7 tips for visiting France when you don't speak French

The home of the newly-christened World Cup Champions is one of the most visited nations in Europeaccording to The Local,it hosts more than 89 million tourists each year.France is not only the home of champions, but it's also a cultural hub. From the wonders of the Louvre to the grand halls of Versailles and the natural beauty of its wine country, France is worthy of a spot on any travelers bucket list. Still, traveling there can be tricky if you don't know a lick of the local language.Luckily, France is a country of incredible hospitality, flavor, and beauty even if you dont know the language. Here's how to travel through France without knowing French.Don't let your embarrassment ruin your experience.Youre in a different country and you dont know the language. Thats OK. Dont let fear or embarrassment ruin your experience.Some of the countrys best food will be found in its smallest restaurants and some of its best wine in its most rural regions. And some of its best views' Theyre far from the picturesque streets of Paris. If youre out to discover those places on your journey, you will be encountering locals who are not fluent in Englishbut that doesnt mean they wont help you.I once sat down at a tiny seaside cafe in rural France only to discover the staff genuinely spoke zero English. The solution' I embraced my ignorance, stuck to the two words I did know, pointed at a menu item and enjoyed the finest seafood crepe Ive ever tasted in my life.Don't be afraid to consult the internet.It used to be that traveling to any place with a language barrier meant struggling through piecing together sentences with a pocket dictionary. Now, there are a variety of apps and sites that can help you do everything from navigate roads to translate simple phrases, according to TripSavvy.Of course, it's not exactly like being fluent but it can help give you some peace of mind."Bonjour" goes a long way.There's a certain power of saying "bonjour." Its the firstand often onlyFrench word that English speakers learn, and it will serve you well. A friendly "bonjour" can open doors atstreet corners, cafes, and museums in France, especially in smaller villages, according to TalkinFrench.com.If you dont speak French, showing this simple sign of respect can earn you a bit of gratitude from the locals.See the rest of the story at Business Insider
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