bon voyage to france

All About the Phrase “Bon Voyage” – and the Travel Habits of the French

August 10, 2020

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French people have been wishing each other Bon voyage (Have a nice trip) for centuries. The saying is so common that it’s one of those French phrases that’s been adopted into other languages, including English .

Despite how frequently you might hear it, like any ultimate travel destination, bon voyage offers a lot more to discover than you might expect.

Let’s take a guided tour of Bon voyage  and learn about the travel habits of the French along the way!

What does bon voyage mean?

Bon voyage means “Have a good trip”. But as you can see, there aren’t quite as many words to it. Literally, it’s just “Good trip/voyage”.  So, how did we get there?

Wishes in French with bon(ne)(s)

Bon voyage is a shortened form of a phrase like Je vous souhaite un bon voyage. (I wish you a good trip.) or Fais bon voyage (Have a good trip.).

Both of these sentences are still used today, but they tend to be more formal (for the first) or uncommon (for the second).  This is because the French like to keep things brief, so why not just say it in two words?

Bon voyage isn’t the only phrase that expresses a wish like this. There’s a whole list of them, and you may know at least a few already.

These include:

• Bonne année  – Happy New Year
• Bonnes vacances – Have a nice vacation
• Bon appétit – Enjoy your meal
• Bonne journée / Bonne soirée – Have a nice day/evening
• Bon weekend – Have a nice weekend
• Bonne route – Have a good/safe drive
• Bon anniversaire – Happy birthday! This is a less common equivalent of Joyeux anniversaire .

You’ll frequently hear and see these phrases – and you may discover some others, as well. In French, you can add Bon , Bonne, Bons, or Bonnes to a noun (often a gerund (a noun that describes an action)) to say “Have a good….” or “Enjoy…”.

For instance, if you run into someone as you’re headed to the movies, they might tell you << Bon film !>> (“Enjoy the movie!”).

Or you could hear Bonne baignade ! (Have a nice swim!),  and so on.

The structure Bon(ne)(s) + noun works for so many situations, but it can be tricky for us non-native speakers sometimes. For instance, if you want to say “Enjoy the book!”, you can’t use the word livre (book); it would be Bonne lecture! (Happy reading!).

Expressing a complex wish, like “Have a nice day at work!” can also be confusing. You can’t just say Bon travail ! – that literally means “Good work/Good job!”. 

So, what can you do to be sure you get these phrases right?

Sometimes, using these expressions is something that will come from listening to and absorbing French.

Other times, you might be able to correct yourself if you realize you’re using an expression that already means something, as in the case of Bon travail . 

And when it comes to one of those complex wishes, like “Have a good day at work,” it’s probably best to just say it in a different way – it’s not a simple idea, after all.

So, “Have a good day at work” could be Passe une bonne journée au bureau! or in a more formal conversation, Je te/vous souhaite une bonne journ é e au bureau!

….Then again, since the French prefer to keep things concise, you could probably just say Bonne journ ée and leave it at that.

If this seems overwhelming, don’t worry. The phrases with bon(ne)(s) that I’ve listed, as well as a few others , are the most common ones, and are important to know. But if you feel unsure about using bon(ne)(s) + noun otherwise, remember that there are always other ways to say what you want.

For example, I could say «  J’esp è re que tu passeras une bonne journée au travail. » (I hope you’ll have a good day at work) or « J’esp ère que ce livre te plaira. »  (I hope you’ll like this book.). Just think about the meaning behind the wish.

Other ways to wish people well in French using bon(ne)(s)

The expressions we’ve just learned about translate to “Have a good____”. But there are some other expressions in French that use bon(ne)(s) to wish people well in a slightly different way.

In these cases, instead of talking about something concrete or expected, these expressions refer to things like luck or the future.

You’ve probably come across one of the most famous before:

Bonne chance – Good luck

Other common phrases like this include:

• Bonne continuation   – Keep it up! or Good luck with your future endeavors!
• Bon rétablissement – Get well soon
• Bon courage – Hang in there (Although this phrase isn’t necessarily as informal is “Hang in there,” and can be used in most situations)

There’s no major difference between these expressions and others like them , and the ones we looked at earlier, but there are two subtle ones you may come across:

• These well-wishes tend to stay in their original structure. Whether they’re stand-alone statements, or used in a longer phrase (ex: Je vous souhaite une  bonne continuation ), you wouldn’t replace Bon/Bonne with Super in any of these phrases.

• When you’re talking about events, like your continued career or your path back to health, you add un or une before bon/bonne when it’s used in a sentence, as you can see in the example in the previous paragraph. But when you talk about a totally abstract concept or feeling like luck or courage, you don’t use an article (ex: Je te souhaite bon courage. ) .

How to take bon voyage to the next level

Although you can’t add to or change the core phrases we saw in the last section, you can modify bon voyage and its closest cousins a bit.

Most of the time, Bon voyage is a perfectly normal way to wish someone a good trip. But maybe you want them to know you hope they have an EXTRA good trip.

In this case, you can add tr è s (very), like so: Passe(z) un tr è s bon voyage. or Je vous/te souhaites un tr è s bon voyage.

In informal situations, like when you’re talking to a friend, you could replace tr ès bon or just tr ès with super.  For example: Passe(z) un super voyage OR Passe(z) un super bon voyage.

For more formal situations, excellent would be a good replacement.  For example: Je vous souhaite un excellent voyage.

You’ve probably realized that when you add tr ès, super , or excellent , you can’t just use Bon voyage on its own, though.

Do the French say Bon voyage a lot?:  The French and travel

The average working French person gets five weeks of paid vacation a year, plus about a week’s worth of personal days. There are also a number of national holidays in France, and schools have two-week vacations every six weeks, plus two months of summer vacation. Train tickets are usually affordable, and low-cost airlines operate out of many French airports. So it’s no wonder that the French are among the nationalities that travel the most . 

Where and when do the French travel?

But where do they like to go?  It turns out that most French people tend to travel primarily within France .

Part of this can be explained by the French rail system, which is highly developed and fairly affordable. It’s easy to go to major cities or even small towns, and since many trains are high speed, a trip like that might only take a few hours. Add to this the wide range of landscapes to be found in mainland France alone – from the warm beaches of the Côte d’Azur, to the ski slopes of the Alps, to attractions in major cities like Paris. France is even home to Europe’s only Disney theme park.

And of course, many French people use at least some of their vacation time to visit family and friends who also live in France.

As for when the French travel, there are some traditions around that. But it turns out they don’t totally reflect reality.

For instance, French people typically go on their longest or even only vacation in summer. August is considered a month when everything shuts down (well, except in vacation/tourism destinations, of course). Entire businesses will close their doors because everyone is on vacation.

But with globalization, as well as new, strategic ways of thinking, that’s changed in recent years. According to recent statistics, 69% of the French population takes a summer vacation. But many companies have at least a few employees who stay behind in August – and those people aren’t always disappointed about it. Some French people prefer to work during this time because their offices are usually calmer since so many of their coworkers and bosses are away. They take a vacation another time – when most destinations will be less crowded and pricey, besides.

Similarly, in winter, especially during the winter school holidays, French people traditionally go on ski trips. And yet, it turns out that only 1 in 10 French people go skiing every year.

Part of these lower-than-expected numbers is due to cost. Not everyone can afford to travel – especially taking a ski trip, which involves a lot of expenses beyond room and board.

Which countries do the French travel to most?

Although France itself is the number-one travel destination for French people, the French do go abroad, as well. And when you think about it, with all of the vacation time they have, a majority of a French person’s travel might be national, but they might go beyond their borders for at least one of those trips.

The top countries visited by the French in 2019 include Spain, Greece, Italy, Tunisia, Turkey, Egypt, and Russia, as well as Canada and the United States.

What do people think of French tourists?

All of this traveling has earned the French  a reputation in the hospitality and tourism industries, as well as with locals in certain places. The typical French tourist is known to be critical, curious, cheap, and seductive.

As some of the people interviewed in this article suggest , seemingly negative traits like being critical may also make them have a more in-depth travel experience. For instance, a tour guide in India explains that instead of saying that they like or don’t like an ice cream flavor, a French tourist will often ask about what’s in it.

They might also make suggestions for how its taste might be improved, which goes with another way the French are perceived: as comparing everything to how good it is or how much it costs back in France.

None of this is to say that the French are terrible tourists (even though they often joke about this amongst themselves). After all, tourists from every country have their good and bad points , and a lot of times it has to do with how well their culture meshes with the local one.

For what it’s worth, one thing I’ve noticed about French people who travel to other countries is that whether or not they complained or made comparisons to France on-site, they generally seem to see their experience as positive, even as a way to expand their knowledge and perspective on the world. Whether they spent a week sunbathing on a beach somewhere, or visited a new city or monument, they come home with a sense of having learned something, and (understandably) often nostalgia for the place they left.

This Egyptian tour guide agrees with me. She loves French tourists because [ i]ls sont très cultivés, ils s’intéressent aux monuments. Ils ne voyagent pas seulement pour prendre des photos (They’re very educated, they’re interested in monuments. They don’t travel just to take pictures.).”

A recent survey shows that 53% of French people see taking a vacation as important and something they’re willing to make sacrifices for.  In addition to self-care and getting away from it all, I think some of this could also be chalked up to wanderlust and a natural curiosity and fascination with other places.

