French Phrases You Should Know Before Visiting La Réunion

If you’re planning a trip to La Réunion and banking on your English to carry you through, let me stop you right there: it won’t. Unlike in Paris or even on the French mainland’s tourist routes, English is not widely spoken here. And while locals are generally kind and patient, a bit of French goes a long way, especially if you're heading beyond the beach or into the highlands.

French people tell me I’m fluent, though I’m never quite convinced. Still, my level of competency in French helped me a lot. And even then, Creole crept in and left me guessing. Like the night we went to an improv theater show and our friend was on stage. I could follow the French just fine, but when the jokes slipped into Creole? I was lost in the punchline fog.

So here’s a short, practical list of French phrases that will help you avoid awkward silences and open the door to better food, better tips, and better moments, followed by a few cultural tips that can save you from accidental rudeness.

Essential French Phrases for Travelers in La Réunion

These aren't textbook. They're what you'll actually use. Often.

Politeness Basics

You’ll need these every single day, from boulangerie to beach.

• Bonjour / Bonsoir - Hello / Good evening.
  Say this to anyone you interact with. Always.

• S’il vous plaît - Please

• Merci (beaucoup) - Thank you (very much)

• De rien / Avec plaisir - You’re welcome / With pleasure

• Excusez-moi - Excuse me

• Je suis désolé(e) - I’m sorry

👉 Don’t skip the greetings. Not saying bonjour before asking a question in a shop or bakery? That’s a cold start and you’ll feel it.

Directions, Help & Everyday Stuff

Useful when you're off-grid or trying to order something specific.

• Où est… ? - Where is…? (e.g. Où est l'arrêt de bus ? – Where’s the bus stop?)

• Je cherche… - I’m looking for…

• Combien ça coûte ? - How much does it cost?

• C'est ouvert ? / C'est fermé ? - Is it open? / closed?

• Où sont les toilettes, s’il vous plaît ? – Where are the toilets, please?

👉 People will usually answer with real directions, not go left, go right gestures. Be ready for full sentences, even if you don’t catch every word.

Food & Market Must-Haves

Markets here are chaotic, spicy, and full of treasures, but also fast-paced. These phrases will help you navigate like a local.

• Je voudrais… - I would like…

• Qu’est-ce que c’est ? - What is this?

• C’est piquant ? - Is it spicy?

• C’est fait maison ? - Is it homemade?

• Un samoussa / une bouchée / un bonbon piment, s’il vous plaît. - Name the snack, be polite, win the moment.

👉 Don’t expect labels everywhere. You’re expected to ask. Use gestures, smile, and ask if it’s hot (spicy). Because it often is.

Social + Logistics

For check-ins, transport, and making small talk.

• Nous avons une réservation. - We have a reservation.

• À quelle heure ? - At what time?

• Est-ce qu'il y a… ? - Is there…?

• C'est loin ? - Is it far?

• C'est fermé le lundi ? - Is it closed on Monday? (Spoiler: often yes.)

Understanding Réunion Creole — or not

You’ll see it on signs and print ads. You’ll hear it mixed into conversations. And you might try to guess your way through it. Don’t worry, I did too.

Réunionnais Creole borrows heavily from French, but it’s also phonetic and fast. Reading it? Sometimes manageable. Understanding it in conversation? Not unless you're trained or local. Many locals switch fluidly between French and Creole. especially during jokes or when they're excited.

👉 Don’t try to "speak" Creole unless you’re invited to. It’s not just French spelled differently. It’s a language with its own rhythm, culture, and weight.

Cultural Tips You Won’t Get From Google Translate

Say hello before anything else

Always. Even if you just want to ask the price of a pineapple, start with Bonjour.

Don’t expect English

Some people will try, especially younger ones in tourist areas, but don’t assume. And don’t slow down your English hoping that helps. It doesn’t.

Learn a few phrases or keep them on your phone

Even just 5–10 useful lines can change your trip. Keep a few handy screenshots on your phone and it can help more than any app.

Don’t worry about being perfect

Make an effort. Smile. Locals will usually help you finish your sentence if you get stuck, and many will appreciate you trying more than getting it right.

Language Is Travel’s Best Shortcut

Speaking even a little French in La Réunion is a key to being seen as a guest, not just a tourist. You’ll get better service, warmer smiles, and a deeper sense of place. And when you reach the limits of your vocabulary, don’t panic. Just say:

Je parle un peu français. (I speak a little French.)

That’s all it takes to start the conversation.