals often give directions using landmarks rather than street names — "next to the bakery" or "across from the pharmacy" rather than "on Rue de Rivoli."
💬 Conversation with Emma
You
Excusez-moi, comment aller à la Tour Eiffel ?
Excuse me, how do I get to the Eiffel Tower?
E
Bien sûr ! Allez tout droit, puis tournez à gauche après le pont.
Of course! Go straight, then turn left after the bridge.
You
C'est loin d'ici ?
Is it far from here?
E
Non, c'est à dix minutes à pied.
No, it's a ten-minute walk.
You
Où est la station de métro la plus proche ?
Where's the nearest subway station?
E
C'est au coin de la rue, en face du café.
It's on the corner, across from the café.
You
Merci beaucoup !
Thank you very much!
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