Do you have a favorite place to travel? How about somewhere you dream of going – particularly in France? Whether you’re planning a trip or just armchair traveling, Bon voyage!

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Everything about the French sentence "Bon voyage"

You are in the right place to find out all the things you need to know about the basic sentence "Bon voyage". To be more specific, this includes a detailed explanation of what it is and how to use it in a normal conversation with an audio example. Along with the useful things we sprinkled like dialogue example, slow pronunciation audio, synonyms and more!

French to English translation

Translation : Have a nice trip

Register : Neutral - Basic

Audio pronunciation

IPA : / bɔ̃ vwajaʒ /

What does bon voyage mean?

It literally means:

• Voyage → Trip

It means "Have a good trip " or "Have a nice trip ". We use it when saying goodbye to someone (or a group of people) leaving for a trip, to wish a safe and nice time during the trip.

Cool thing: "bon voyage " is also used in English with the exact same meaning.

When you want to wish a safe and good trip to someone or a group of people, you can simply add "Bon voyage ". 

If you want to make a sentence out of it, you can say: "Fais bon voyage " (Have a nice/good trip). And for a formal version, use instead: "Je vous souhaite un bon voyage → I wish you a good/nice trip "

If the trip involves driving on the road, you can use "Bonne route → Have a nice (trip on the) road ". And if it's a flight: "Bon vol → Have a good/nice flight ".

Finally, if the trip is about going home, you can also use "Bon retour → Have a good/nice journey home ".

A little trick, if you add "bon(ne) " before a noun, it will mean: "enjoy *noun* " or "have a nice/good *noun* ".

Few examples:

• Bonne journée → Have a nice day
• Bon week-end → Have a nice weekend
• Bon appétit → Enjoy your meal
• Bonne visite → Enjoy your visit
• Bon match → Enjoy the game
• Je vous souhaite un bon voyage → I wish you a good/nice trip
• Fais bon voyage → Have a good/nice trip
• Bonne route → Have a nice (trip on the) road / Be safe on the road
• Bon vol → Have a good/nice flight
• Bon retour → Have a good/nice journey home

Example in a dialogue with French audio

Allez, on y va !

Come on, let's go!

Ça marche ! Bon voyage !

All right! Have a nice trip

Merci ! À plus tard !

Thanks! See you later!

Learn French the easy way with our French - English parallel texts with slow French audio

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How to Say Safe Travels in French

Are you planning a trip to France and want to learn how to wish someone safe travels in French? Look no further! In this article, we’ll show you the most common greetings and expressions used when wishing someone a safe journey. Whether you prefer formal or informal phrases, we’ve got you covered. Plus, we’ll even explore regional variations so you can sound like a local wherever you go. Get ready for an adventure filled with language and freedom!

Key Takeaways

• Common French greetings for safe travels include "Bon voyage!", "Bonne route!", and "Bonnes vacances!"
• Formal expressions for wishing safe travels in French include "Bon voyage", "Bonnes vacances", and "Passez un bon séjour".
• Informal ways to say safe travels in French include "Bon voyage", "Passe un bon trajet", "Prends soin de toi", and "Profite bien de ton voyage".
• Regional variations of safe travels in French include "Bon voyage", "Bonne route", "Bon vent", and "Fais bon voyage".

Common French Greetings for Safe Travels

To wish someone safe travels in French, you can say "Bon voyage!" It’s a common and heartfelt expression used to convey your well wishes for someone’s journey. When it comes to greetings, the French language offers a variety of options that can add warmth and sincerity to your message. One popular phrase is "Bonne route!" which means "Have a good trip!" This simple and friendly greeting can be used when saying goodbye to someone who is about to embark on a journey. Another option is "Bonnes vacances!" which translates to "Have a good vacation!" This greeting is especially suitable when bidding farewell to someone who is going on holiday. Remember, using these greetings not only shows your kindness but also reflects the freedom-loving spirit shared by many French speakers around the world.

Formal Expressions for Wishing Safe Travels in French

You can use the formal expressions to wish someone a secure journey in French. If you want to maintain a sense of freedom while expressing your well wishes, you might consider using the following phrases: "Bon voyage" or "Bonnes vacances." These phrases are commonly used and convey a sincere wish for a safe and enjoyable trip. Another option could be "Passez un bon séjour," which means "Have a good stay." This expression can be used when the person is traveling to a specific destination and staying there for some time. Remember, it’s important to respect people’s choices and desires for freedom, so feel free to use these expressions with confidence and sincerity when wishing someone safe travels in French.

Informal Ways to Say Safe Travels in French

Remember to always use informal expressions when wishing someone a secure journey in French. Here are some casual ways to say "safe travels" in French that will make your wish sound more friendly and relaxed:

• Bon voyage: This is the most common way to wish someone a good trip in French. It literally means "good journey" and can be used in both formal and informal situations.
• Passe un bon trajet: This phrase translates to "have a good journey." It’s a slightly more personal way of expressing your wishes for someone’s safe travels.
• Prends soin de toi: This means "take care of yourself," and it shows that you genuinely care about the person’s well-being during their trip.
• Profite bien de ton voyage: This translates to "enjoy your trip" and adds an extra touch of excitement, encouraging the person to make the most out of their travel experience.

Expressions to Wish Safe Journeys in French

Embrace the informality and let your well-wishes for a secure journey in French reflect your free-spirited nature! When it comes to expressing wishes for safe travels in French, you have plenty of options that perfectly align with your desire for freedom. One popular expression is "Bon voyage!" which translates to "Have a good trip!" This simple yet heartfelt phrase captures the essence of wishing someone well on their journey. Another informal way to wish someone safe travels is by saying "Bonne route!" which means "Good road!" This expression emphasizes the importance of a smooth and pleasant journey. So go ahead, embrace your carefree spirit and use these expressions to send off your loved ones on their adventures with warmth and positivity. Bon voyage et bonne route!

Regional Variations of Safe Travels in French

Within the French language, there are various regional expressions used to wish someone a safe journey. So, you’re planning on embarking on a new adventure in France? How exciting! Before you go, it’s important to know how to wish someone a safe trip in different regions of the country. Here are some variations for you:

In Northern France:

"Bon voyage!" (Good journey)

"Bonne route!" (Safe travels)

In Southern France:

"Bon vent!" (Good wind)

"Fais bon voyage!" (Have a good journey)

These expressions not only show your well wishes but also reflect the cultural diversity of this beautiful nation. So, as you explore this land of freedom and liberty, remember to embrace its rich linguistic heritage and bid others farewell with these regional variations. Bonne chance!

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any specific gestures or non-verbal ways to wish someone safe travels in french.

When wishing someone safe travels in French, you can use gestures or non-verbal cues. These expressions vary depending on the region, but a common one is to simply wave goodbye with a smile.

Can You Provide Some Examples of How to Use the Formal Expressions for Wishing Safe Travels in French in a Sentence?

To use the formal expressions for wishing safe travels in French in a sentence, you can say "Bon voyage" or "Bonne route" to someone. These phrases are commonly used to wish someone a safe journey.

Are There Any Cultural Nuances or Customs Associated With Wishing Someone Safe Travels in French?

When wishing someone safe travels in French, it’s important to consider cultural nuances and customs. It shows respect and understanding. By following these customs, you can express your wishes sincerely and appropriately.

What Are Some Alternative Phrases or Expressions That Can Be Used to Wish Safe Journeys in French?

If you’re looking for alternative ways to wish safe journeys in French, there are a few options. You could say "Bon voyage" or "Bonne route," both of which convey the same sentiment.

Do Different Regions in France Have Their Own Unique Ways of Expressing Safe Travels?

Different regions in France may have their own unique ways of expressing safe travels. It’s interesting to discover how these variations reflect the diverse cultures and languages within the country.

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Bon voyage ! Have a Great Trip! Travel Phrases in French

• Post author: Language Garage
• Post published: August 18, 2020
• Post category: French / Travel / Vocabulary

In this post we’ll look at a lot of French vocabulary and expressions that will come in handy when you travel. Let’s start with the basics.

Ma valise My Suitcase

Before you travel, you of course need to pack. So let’s start there.

• la valise suitcase
• J’ai besoin de faire ma valise. I need to pack my suitcase.
• Ma valise est lourde/légère/pleine/vide. My suitcase is heavy/light/full/empty.
• Mes affaires ne rentrent pas dans ma valise. My clothes don’t fit in my suitcase.
• J’ai besoin d’un autre sac/d’une autre valise. I need another bag/suitcase.

À l’aéroport At the Airport

If you’re traveling, you’re probably going to leave from and arrive at an airport.

