· 11 min read
French Phrases for Living in Paris: Préfecture, Boulangerie & Metro Guide
By Language Lab editorial team
Moving to Paris? French phrases for your préfecture appointment, metro card, boulangerie, and first month — even starting from zero.
What French do you need for your first month in Paris?
Paris is surprisingly resistant to English in formal settings. The préfecture de police (immigration office) and sous-préfecture (for titre de séjour applications) operate entirely in French. Your Parisian landlord, concierge, CAF (housing allowance) office, and CPAM (health insurance) appointments all require French. Bonjour, j'ai un rendez-vous pour mon titre de séjour (Hello, I have an appointment for my residence permit) and Je ne comprends pas, pouvez-vous répéter plus lentement? (I don't understand, could you repeat more slowly?) are the two phrases that carry you through any appointment.
Daily Paris life requires French for the boulangerie, pharmacie, and épicerie — though many central-arrondissement shops have English-speaking staff. The Paris metro (RATP) is straightforward with English signage, but ticket machines and assistance windows operate in French. Knowing Un carnet de dix, s'il vous plaît (Ten tickets, please) and Où est la sortie pour [street]? (Where is the exit for [street]?) handles your transit needs from day one.
Key French phrases for Paris daily life
| French | Situation |
|---|---|
| Bonjour, j'ai un rendez-vous à [heure]. | Préfecture appointment |
| Je cherche un appartement à louer. | Apartment hunting |
| Les charges sont comprises? | Are bills included? (rental) |
| Je voudrais une baguette tradition, s'il vous plaît. | Boulangerie |
| C'est combien? | How much is it? |
| Je voudrais valider un Pass Navigo. | Activating your metro card |
Navigating Paris bureaucracy — the realistic experience
The Paris préfecture system operates primarily by appointment, booked online through admin.paris.fr or prefecture.police.gouv.fr. Appointment slots fill within seconds of release. Walk-ins are rarely accepted. When your appointment comes, arrive ten minutes early, bring physical copies of all documents (the préfecture rarely accepts digital copies), and have a French-language summary of your situation ready. Language Lab's Paris-specific scenarios cover the exact préfecture vocabulary including the sub-vocabulary for different visa types — talent passport, long-stay student visa, family reunification.
Frequently asked
Do Parisians speak English?
More than their reputation suggests — particularly under 40 in professional contexts. However, formal settings (préfecture, CAF, CPAM, medical offices) operate in French. Attempting French first is universally appreciated and typically rewarded with warmer service.
What is the titre de séjour and when do I need it?
The titre de séjour is your French residence permit, required for non-EU nationals staying longer than 90 days. EU nationals must register via attestation d'enregistrement in some regions. Non-EU nationals must apply via the ANEF portal within two months of arriving in France.
Essential French Phrases for navigating Parisian daily life
- Bonjour — Hello / Good morning (always greet before asking anything)
- Excusez-moi — Excuse me
- Un carnet de tickets, s'il vous plaît — A book of metro tickets, please
- Je cherche la ligne [number] direction [terminus] — I'm looking for line [number] direction [terminus]
- C'est compris? — Is that included?
- Vous acceptez la carte bancaire? — Do you accept card payment?
- Je voudrais un rendez-vous — I'd like an appointment
- Ma chaudière est en panne — My boiler is broken
- Quel est le délai d'attente? — What is the waiting time?
- Pouvez-vous parler plus lentement? — Can you speak more slowly?
