Nice with No French

ThirdMan

Hi. I'm visting Nice soon and I haven't a word of French. I know it's not exactly off the beaten track, but I've heard mixed things about holidaying in France when you don't speak the language. I always know 'please and thank you' when I'm away, so I'm not a total pig. But will ordering in restaurants, etc. be a problem?

Lapin

You'll be fine in a large cosmopolitan place like Nice.

Just get to know a few more greetings in French and always open a conversation with them, You'll get by in English once you've made an effort to speak in the local language.

naughtysmurf

Been a couple of times to the Nice area and seem to get by fine with, Bon jour, Bon soir, Merci, Au Revoir, Combien & I can count to ten

It won't be an issue, even if you learnt a bit years ago in school, you will be surprised what comes back to you

P. Breathnach

Most French people are relaxed about visitors not being able to speak French.

The way to vex them is to presume that they speak English. It's a good strategy to ask first: "do you speak English?". The answer is usually "a leetle". That "leetle" can be about four words, or it can be as good as you might manage yourself.

coylemj

P. Breathnach wrote: »

It's a good strategy to ask first: "do you speak English?".

Even better to ask: 'parlez-vous Anglais'? - PAR-lay-voo ANG-lay

Agree with above posts but I'd make sure to get to know the essentials for ordering food in a restaurant. It's still useful to know the French for chicken (poulet), lamb (agneau) etc. and the main vegetables (legumes) because you can't be asking the waiter to translate every item on the menu for you. There's a heap of websites out there which can help you on this score and probably a few apps for iPhone and Android so you can bring a basic translator with you.

Strumms

They are more relaxed down there then say Paris but as long as you make a little,effort like Bonjour and Merci etc you will be grand... I'm down there myself next month.. It's a lovely part of the world so I wouldn't worry about the language just go and enjoy..

Mr. Nice

Not an issue, we're well used to non French speakers down here. Go to the Snug & Cellar in the Old Town, if the manager can't speak French they can hardly expect the customers to be much better ;-)

ThirdMan

Thanks guys! I'm slowly growing in confidence. I've been watching re-runs of Only Fools and Horses as well, just to brush up on the basics.

naughtysmurf

Watch some 'Allo Allo' as well

P. Breathnach

coylemj wrote: »

Even better to ask: 'parlez-vous Anglais'? - PAR-lay-voo ANG-lay...

If you want to go that route, you need to do a little (or a leetle) more preparation: Bonjour/bonsoir monsieur/madame, parlez-vous anglais, s'il vous plait?

Frenchly

you can aalso take conversational French lessons online : it's cheaper, quicker and you can talk about almost anything!

ScottSF

Having a wonderful meal is a big part of enjoying a holiday in Nice, at least for me and my wife. For that reason I highly recommend you get a translator book that covers menus - food and drink. It feels good to be able to be stroll by the many restaurants and bistros in the evening and be able to sort of decipher the menu posted outside. Often it is written on a blackboard so it changes regularly. You won't be able to translate everything but at least know which meats, fish, and veggies you prefer or which ones to definitely avoid.

Being able to say in bonjour/soir followed by can do you have a table for x people please in French is essential ("Avez-
vous une table pour deux personnes s'il vous plaît.").
Google Translate is amazing and it will even speak to you by clicking the audio button:
http://translate.google.com/#en/fr/Do%20you%20have%20a%20table%20for%20two%20persons%20please.

Instead of a French Phrase book, you can download for offline use the entire French dictionary using Google Translate. I know it is available for Android phones and works completely offline. Anyone know if it is in the app store for iPhone as well?

After getting a table you may find it necessary to ask for a menu in English or just say that you do not speak french (another French phrase to master). I think you'll be alright without French like the other responses say, but you'll be more likely to get a good table and friendly service if you only start off with a bit of basic French. The effort is always appreciated and most people will switch to English as soon as they realize you are simply trying to be polite.

Marcusm

Nice is (dare I say it) very nice. There is a local movement to encourage the speaking of Niçard which was the local language up until late 1800s. Not sure if you know it but the city is not in a classically French area (in fact the Italian liberator Guiseppe Garibaldi was born there and it was regarded as more part of greater Italy).

ardmacha

Commemorate Garibaldi and speak Italian. Buon Viaggio.

JD DABA

uhhhh like ...get a phrase book and stuff butthole. huhuhhuh

you can like get free apps for your smartphone too that work as mini dictionaries for free.

mini/pocket dictionaries too.
Now get on youtube and learn a few words/phases or ill kick your ass.

keithclancy

coylemj wrote: »

Even better to ask: 'parlez-vous Anglais'? - PAR-lay-voo ANG-lay

Agree with above posts but I'd make sure to get to know the essentials for ordering food in a restaurant. It's still useful to know the French for chicken (poulet), lamb (agneau) etc. and the main vegetables (legumes) because you can't be asking the waiter to translate every item on the menu for you. There's a heap of websites out there which can help you on this score and probably a few apps for iPhone and Android so you can bring a basic translator with you.

Oh Christ yes,

Ordered 'Filet Americain et frites'

Thought I ordered steak and chips, instead got raw filet steak mince with a raw egg cracked on top of it and some chips.

Still ate it though, my dog sitting under the table got half also, she was dead chuffed.