• un billet d’avion, une carte d’embarquement, un passeport, un vol plane ticket, boarding pass, passport, flight
• les arrivées, les départs, la porte, le retrait des bagages arrivals, departures, gate, baggage claim
• le contrôle des passeports, la douane passport control, customs
• J’ai besoin d’enregistrer mes bagages. I need to check my luggage.
• J’ai un bagage à main. I have a carry-on bag.
• Quand part le vol ? When does the flight leave?
• L’avion décolle à quelle heure ? What time does the plane take off?
• Il y a une longue file d’attente à la sécurité. There’s a long line at security.
• L’embarquement est dans dix minutes. We’re boarding in ten minutes.
• siège côté hublot/fenêtre, siège côté couloir, siège du milieu window seat, aisle seat, middle seat
• le pilote, l’hôtesse de l’air (f.), le steward (m.) pilot, flight attendant
• Veuillez attacher vos ceintures. Please fasten your seatbelt.
• Veuillez éteindre vos (téléphones) portables. Please turn off your cell phone.
• Combien de temps dure le vol ? How long is the flight?
• Nous atterrissons dans dix minutes. We’re landing in ten minutes.
• On doit passer à la douane et au contrôle des passeport. We need to go through customs and passport control.
• Où se trouve le retrait des bagages ? Where’s the baggage claim area?
• Où se trouvent les taxis ? Where are the taxis?
• Y a-t-il un train/un bus pour aller en ville ? Is there a train/bus to the city?
• J’ai besoin de changer de l’argent. I need to exchange money.

À l’hôtel At the Hotel

You’ve finally arrived, so let’s get you settled in your hotel room.

• Où se trouve l’hôtel ? Where is the hotel?
• J’ai une réservation au nom de ______. I have a reservation under the name ______.
• Où est l’ascenseur ? Where’s the elevator?
• À quel étage se trouve ma chambre ? What floor is my room on?
• la chambre, le lit, la salle de bain, la fenêtre, la télévision, le téléphone room, bed, bathroom, window, television, phone
• les draps, la couverture, l’oreiller, la robe de chambre sheets, blanket, pillow, bathrobe
• Est-ce qu’il y a un service en chambre / le room service ? Is there room service?
• Puis-je avoir une couverture en plus ? Can I have an extra blanket?
• Puis-je avoir un fer à repasser et une planche à repasser ? Can I have an iron and an ironing board?
• Puis-je avoir un sèche-cheveux ? Can I have a hair dryer?
• Est-ce que je peux faire laver mes vêtements? Can I have my clothes washed?
• Le chauffage ne marche pas. The heat isn’t working.
• La climatisation ne marche pas. The air conditioning isn’t working.
• Pourriez-vous nettoyer ma chambre ? Please clean my room.
• Puis-je avoir une autre chambre/une chambre plus grande/une chambre plus calme ? Can I have another room / a bigger room / a quieter room?
• Où prend-on le petit déjeuner ? Where do we eat breakfast?
• Y a-t-il une salle d’entraînement ? Is there an exercise room?
• Y a-t-il une piscine ? Is there a pool?
• Y a-t-il un bar ? Is there a bar?
• Y a-t-il un restaurant ? Is there a restaurant?
• Avez-vous le wifi ? Do you have WiFi?
• Quel est le mot de passe pour le wifi ? What’s the WiFi password?
• À quelle heure faut-il libérer la chambre ? What time is check-out?
• Je voudrais régler ma note. Je libère la chambre. I would like to check out. I’ve left the room.
• Pourriez-vous appeler un taxi ? Can you call a taxi for me?

J’ai faim. I ’m hungry.

When you’re traveling, it’s important to know some basic terms for food, drink, and how to navigate a nice meal at a local restaurant. Check out this post , which covers all of that!

• Où se trouve la gare ? Where is the train station?

Once you’re settled into your hotel, you probably want to know where things are in case you need to pop out and buy something.

• Y a-t-il une supérette près d’ici ? Is there a convenience store nearby?
• Y a-t-il une pharmacie près d’ici ? Is there a pharmacy nearby?
• Y a-t-il un supermarché près d’ici ? Is there a supermarket nearby?
• Y a-t-il un bon restaurant près d’ici ? Is there a good restaurant nearby?
• Y a-t-il un hôpital/un cabinet de médecin près d’ici ? Is there a hospital/doctor ’s office nearby?
• Y a-t-il une librairie près d’ici ? Is there a bookstore nearby?
• Y a-t-il un magasin de vêtements près d’ici ? Is there a clothing store nearby?
• Y a-t-il un magasin de chaussures près d’ici ? Is there a shoe store nearby?
• Où se trouve la station de métro ? Where is the subway station?
• Où se trouve l’arrêt de bus ? Where is the bus station?

C’est près de l’hôtel. It ’s next to the hotel.

Of course, if you ask where things are, you’ll need some basic vocabulary related to directions and getting around.

• Est-ce près d’ici ? Is it nearby?
• Est-ce loin d’ici ? Is it far from here?
• Puis-je y aller à pied ? Can I walk there?
• C’est près d’ici. It ’s nearby.
• C’est loin d’ici. It ’s far from here.
• C’est de l’autre côté de la rue. It ’s across the street.
• C’est à côté de l’hôtel. It ’s next to the hotel.
• Traversez la rue. Cross the street.
• Traversez le pont. Cross the bridge.
• Tournez à droite. Turn right.
• Tournez à gauche. Turn left.
• Allez tout droit. Go straight ahead.
• C’est à côté de la gare. It ’s next to the train station.
• C’est près de la gare. It ’s near the train station.
• C’est derrière la gare. It ’s behind the train station.
• C’est à gauche de la gare. It ’s the left of the train station.
• C’est à droite de la gare. It ’s to the right of the train station.
• C’est en face de la gare. It ’s in front of the train station.

Allons visiter la ville. Let ’s go sightseeing.

• Nous voudrions visiter la ville. We would like to go sightseeing.
• Avez-vous un plan de la ville ? Do you have a map of the city?
• Y a-t-il un bus/autocar touristique ? Is there a tour bus?
• Y a-t-il un guide ? Is there a tour guide?
• Nous voudrions aller dans un musée. We would like to go to a museum.
• Nous voudrions visiter une cathédrale/un temple/une mosquée. We would like to visit a cathedral/temple/mosque.
• Nous voudrions aller au parc. We would like to go to the park.
• Nous voudrions visiter une galerie d’art. We would like to visit an art gallery.
• Nous voudrions voir une pièce (de théâtre), un opéra, un concert. We would like to see a play/opera/concert.
• Nous voudrions visiter un château. We want to visit a castle.
• Nous voudrions visiter un monument. We want to visit a monument.
• Quels sites historiques doit-on visiter ? Which historical sites should we visit?
• Quels sites culturels doit-on visiter ? Which cultural sites should we visit?
• Où se trouve le meilleur quartier pour faire du shopping ? Where ’s the best neighborhood for shopping?
• Où se trouve le meilleur quartier pour sortir le soir ? Where ’s the best neighborhood for nightlife?
• Nous voudrions aller dans un bar/une boîte (de nuit). We would like to go to a bar/nightclub.
• Où peut-on avoir une vue panoramique de la ville ? Where is there a good view of the city?
• Nous voudrions visiter un marché. We want to visit a market.
• Y a-t-il des toilettes publiques près d’ici ? Is there a public bathroom nearby?
• Où sont les toilettes ? Where is the bathroom?
• Où se trouve la sortie/l’entrée ? Where is the exit/entrance?
• Combien coûte une visite ? How much does a tour/an entrance cost?
• Combien coûte un voyage organisé ? How much does a guided tour cost?         

Où va ce train ? Where does this train go?

You probably want to see some sights outside of the city, and for that you’ll need to get around.

• Nous voudrions aller à Tours. We would like to go to Tours.
• J’aimerais un ticket de bus/un billet de train pour Tours. I ’d like a bus ticket/train ticket to Tours.
• Combien coûte un ticket/billet ? How much does a ticket cost? ( un ticket = bus, un billet = train, plane)
• Je voudrais un aller simple, s’il vous plaît. I would like a one-way ticket, please.
• Je voudrais un aller-retour, s’il vous plaît. I would like a round-trip ticket, please.
• Quand est-ce que le train/le bus part ? When does the train/bus leave?
• Quand est-ce que le train/le bus arrive ? When does the train/bus arrive?
• Est-ce que ce bus/ce train va à Tours ? Does this bus/train go to Tours?
• Combien de temps ça prend pour aller à Tours ? How long does it take to go to Tours?
• Où puis-je louer une voiture ? Where can I rent a car?
• Comment puis-je me rendre à la plage/les montagnes/le parc national ? How can I get to the beach/mountains/national park?
• Combien ça coûte ? How much does it cost?

When you’re traveling, you probably need to by all sorts of things. Let’s cover that vocabulary.

• Où puis-je acheter une carte/une bouteille d’eau/une tasse de café ? Where can I buy a map/a bottle of water/a cup of coffee?
• Où puis-je acheter des lunettes de soleil/de l’aspirine/de la crème solaire ? Where can I buy sunglasses/aspirin/sunscreen?
• Où puis-je acheter des cartes postales/des souvenirs ? Where can I buy postcards/souvenirs?
• Où puis-je acheter quelque chose à manger/quelque chose à boire ? Where can I buy something to eat/something to drink?
• Pourriez-vous écrire le prix, s’il vous plaît ? Could you please write the price?
• Puis-je payer en liquide ? Can I pay by cash?
• Puis-je payer par carte bancaire ? Can I pay by credit card?
• C’est trop cher. That’s too expensive.
• Avez-vous quelque chose de moins cher ? Do you have something less expensive?
• Puis-je voir cela/ça ? Can I see that, please?
• Je vais prendre cela / ceci. I’ll take that/this.
• Puis-je l’essayer ? Can I try it on?

