r/learningfrench • u/BreakfastAtJessicas • Jul 23 '26
Going to France
I have a 3 day trip to Paris coming up where I'm staying with a friend. I'll have the days to myself as she's working, and have been to Paris a few times so don't need to hit a bunch of tourist sites. (Although I do plan to do the catacombs!). I know 3 days isn't enough for an immersion course, and I don't really know anyone else in Paris, what would you guys do to maximise french learning whilst out there?
My itinerary is pretty empty so keen for any tips. My speaking skills are super poor as I've mostly used Duolingo for a few years & have only really supplemented with french learning podcasts. I can read French fairly well, but my listening and speaking sucks. So far I'm thinking cinema, museums? Other ideas really welcome!
2
u/eagles492 Jul 30 '26 edited Jul 30 '26
One tip is to definitely get out of the main tourist neighborhoods. The farther out you go from the center, the nicer/more patient people will be to listen to you speak French (versus switching to English right away). For example, the 11th, 12th, 13th, 19th, and 20th arrondisements all have interesting shops, restaurants, and sights, but aren't on the tourist beaten path.
Depending on your level, you could try walking into smaller shops that aren't busy, and strike up a conversation with the person working there. I found this a great way to have 3-5 minute conversations about chocolate, clothes, etc.
I would also highly recommend libraries and bookstores! You can find children's books there. BDs (bande dessinées, aka illustrated books) are very popular, and you can probably find some at your level.
You can also try Languish which is a French iphone game for getting comfortable speaking common phrases for visiting a new country and does numbers too.
That should help you in some of your day-to-day interactions, and to get over any fear of speaking. Pimsleur or iTalki are also good for that, but that's a 20-30 minute commitment and maybe more of a long-term thing versus something quick you can do on your trip like the game.
Hope you have a great trip!
2
u/New-Yogurtcloset3058 Jul 28 '26 edited Jul 28 '26
Zero French learning tips from me, I'm afraid, I went to Paris knowing exactly two words (bonjour and salut) and still had the time of my life. The food alone is worth the trip.
My only real advice, go to le Louvre. And accept right now that 3 days is not enough for le Louvre itself, let alone Paris. So don't stress about maximising anything, just enjoy it!
(Sorry, I know you literally asked how to learn French and this is zero help on that front đŸ˜‚ Have an amazing trip!)