If your Camino de Santiago journey will take you through France, even just at the beginning, it’s a lovely idea to add a few useful French phrases to your repertoire. Whether you’re walking the famous Camino Francés, which begins in the charming town of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port in southwestern France, or starting your pilgrimage on Le Chemin du Puy, also known as the Via Podiensis, knowing a little French will go a long way.
These two Camino routes are among the most historic and scenic. Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port is the traditional starting point of the Camino Francés, the most popular of all the Camino de Santiago routes. Every year, thousands of pilgrims arrive there to begin their walk over the Pyrenees into Spain. Le Chemin du Puy, on the other hand, is one of the four main pilgrimage routes through France and is known for its rolling countryside, charming villages, and deep spiritual roots. It starts in Le Puy-en-Velay, in the south of France, and eventually joins the Camino Francés in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port.
Because both of these routes begin or pass through rural French towns and villages, it’s incredibly helpful — and respectful — to know some basic French phrases. While many people along the Camino are used to pilgrims from all over the world and may speak some English or Spanish, locals deeply appreciate it when visitors make the effort to speak even a little French.
Why Learn a Few French Phrases?
Knowing a few essential phrases helps in many ways:
- Eases communication in restaurants, shops, and accommodations
- Builds connections with locals and fellow pilgrims
- Shows respect for the local culture and customs
- Increases confidence while navigating towns and asking for help
Even just a friendly greeting or polite thank you can turn a simple exchange into a warm memory. Moreover, it also helps you feel more immersed in the place you’re walking through — which is part of the magic of the Camino.
We have compiled a list of useful words and phrases to help you communicate on your walk along the Camino de Santiago routes in France. Additionally, if you have any questions or if you would like some help planning your Camino, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Bon voyage!
EnglishAccommodation |
FrenchHébergement |
| I’m looking for… Where is…? How much is…? Too expensive | Je suis à la recherche de… Ou se trouve…? Combien coute…? Trop chère |
| Conversation & Essentials Does anyone here speak English? Hello, Good morning, Good afternoon Good evening Bye/See you Please Thank you Sorry/Excuse me What’s your name? My name is Can I have a … beer please? a glass of wine Yes/No | Conversation Quelqu’un parle Anglais? Bonjour Bonsoir Au revoir S’il vous plait Merci Désolé/Excusez-moi Quel est votre prénom? Je m’appelle Je voudrais….une biere s’il vous plait?un verre de vin Oui/non |
| Directions How do I get to…? Is it far? Go straight ahead Turn left, Turn right | Directions Comment faire pour aller à…? C’est loin? Tout droit Tourner a gauche, Tourner a droite |
| Signs Open/Closed Police Station Entrance/Exit Prohibited Toilets Men/Women | Panneaux Ouvert/Fermé Gendarmerie, police nationale Entrée/Sortie Interdit Toilettes Hommes/Femmes |
| Emergency I need help Fire Call…! I’m sick An ambulance, A doctor The police/the fireman I am lost It’s an emergency Food & beverages I’m allergic to:
I’m vegetarian | Urgences J’ai besoin d’aide Feu Appel le…! Je suis malade Une ambulance, Un medecin La police/ Les pompiers Je suis perdu C’est une urgence Nourritures Je suis allergique à:
Je suis végétarien |
| Transport What time does … leave/arrive? The bus, The plane, The train, Airport Time table | Transport A qu’elle heure le….part/arrive? Le bus, l’avion, le train, Aéroport Horaires |
| Services & Times ATM/bank Post office/ Tourist Office What time is it? Today,Tomorrow,Yesterday Morning, afternoon, evening, night | Services Distributeur/Banque La poste/ Office du tourisme Qu’elle heure est-il? Aujourd’hui, Demain, Hier Matin, Après-midi, Soir, Nuit |