Do you want to learn French?

Check out our other posts on French language, culture, and more . And if you’re looking for convenient and affordable live French lessons with a real teacher, check out The Language Garage . Our lessons are given online in a virtual classroom, so it doesn’t matter where you live or work. We can come to you. And we have flexible options, with a free trial so that you can decide if there’s a fit. Check us out!

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French Travel Phrases

The most essential French travel phrases are Bonjour (hello), au revoir (goodbye), Où est? (Where is), C’est combien? (How much is it?) and l’addition s’il vous plaît (the check, please). This page covers over 60+ useful words and phrases which you can use on a trip to France.

French Greetings

If you are going to France it is very important to learn the basic greetings. While you might not speak French fluently just yet, the French people will really appreciate your trying to make an effort.

• Bonjour Hello, good morning, good day
• Au revoir Goodbye
• Salut Hi/bye (informal)
• Merci! Thank you!
• Merci beaucoup! Thank you very much!
• Ça va? How are you? How’s it going? (informal)
• Bien, merci! Fine, thank you!
• S’il vous plaît Please
• De rien You’re welcome
• Enchanté! Nice to meet you!

This page on our site covers French greetings in detail.

Asking directions

When asking directions in France, it’s very important that you know a few basic words. This page on our site covers asking directions in detail.

• Où est…? Where is…?
• Où est la gare? Where’s the train station?
• Où est la gare routière? Where’s the bus station?
• Où sont les toilettes? Where’s the restroom?
• Où est la banque? Where’ the bank?
• Où est un bureau de change? Where’s a exchange counter?
• Je suis perdu I’m lost
• Le plan city map

Asking for things

On your trip you’ll inevitably need to ask for things. This short list of words is a very good start. Learning the verb vouloir is a good idea as it means “to want”.

• Je veux (slightly informal)
• Je voudrais I would like
• Donnez-moi Give me
• Avez-vous? Do you have?
• Auriez-vous Would you happen to have?
• Qu’est-ce que c’est? What is it?
• Nous avons We have
• Nous n’avons pas We don’t have
• C’est disponible It’s available

Restaurant phrases

One of the best places to try practicing speaking French is a restaurant. Here’s a short list of words in phrases you may use. This page on our site offers a very comprehensive list of restaurant vocabulary . In addition, this page on our site covers food vocabulary and this page covers beverage vocabulary.

• Une table pour deux, s’il vous plaît A table for two, please
• Je prends I’ll have (from the verb prendre , to take)
• La carte menu
• La soupe soup
• La salade salad
• L’entrée appetizer
• Le dessert dessert
• La boisson beverage
• Le vin rouge red wine
• Le vin blanc white wine
• La a bière beer
• Le café coffee

Taxi/Uber phrases

If you find yourself in a taxi or Uber, some of the the following phrases should come in very handy.

• Je vais à I’m going to
• Je descends ici I’ll get off here
• Voici l’adresse Here’s the address
• Allez tout droit Keep going straight
• Tournez à gauche Take a left
• Tournez à droite Take a right

Hotel phrases

The following is a short list of words and phrases that you can use in your hotel. While most hotel staff speak basic English, it’s still nice to know these words in French.

• L’hôtel hotel
• Une chambre à deux double room
• Un grand lit Double bed
• La réception Check-in desk
• Quitter la chambre To check out
• La piscine swimming pool
• Le petit déjeuner compris Breakfast included
• Réserver une chambre To reserve a room

Miscellaneous words and phrases

The following is a list of miscellaneous French words and phrases which we feel are essential for a trip to France and belong on this list.

• Je voudrais louer une voiture. I’d like rent a car.
• Je voudrais acheter un billet. I’d like to buy a ticket.
• Un billet aller-retour Round-trip ticket
• L’aller simple One-way ticket
• Le passeport passport
• Les vacances vacation
• Je voudrais annuler. I’d like to cancel.
• Un voyage A trip
• Bon voyage! Enjoy your trip!
• Bon séjour! Enjoy your stay!

Further your learning We feel that it’s a great idea to carry a French phrase book while traveling in France. Most phrase books on the market won’t show you how to actually say the phrases. For an audio option, check out French Today’s Modern French Audio Phrasebook !

Discover more:

• Ways to say “thank you” in French
• How to say “hello” in French
• Ways to say “you’re welcome” in French
• Guide to French verbs
• Guide to French vocabulary

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David Issokson

David Issokson is a lifelong language learner and speaks over seven languages. Of all the languages he speaks, he's the most passionate about French! David has helped hundreds of students to improve their French in his private lessons. When not teaching or writing his French Word of the Day lessons, David enjoys his time skiing, hiking and mountain biking in Victor, Idaho.

See all posts by David Issokson

Bon Voyage: French Vocabulary Explained

• Pronunciation & Conversation
• Resources For Teachers

Expression: Bon voyage Pronunciation: [bo(n) vwa yazh] Meaning: have a good trip Literal translation: good trip Register : normal Notes: The expression bon voyage is used in both French and English to say goodbye to travelers and wish them well.

Related Expressions

• bonnes vacances - enjoy your vacation/holiday
• bonne route - safe journey, drive safely
• bon retour - safe journey home

In French, bon can be added to pretty much any noun to wish someone well:

• bon appétit - enjoy your meal
• bon match - enjoy the game, have a good game
• bonne promenade - have a nice walk, enjoy your walk
• bon vélo - have a nice bike ride, enjoy your bike ride
• bon week-end - have a nice weekend

And it means "happy" in relation to special occasions:

• bonne année - happy New Year
• bon anniversaire - happy birthday
• "Bon Anniversaire": Saying Happy Birthday in French
• Vocabulary Lesson: French for Travelers
• French Vocabulary Lesson: Banking and Money
• Valoir le coup - Ça vaut le coup
• Basic Vocabulary You'll Need to Go Shopping in France
• Terms of Enrichment: How French Has Influenced English
• Tips to Improve Your French Vocabulary
• Saint Nick in France - an Easy French Story With English Translation
• How to Use the Typical French Expression 'Ah Bon'
• 11 Synonyms for "Great" in French
• Synonyms for Très
• French Idiomatic Expressions With 'Bon'
• How to Speak Baby in French - Baby Talk Words
• The Universal Wish: 'Bon appétit'
• How to Say Goodbye in French

Discover, Learn, Contribute, Connect

How to Say “Have a Good Journey” in French: A Comprehensive Guide

Giving well wishes to someone embarking on a journey is always a thoughtful gesture. If you want to express this sentiment in French, you’ve come to the right place! In this guide, we will explore various ways to say “have a good journey” in both formal and informal contexts. Additionally, we’ll provide tips and examples to help you understand the nuances of this phrase. Let’s dive in!

Table of Contents

Formal Expressions

When speaking formally, it’s essential to use appropriate language to convey respect and politeness. Here are some formal expressions you can use:

1. Bon voyage

This phrase is the closest equivalent to “have a good journey” in French. It is widely used and understood, making it suitable for any formal situation.

Example: Bon voyage et profitez de votre voyage en France! (Have a good journey and enjoy your trip to France!)

2. Bonne route

Literally meaning “good road,” this phrase is commonly used to wish someone a safe and pleasant journey.

Example: Bonne route et revenez-nous en toute sécurité! (Have a good journey and come back safely to us!)

Informal Expressions

Informal expressions allow you to adopt a more casual tone when conveying your well wishes. Here are a couple of options:

Yes, “bon voyage” can also be used in informal situations. It’s versatile and can adapt to various contexts.

Example: Bon voyage et ramène-nous plein d’histoires! (Have a good journey and bring back lots of stories!)

2. Passe un bon voyage

This phrase translates to “have a good trip” and is a common way to wish someone a pleasant journey in a more informal setting.

Example: Passe un bon voyage et amuse-toi bien! (Have a good trip and have fun!)

Tips for Using the Expressions

1. Consider the Relationship

The choice of expression can vary depending on your relationship with the person traveling. For formal settings or with acquaintances, it’s best to stick to “bon voyage.” In more informal contexts or with friends, you have the flexibility to choose a more casual phrase.

2. Tone and Delivery

Remember that it’s not just the words but also the tone and delivery that contribute to the warmness of your wishes. Make sure to convey your sincerity and genuine care when expressing “have a good journey.”

3. Non-Verbal Communication

Accompany your verbal wishes with non-verbal communication such as a warm smile, a hand gesture, or even a hug if appropriate. These additional gestures will enhance the overall meaning and sentiment of your well wishes.

Now that you have a comprehensive guide on how to say “have a good journey” in French, you can confidently express your well wishes to others. Whether you choose a formal or informal expression, remember to consider the context and your relationship with the person traveling. Along with the right words, use the right tone and non-verbal cues to show your genuine care and warm wishes. Bon voyage!

Related Guides:

• How to Say “Journey” in French: Formal and Informal Ways
• How to Say “Enjoy Your Journey” in French: Formal and Informal Ways, Tips, and Examples
• Guide on How to Say “Good Journey” in French
• How to Say Happy Journey in French: A Comprehensive Guide
• How to Say “Journey” in French
• How to Say Learning Journey in French: A Comprehensive Guide
• Talking about Life Journey in French
• How to Say “Safe Journey” in French: A Comprehensive Guide

About The Author

Pamela Robyn

• Constructed scripts
• Multilingual Pages

Bon voyage / have a good journey in many languages

Jump to phrases

How to wish people a good or safe journey. The phrase, bon voyage, is used in English without change, though the pronunciation is quite like the French.

People who have contributed to this section

If you would like to make any corrections or additions to this page, or if you can provide recordings, please contact me .

http://www.nypl.org/branch/central/dlc/df/expressions/bonvoyage.html

Other phrases

Welcome | Hello | How are you? | Long time no see | What's your name? | Where are you from? | Pleased to meet you | Good morning | Good afternoon | Good evening | Good night | Goodbye | Good luck | Cheers! | Have a nice day | Have a nice weekend | Bon appetit | Bon voyage | Yes, No | Maybe | I don't know | Do you understand? | I understand | I don't understand | Please speak more slowly | Please say that again | Please write it down | Do you speak English? | Do you speak [your language]? | I'm learning [your language] | How do you say ... in [your language]? | Speak to me in [your language] | Excuse me | I would like ... | How much is this? | Sorry | Please | Thank you | Where's the toilet? | This gentleman/lady will pay for everything | Would you like to dance? | Do you come here often? | I miss you | I love you | Get well soon | Go away! | Leave me alone! | Help! | Fire! | Stop! | Call the police! | Merry Christmas | Happy New Year | Happy Easter | Happy Birthday | Congratulations | One language is never enough | My hovercraft is full of eels

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50+ Basic French Travel Phrases To Use While Abroad

• , November 17, 2022

Bienvenue en France! While traveling through this beautiful country, knowing basic French travel phrases is essential to help you get around. Many French people do not speak English, so it’s actually quite necessary to know a bit of French to help make your travels as smooth as possible. 

It can be frustrating to travel to a place that does not speak your native language. Still, one part of exploring new places is navigating these difficulties. If you prepare yourself beforehand by learning a few French phrases, you can turn these frustrations into meaningful interactions with local people. 

Whether you need to order food from a restaurant, tell your cab driver where you’re headed, or ask French locals general questions, these 30+ travel phrases will help you navigate easily and cement memories to last a lifetime.

Essential French Phrases For Travelers

Basic French Phrases For Conversations

These basic words and phrases are the first level of interactions while traveling and probably the words you will use the most in everyday conversations. So pay special attention to them! 

These basic words and phrases are the first level of interactions while traveling, and probably the words you will use the most in everyday conversations. So pay special attention to them! 

Basic French Phrases For Directions

Are you lost in a big city with no phone service? Whip out these basic phrases for directions to get someone to point you in the right direction and save yourself a headache. 

Basic French Phrases For Money & Shopping

France is known for its opulent, high-end clothes and style. You’ll definitely be tempted to shop in all the beautiful boutiques, so learn basic phrases for money and shopping. Want to learn more about this topic? Check out  Shopping Vocabulary In French: 20+ Useful Phrases & Expressions . 

Basic French Phrases For Transportation

France has an excellent public transport system, so you’ll most likely be taking trains and buses while traveling through. These are some phrases to help you get by.

Basic French Phrases For Instruction

These French phrases will help you find the bathroom, the nearest grocery store, or wherever else you need to go. These are easy to pop out while walking or sightseeing, so keep them in mind!

Basic French Phrases For Dining

Food is a huge part of French culture, so when you’re fine dining, you’ll definitely want to know some basic phrases to fit in and avoid any awkward situations.

Final Thoughts

Whew! I know that is a lot of information, but take it one category at a time to learn these basic French words and phrases for travelers. Trust me, when you’re in France you’ll want to speak French! Not only is it a beautiful language, but French speakers find it extra respectful when you speak French to them. 

Interested in learning more French but need specific, targeted resources? Download the  Ling App ! It is a user-friendly language-learning app with games, quizzes, and interactive features proven to help you learn a new language.

You can download it for free on the  App Store  and  Play Store . What are you waiting for? If you start today, you’re one step closer to being prepared for your traverse through France. 

Want even more resources? Check out   #1 Best Guide: French Vocabulary To Use At The Airport   &   French .

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Bon Voyage! France Family River Cruise

• 2025 Classic
• Accommodations
• Pricing & Availability
• Important Info

Uniquely Tauck

EXPERIENCE WITH TAUCK

TAUCK EXCLUSIVE – Special visit to a private ranch in French cowboy country – La Camargue – for a hayride and traditional Provençal lunch

TAUCK EXCLUSIVE – Early-opening visit to Musée Marmottan Monet

TAUCK VALUE INCLUDES

Tauck's private shore excursions and distinctive inclusions valued at $3,237

Gratuities to Tauck Cruise Director, Tauck Directors, drivers, local guides and ship staff

Two-night stay in city-center Paris

5-night Rhône River cruise aboard ms Emerald

An introduction to the game of pétanque , played with the locals

A walk in Arles that traces the footsteps of Vincent van Gogh

SEE WHAT YOUR JOURNEY INCLUDES

Guests should be able to easily walk one to two miles, which may include climbing one or two flights of stairs and walking over uneven pavement, groomed hiking trails or cobblestones. Standing up to one hour or more may be required.

Moderately paced, and may include some early morning hotel departures, one or two on-tour flights, and extended motor coach travel.

World Travel. Family Discovery.

Feel inspired... as you and your family stand on the top deck of ms Emerald with Provençal landscapes before you… in Paris, where the streets are paved in history… along the cobblestone streets of medieval Viviers… together.

Wine country – france's rhône valley, tauck exclusive – experience la camargue, an exclusive provençal experience on a family owned ranch in la camargue.

Drive past marshy fields of grazing bulls and white horses to a privately owned ranch in la Camargue, where the Rhône meets the sea, and experience a different taste of Provençal life for Tauck guests only. It begins with a horseback welcome by the warm-hearted family who lives here, continues with a farm-fresh feast of locally produced fare and a heartfelt guitar serenade, and culminates in a display of skill by Provençal cowboys (known as gardians) that will have your heart racing at every turn.

France is incredible, whether it's the charm of Paris or the historic towns along the Rhone. We all learned a lot while enjoying a true trip of a lifetime.

Michelle Lavardo

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All the information you need to begin your travel plans is right at your fingertips – day-by-day details, map, hotel descriptions, key highlights, and more; download, print or share and your cruise dreams become reality!

Download, print or share deck plans and additional information for your vessel, such as specifications and cabin descriptions. 

Tour Planner

Download the details to make planning your trip easier - including an itinerary overview, pricing based on your selected departure date and accommodations, plus protection plan costs.

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Welcome Aboard

Ship Specifications

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Sofitel le scribe paris opéra.

Paris, France

Nights 3-7 On Board

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About Booking This Tour

Travel Documents

If you are a U.S. citizen traveling internationally, you will need a passport valid for six months beyond the completion of your Tauck journey for entry into France. You do not need a visa for the short duration of this journey.

If you are a citizen of another country traveling internationally, you should contact a French consulate or embassy to determine what travel documentation is required.

Please note that longer stays abroad for any purpose may require additional travel documentation.

International maritime security guidelines require that your passport information be provided to us prior to your embarkation. You need to provide this information to us as soon as you book your cruise or boarding may be denied. Once you board the riverboat, your passport will be held by the purser temporarily to make copies.

We recommend that you make at least two photocopies of all the travel documents that you bring with you. Include copies of the photo page of your passport that contains the date of issuance, the date of expiration and your citizenship. Secure one set of copies in the safe in your room while traveling and leave one set behind with someone at home who will assist you in the event your documents are misplaced, lost or stolen.

To facilitate Travel Requirements, destinations are increasingly utilizing online forms that require digital proof that you've successfully completed your submission (via an email, QR code, etc.) To ensure smooth travels and peace of mind, we strongly recommend all guests carry a personal smart phone and sign up for international data plans before traveling overseas.

Note: For activities marked with an asterisk (*) in day-by-day descriptions, participation is at your own risk; a signed liability waiver will be required.

TRAVELING WITH CHILDREN AS A GUARDIAN:  If you are traveling as the guardian of a child/children, we strongly suggest that you carry a letter from both parents of the child authorizing emergency treatment in the event of illness or accident. For travel abroad, many foreign countries have specific entry requirements for children under 21 who are traveling internationally without BOTH parents. (These requirements are in response to the increased incidence of children being abducted and taken abroad.) PLEASE NOTE THAT TAUCK IS NOT RESPONSIBLE for the disruption of travel caused by improper documentation for children traveling without both parents.

How to Book a Tour

See your travel advisor, or call Tauck at 800-468-2825 to make a reservation.

At the time of booking, please have the following information ready for all members of your party:

• Tour Name and Departure Date
• Traveler's Name: First and last names as they appear on your passport or driver's license
• Traveler's Address(es)
• Email Address*
• Traveler's Phone Number(s)*
• Emergency Contact Information: Please provide the name and phone number  of a relative or friend (not travelling with you) whom we could contact during the tour in the unlikely event of an emergency
• Interest in purchasing a travel protection plan (US and Canada)
• Interest in extending your trip by staying in a Tauck recommended hotel before your trip begins or after it ends
• Interest in our specially negotiated airfares

* Required Fields

Deposits & Final Payment

The deposit and the fees for the optional Protection Plan or Cancel Fee Waiver [CFW] coverage are due at time of booking.

The deposit amount is $900 per person

Final Payments:

Final Payment is due to Tauck  60  days before departure for lands trips, and  120  days before departure for cruises and rail journeys. If your deposit was made by credit card, final payment will be automatic unless you opted out at time of booking. Bookings without full payment at this time may be subject to cancellation without notice. Failure to make payment will be a considered a cancellation by the guest and all applicable cancellation fees will apply.

Cruise Protection Plan

Effective for plans purchased as of July 1, 2021:

Tauck's Cruise and Event Protection

Tauck's Cruise & Event Protection provides you with cancellation protection before your journey begins as well as insurance benefits while you are traveling. It must be purchased within 10 days of your initial deposit. Guest Protection includes the following:

Cancellation Waiver – Provided by Tauck:

Under Tauck's Cancellation Fee Waiver you can cancel your tour for ANY REASON and Tauck will  reduce the regular cancellation fees outlined herein, provided we are notified of cancellation before your cruise departs. Certain terms and restrictions apply (see below*).

*Extreme Circumstances:  In the event of an act of God, war (whether declared or undeclared), terrorism, accident, natural disaster, outbreak of disease, or other event or circumstance beyond our control that contributes to or results in cancellation rates above our historical cancellation rates in the absence of such event or occurrence, Tauck reserves the right to issue a credit to you in lieu of a money-back refund, applicable to a future Tauck journey.  Travel Insurance Benefits – Underwritten by United States Fire Insurance Company.

• Trip Cancellation –  Should you cancel for covered reasons, the plan reimburses cancellation fees imposed, up to your total trip cost. 
• Trip Interruption –  If you have to interrupt your tour for covered reasons, the plan provides reimbursement to catch up to your tour or return home.
• Travel Delay –  Provides reimbursement for missed, prepaid travel arrangements if you are delayed by a common carrier, natural disaster, unannounced strike, or other reasons as cited in the plan.
• Medical Expense –  Reimburses covered medical expenses incurred in the event you become injured or sick during your trip. 
• Baggage / Personal Effects Protection –  Provides reimbursement in the event your luggage or personal effects are, lost, stolen, damaged or delayed during your trip.

Worldwide Emergency Assistance Services –  Provided by Carefree Travel Assistance; 24-hour emergency telephone assistance hotline for medical and travel related problems.

The cost of Tauck's Cruise and Event Protection is:   $659   per person

This plan provides cancellation coverage for your trip and other insurance coverages that apply only during the covered trip. You may have coverage from other sources that provides you with similar benefits but may be subject to different restrictions depending upon your other coverages. You may wish to compare the terms of this policy with your existing life, health, home and automobile policies. If you have any questions about your current coverage, call your insurer, insurance agent or broker.

This optional Cruise and Event Protection must be requested at time of booking and fee must be included in initial payment. Details will be provided with written confirmation of your reservation. Cruise and Event Protection does not protect travel agent commissions. Reimbursements will be made according to original method of payment. The amount of any refund shall be reduced by any recoveries obtained by you from any third parties.

If You Have To Cancel

If you cancel within 10 days of initial deposit

Within the first 10 days after you place your initial deposit, you may cancel your reservation for any reason with no cancellation fees.

If you cancel more than 10 days after initial deposit

Regardless of reason, cancellations result in costly charges from our travel and hotel providers covering penalties and fees incurred by canceling confirmed bookings. These fees vary from tour to tour. Therefore, the following fees apply for this tour.

Cancellation Fees with Tauck's Cruise Protection Plan:

120 days or more before departure: Loss of cost of Tauck's Cruise and Event Protection fee per person 119 – 60 days before departure: Loss of 25% of the cost of the cruise, not including air (if applicable), plus loss of Cruise and Event Protection fee, per person 59 – 1 days before departure: Loss of 50% of the cost of the cruise, not including air (if applicable), plus loss of Cruise and Event Protection fee, per person Cancellation Fees without Tauck's Cruise Protection Plan: 120 days or more before departure: $900 per person 119 – 60 days before departure: Loss of 50% of the cost of cruise, not including air (if applicable), per person 59 - 1 days before departure: Loss of 100% of the cost of cruise, not including air (if applicable), per person Time of cancellation will be when notice is received in our Wilton Woods, CT office.

Tour Interruption Fees

If you have to interrupt your tour en route, you may be entitled to a refund for the unused land portion if it exceeds 24 hours; certain restrictions apply. Such refunds are based upon the number of overnights missed less a fee of $40 per person per day for unused transportation and other fixed expenses.

Partial Room Cancellation

A person who cancels or leaves a tour while a roommate remains constitutes a cancellation of one type of accommodation and rebooking of another type of accommodation. The price charged to the remaining person is the new, higher price for the new accommodation.

In the event of an unforeseen circumstance beyond our control, Tauck reserves the right to amend the cancellation and transfer terms outlined herein. Note: All Guests, regardless of residency, who book a Tauck journey have the option of purchasing the Cancellation Waiver provided by Tauck in the event they need to cancel their trip after making their reservations. Tauck's Cruise & Event Protection, which includes both the Cancellation Fee Waiver and the Travel Insurance Benefits and Assistance Services described above, is not available to residents of Puerto Rico.

Travel Terms and Conditions

Click here  to find Tauck's Travel Terms & Conditions.

Travel Requirements For This Tour

Air Information and Luggage Restrictions

AIRFARE: Airfare to and from this destination is not included in the journey cost. If purchasing your air elsewhere, it is very important to provide us with your confirmed arriving and departing flight information no later than 3 weeks before your arrival date. Flight information can be submitted to Tauck (or verified, if you've already provided it) in the My Account section of Tauck.com.

TAUCK AIRPORT TRANSFERS are included at the start and end of the journey between the airport and the Tauck hotel. Airport transfers are available for any pre tour or post tour hotel stays immediately consecutive to the tour, providing flight information is received in the Tauck office no later than three weeks in advance. Details on locating your transfer upon arrival to the tour start city will be included in your final documents.

AIRLINES and CHECKED LUGGAGE: Due to space limitations during your Tauck journey, we ask that you please limit your checked luggage to one average-size suitcase per person. Besides complying with the Tauck restriction noted above, you should also be sure to research and comply with all airline baggage restrictions relating to your flights to and from your Tauck journey. Airlines have become much more strict in enforcing size and weight limits in recent years, and are free to revise luggage policies without notice. Researching and complying with airline luggage restrictions is the responsibility of the guest, and Tauck cannot be held responsible for any costs or disruptions to travel caused by the failure to research and comply with airline policies. PLEASE NOTE that if you are booked on a tour that includes on-tour flights, the checked luggage weight restrictions for these flights may be lower than the weight restrictions for your international flights.

Checked Luggage – General

Due to space restrictions, we ask that you please limit your checked luggage to one suitcase per person weighing no more than 50 pounds (23 kg) and with overall dimensions (length + width + height) not exceeding 62 inches (158 cm).

Besides complying with the Tauck restriction noted above, you should also be sure to research and comply with all airline baggage restrictions relating to your flights to and from your Tauck journey. Airlines have become much more strict in enforcing size and weight limits in recent years, and luggage exceeding airline standards for size or weight may result in expensive overage fees or other consequences.

Airlines are free to revise luggage policies without notice, and certain airlines have different baggage allowances for different classes of service. Researching and complying with airline luggage restrictions is the responsibility of the guest, and Tauck cannot be held responsible for any costs or disruptions to travel caused by the failure to research and comply with airline policies.

Tauck luggage tags will be provided by your Tauck Director on Day 1 of your itinerary. Please do not attach a Tauck luggage tag to any carry-on items, as the Tauck tags designate luggage that is to be handled and transferred by ground operators and hotel staff during your journey.

Carry-on Luggage - General

Although oversize bags and wheeled, carry-on luggage are popular for airline travel, they are often not convenient or appropriate for motor coach travel or for many on-tour flights. Most modern sightseeing motor coaches offer limited space for numerous or larger items. Space under seats or in the overhead rack is typically small, and designed to accommodate items like coats, hats, purses, and small camera bags, etc.

For your day-to-day travel while on tour, we recommend that you limit your hand luggage to a small, soft-sided carry-on piece, and that you bring only those items you need handy during the day such as make-up, medications, cameras, film, etc. Items too large to fit under the motor coach seat or on the overhead rack must be stored in the luggage bays beneath the motor coach, and may be inaccessible during daytime travel.

Health, Safety and Mobility

HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS

Because you will be cruising on a river and not on the open sea, you are never far from land and, therefore, there is no doctor onboard the riverboat. In case of emergency, we can easily dock the boat and call for an ambulance or medical assistance.

If you have a medical condition that might limit your participation in activities, please consult your physician for pre-departure health advice and notify us as soon as possible, if you have not already done so. We will advise your Tauck Director accordingly.

Your riverboat is registered in Basel, Switzerland. Please check with your health insurance provider to determine whether you are covered while traveling. If you will not be covered under your current policy, we strongly suggest that you arrange for adequate coverage while on tour.

VACCINATIONS  

If you are a resident of the U.S., please contact your physician, the public health service in your area, or the U.S. Centers for Disease Control to obtain information regarding vaccinations that may be required for your journey. The Travelers' Health Section of the CDC operates a 24-hour "Travelers' Health Hotline" at 800-232-4636 (toll-free in the U.S.). You may also log on to the CDC website by clicking here .

If you are a resident of another country , please contact a French embassy or consulate to determine what vaccinations may be required for you to visit.

SPECIAL DIETARY REQUESTS

The restaurants, hotels, caterers and numerous other partners we work with all do their best to accommodate special dietary requests from Tauck guests. However, given the diverse nature of those food providers (from small wineries to grand hotels to world-famous restaurants in more than 70 countries worldwide), some of our partners are better able than others to accommodate such requests. We therefore cannot guarantee that all dietary requests can be accommodated at every meal. Also, please note that where dietary requests can be accommodated, choices will frequently be limited.

To enjoy this cruise, you should be in good health and able to walk reasonable distances, often over unpaved and uneven surfaces. Some of the most memorable sightseeing can only be accomplished on foot. The amount of walking you do, however, is at your discretion.

Your riverboat has four decks: Emerald, Ruby, Diamond and Sun. The elevator runs between the Diamond Deck and the Dining room, which includes stops at the Lounge and the Ruby Deck. There is no chair lift between any of the decks.

On the Emerald deck, you will find a Fitness & Massage Center on board.  The Fitness Center is complimentary and includes a limited variety of fitness equipment such as treadmills, stationary cycling machines and free weights.  Massages are available for a fee in a private room off of the Fitness Center. The water on board the ship is potable and complimentary bottled water is placed in your cabin each day. We also provide bottled water on the motor coaches.

Smoking is permitted in a limited area of the Sun deck. Smoking is not permitted in any cabin, restaurant, lounge or any other interior space.

PLEASE NOTE:  We regret that this Tauck itinerary cannot accommodate wheelchairs or motorized scooters.  Likewise, we regret that we're unable to provide individual assistance to guests with walking difficulties or other personal needs.  The responsibility of the Tauck Director who accompanies your trip is to ensure that the larger group enjoys a relaxing and informative journey, and he or she cannot be relied upon to provide ongoing individual assistance to any one guest.  Guests requiring such individualized assistance must be accompanied by an able-bodied companion who can provide it.

Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate service animals on any river cruise for medical and legal reasons.

Reading List

We have compiled a reading list of recommended books to give you more information about the destinations you will be traveling to on your upcoming journey!

You can view the reading list  here.

The south of France has a warm Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters. Strong winds, known as the Mistral, can occur in the Côte d'Azur, Provence, particularly in winter and spring. Northern France, including Paris, has a temperate climate similar to southern England with warm summers, cold winters and rainfall throughout the year. From April through October, the average high temperature in Paris ranges from 60 to 80˚F (16 to 27˚C) and the average low temperature ranges from 50 to 70˚F (10 to 21˚C). In Arles the averages are 5 to 10˚F (2 to 5˚C) higher.

To read about current weather conditions, we suggest you log on to the Internet website by clicking here .

What To Pack

Bringing the right clothing for your trip is important – we've partnered with New Headings who provide an "easy-to-use, one-stop shop" for your Tauck travel needs, specifically selected for this trip. Click here to visit their site .

Your journey is designed with leisure in mind. Dress for comfort and convenience with a wardrobe that is adaptable and allows for layering. Generally, during the day, casual, comfortable, cotton clothing is recommended. Cool weather at higher elevations or at night will require warmer, layered clothing.

During evenings aboard the riverboat, dress is resort casual.  Items such as slacks and collared shirts are appropriate for men.  For women, slacks, a dress or a skirt and blouse are suitable.  For dinner and throughout the evening, guests should refrain from wearing shorts, t-shirts, sandals, flip-flops or sneakers.

Valet laundry service is available at the hotel and on the riverboat for a fee. There is no valet dry cleaning available on the riverboat. Ironing facilities are available on the riverboat by request to the front desk. Category 7 cabins feature their own irons and ironing boards.

We recommend that you pack an adequate supply of your prescription medication in its original container to last through your entire journey, together with a copy of your doctor's prescription or a letter from your health-care provider on office stationery explaining that the medication has been prescribed for you, a list of the generic names of your medication, your travel documents and a change of clothing in your carry-on bag to avoid any inconvenience in the event that your flight or luggage is delayed. No medications are sold on board the riverboat.

We suggest that you pack the following items your journey:

• Casual daytime wear – shorts, slacks, long and short-sleeved shirts
• An optional jacket and tie for men
• Casually elegant evening wear for ladies
• Sunglasses, sunscreen, hat
• Swimwear for the whirlpools on the riverboat; neither the hotel nor the ms Swiss Emerald has a swimming pool
• A light sweater or jacket for higher elevations or a breezy night
• Binoculars (7x50 preferably)
• Insect repellent
• Camera, lenses, batteries, memory cards and chargerrs
• Lightweight, comfortable, sturdy walking shoes that have already been broken-in
• Travel alarm clock/cell phone with alarm function (many hotels do not have clocks in the rooms.
• Rain poncho and collapsible umbrella
• Reusable zipper-lock bags or other waterproof bags
• Daypack for camera equipment
• Sundries and toiletries that may be difficult to find en route
• Copies of your travel documents to be secured in the safe in your hotel room or cabin

Each child 17 and under will be sent a complimentary backpack from Tauck Bridges! If the child resides in the continental United States, the backpack will be sent to his or her home approximately two weeks prior to the tour departure date (please note backpacks cannot be sent to P.O. boxes). If the child resides outside of the continental U.S., including Hawaii and Alaska, the backpack will be waiting on arrival at the first hotel on your itinerary.

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66 Famous French quotes about travel

• Post category: French Language
• Post author: Nassie Angadi

If you love to travel and dream of exploring France and other places around the world, you are going to love these famous French quotes about travel.

From renowned writers capturing the spirit of travel, they emphasize the transformative power of exploration. There is nothing like the allure of adventure, and the enrichment it brings to our lives.

So for those who like to step outside our comfort zones, embrace the unknown, and open the heart to new perspectives, here are the most famous French quotes about travel. Allons-y!

1. Voyager, c’est naître et mourir à chaque instant.

Translation: “To travel is to be born and die at every moment.” – Victor Hugo

Victor Hugo is of course one of the most renowned French writers the country has produced along with being a poet, novelist, and playwright. The writer of Les Miserables and the Hunchback of Notre Dame was also a politician.

This quote might have been in reference to his banishment when  Napoleon III  took control of France in 1851 and Victor Hugo found himself banished as a traiter in exile.

2. Voyager c’est vivre.

Translation: “Traveling, it is living”. – Gustave Nadaud.

Gustave Nadaud was a 19th century French composer who captures the essence of what lovers of travel already know: the sentiment of feeling alive.

3. On ne fait pas un voyage, c’est le voyage qui nous fait.

Translation: “We do not make a journey, the journey makes us.” – Nicolas Bouvier

Nicolas Bouvier was a francophone Swiss-born writer and traveler who spent several years in France. He was known for his photography and travel writings.

4. Dans le voyage, il n’y a pas de certitude, seulement de l’aventure.

Translation: “In travel, there is no certainty, only adventure.” – Anonymous

The road less traveled can never be predicted, but it will certainly be full of bumps and surprises.

5. Rien ne développe l’intelligence comme les voyages.

Translation: “Nothing develops intelligence like travel.” – Emile Zola

Emile Zola has been a household name in France dating back to the early 20th century, both for his writings and his political advocacy. This famous travel quote perhaps can be interpreted as an unkind comment to those who do not venture out of their comfort zone.

6. Il est certain qu’il faut voyager.

Translation: “Of course you have to travel.” – Voltaire

The celebrated writer Voltaire leaves no doubt about his feelings, with an emphasis that leaves no room for argument.

7. On voyage pour changer, non de lieu, mais d’idées.

Translation: “We travel to change, not places, but ideas.” – Hippolyte Taine

Dating back to the 19th century, Hippolyte Taine was a French historian, critic and philosopher. At a time when travel was not as widespread, Taine advocates why everyone should go on an expedition.

8. Le monde est un livre et ceux qui ne voyagent pas n’en lisent qu’une page.

Translation: “The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page.” – Saint Augustine

Saint Augustine was an early Christian theologian and philosopher from the 4th century, who would go on to become a saint. His famous quote about travel however, still remains relevant today.

9. Voyager rend modeste. On voit mieux la place minuscule que l’on occupe dans le monde.

Translation: “Traveling makes one modest. You see the tiny place you occupy in the world more clearly.” – Gustave Flaubert

Gustave Flaubert was a prominent French novelist from the 19th century. He notes how much small we seem in the larger scheme of things, after having explored another part of the world.

10. Paris est toujours une bonne idée.

Translation: “Paris is always a good idea.” – Audrey Hepburn

The incontournable (unmissable) Audrey Hepburn, in the movie Sabrina said this famous quote about Paris in 1954 as she heads off to culinary school , and it still rings true.

Later in the film she explains: “Paris is for changing your outlook, for throwing open the windows and letting in la vie en rose .”

11. On ne découvre pas de terre nouvelle sans consentir à perdre de vue, d’abord et longtemps, tout rivage.

Translation: “One cannot discover new lands without consenting to lose sight, for a very long time, of the shore.” – André Gide

André Gide was a French author who won the 1947 Nobel laureate in literature. Whether by plane or boat, it is true that you can’t go anywhere without losing sight of ‘home’ at least for a while.

12. Voyager est un triple plaisir : l’attente, l’éblouissement et le souvenir.

Translation: “Traveling is a triple pleasure: the anticipation, the astonishment, and the recollection.” – Ilka Chase

Ilka Chase was an American actress, but this quote is often associated with her in French citations about travel.

13. Le plus beau voyage, c’est celui qu’on n’a pas encore fait.

Translation: “The most beautiful journey is the one you haven’t taken yet.” – Loïck Peyron

Loïck Peyron is a French yachtsman and one of the most accomplished sailors in the world. He has won several competitions over his long career racing across the world.

14. Voyager, c’est grandir. C’est la grande aventure. Celle qui laisse des traces dans l’âme.

Translation: “To travel is to grow. It is the great adventure. The one that leaves traces in the soul.” – Marc Thiercelin

Marc Thiercelin is a French sailor and renowned solo yacht racer. He has done several solo rounds of the world and transatlantic races, so he certainly knows how to go on an adventure.

15. Le monde est un miroir. Si tu lui souris, il te sourira.

Translation: “The world is a mirror. If you smile at it, it will smile back at you.” – Louis Nucera

Louis Nucera was a famous French writer and cyclist, who won the the Grand Prize for Literature from the French Academy in 1993.

16. Voyager, c’est vivre deux fois.

Translation: “To travel is to live twice.” – Albert Camus

Albert Camus was a French philosopher and writer who won the the 1957 Nobel Prize in Literature. One of his most famous books is T h e Stranger .

17. Le plus court chemin d’un point à un autre est la ligne droite. Mais le vrai chemin est celui que l’on découvre en se perdant.

Translation: “The shortest distance between two points is a straight line. But the true path is the one you discover by getting lost.” – Jacques Prévert

Jacques Prévert was a French poet and screenwriter, who definitely knew the benefits of heading onwards without direction.

18. Voyager, c’est naître et mourir à chaque instant.

This famous French travel quote from Victor Hugo’s Les Miserables , talking about the ups and downs of life.

19. Le véritable voyage de découverte ne consiste pas à chercher de nouveaux paysages, mais à avoir de nouveaux yeux.

Translation: “The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes.” – Marcel Proust

Marcel Proust was a prominent 20th century French novelist and essayist. This beautiful quote talks about how traveling has the ability to change ones outlook on life.

20. Les voyages sont la meilleure façon d’acheter des souvenirs.

Translation: “Traveling is the best way to purchase memories.” – François Cavanna

François Cavanna was a French author and journalist, and here he isn’t talking about physical souvenirs , but the ones in our heads.

21. L’important n’est pas la destination, c’est le voyage.

Translation: “The important thing is not the destination, it’s the journey.” – Jean-Paul Sartre

Jean-Paul Sartre was a renowned French philosopher , playwright, and novelist.

22. Les voyages forment la jeunesse.

Translation: “Travel shapes youth.” – Michel de Montaigne

Michel de Montaigne was a French philosopher and writer. This interesting quote advocates travel for the young (and the young at heart.)

23. Le monde est un livre ouvert à tous ceux qui savent lire.

Translation: “The world is an open book to all those who know how to read.” – René Barjavel

René Barjavel was a French author, journalist and critic. He is well known for having exploring the existential concepts of time travel.

24. Le vrai voyageur ne sait pas où il va.

Translation: “The true traveler doesn’t know where he is going.” – Anonymous.

If you don’t know where you are heading, you may be a traveler (and not a tourist.)

25. Le voyage est une espèce de porte par où l’on sort de la réalité comme pour pénétrer dans une réalité inexplorée qui semble un rêve.

Translation: “Travel is a kind of door through which we exit reality, as if entering an unexplored reality that seems like a dream.” – Guy de Maupassant

Guy de Maupassant was a French writer known for his short stories, inspired by the explorers of the past.

26. On ne peut pas voir le monde en restant assis dans un coin.

Translation: “You cannot see the world by sitting in a corner.” – Anonymous

As the joke in French goes, what can see the world while staying in a corner? Only a postage stamp!

27. Ajouter deux lettres à Paris, c’est le paradis.

Translation: “Adding two letters to Paris is paradise.” – Jules Renard

Of course this only works in French, in English you would have to add a few more letters!

28. Voyager sans rencontrer l’autre, ce n’est pas voyager, c’est se déplacer.

Translation: “To travel without meeting the other is not to travel, it is to move.” – Alexandra David Neel

29. Il n’y a d’homme plus complet que celui qui a beaucoup voyagé, qui a changé vingt fois la forme de sa pensée et de sa vie.

Translation: “There is no more complete man than one who has traveled a lot, who has changed the shape of his thought and his life twenty times over.” – Alphonse de Lamartine

30. Ce n’est que dans l’aventure que certaines personnes réussissent à se connaître – à se retrouver.

Translation: “It is only in adventure that some people manage to know each other – to find each other.” – André Gide

31. Le voyageur voit ce qu’il voit, le touriste voit ce qu’il est venu voir. 

Translation: “The traveler sees what he sees, the tourist sees what he came to see.” – Gilbert Keith Chesterton

32. N’ayez jamais peur de la vie, n’ayez jamais peur de l’aventure, faites confiance au hasard, à la chance, à la destinée.

The quote continues: “Partez, allez conquérir d’autres espaces, d’autres espérances. Le reste vous sera donné de surcroît.”

Translation: “Never be afraid of life, never be afraid of adventure, trust chance, luck, destiny. Leave, conquer other spaces, other hopes. The rest will be given to you in addition.” – Henry de Monfreid

33. Jamais je n’ai tant pensé, tant existé, tant vécu, tant été moi-même, si j’ose ainsi dire, que dans les voyages que j’ai faits seul ou à pied. 

Translation: “Never have I thought so much, existed so much, lived so much, been so much myself, if I dare say so, than in the journeys I have made alone or on foot.” – Jean-Jacques Rousseau

34. Les gens ont peur. La peur, c’est l’ignorance. Alors, plus on est éduqué, plus on voyage, plus on parle de langues, moins on est ignorant, donc moins on a peur.

Translation: “People are scared. Fear is ignorance. So, the more educated you are, the more you travel, the more languages ​​you speak, the less ignorant you are, so the less afraid you are.” – Robert Lepage

35. Un des grands malheurs de la vie moderne, c’est le manque d’imprévu, l’absence d’aventures.

Translation: “One of the great misfortunes of modern life is the lack of the unexpected, the absence of adventures.” – Théophile Gauthier

36. L’aventure c’est le trésor que l’on découvre à chaque matin.

Translation: “Adventure is the treasure we discover every morning.” – Jacques Brel

Jacques Brel is a Belgium singer who sang the classic French love song “Ne me quitte pas”, which is one of the most famous songs of all time.

37. Qu’est-ce qu’en général qu’un voyageur ? C’est un homme qui s’en va chercher un bout de conversation au bout du monde. 

Translation: “What is a traveler in general? He is a man who goes to find a piece of conversation at the end of the world.” – Barbay d’Aurevilly

38. De tous les livres, celui que je préfère est mon passeport, unique in octavo qui ouvre les frontières.

Translation: “Of all the books, the one I prefer is my passport, unique in octavo which opens the borders.” – Alain Borer

39. Sans l’incertitude l’aventure n’existerait pas.

Translation: “Without uncertainty, adventure would not exist.” – Alain Séjourné

40. De tous les livres, celui que je préfère est mon passeport, unique in octavo qui ouvre les frontières.

Translation: “Of all the books, the one I prefer is my passport, unique in octavo which opens the borders.” – Alain Borer

41. L’une des choses que j’apprécie le plus quand je voyage à l’étranger, c’est de penser que je vais retourner en France. 

Translation: “One of the things I appreciate the most when I travel abroad is to think that I will return to France.” – Pierre Daninos.

In other words, absence makes the heart grow fonder. A voyage away from France makes home seem so much warmer. You can read more quotes about France here.

42. Vis pour voyager et voyage pour vivre.

Translation: Live to travel and travel to live. – Anonymous.

This famous quote is a variation of that other famous motto “work to live, not live to work”.

43. La vérité existe au-delà des montagnes, pour la connaître, il faut voyager.

Translation: “The truth exists beyond the mountains, to know it, you have to travel.” – Elizabeth Finney

44. La vie est un long champ à cultiver. Voyager, c’est y semer la diversité de la Terre. Voyager, c’est l’embellir des couleurs du monde.

Translation: “Life is a long field to cultivate. To travel is to sow the diversity of the Earth. To travel is to embellish it with the colors of the world.” – Jules Lesven.

45. En somme, je m’aperçois que les voyages, ça sert surtout à embêter les autres une fois qu’on est revenu!

Translation: “In short, I realize that traveling is mainly used to annoy others once you have returned!” – Sacha Guitry.

A funny french travel quote about being forced to listen to others travels stories, with envy and boredom.

46. Voyager rend modeste. Vous voyez quelle petite place vous occupez dans le monde.

Translation: “Traveling makes you modest. You see what a small place you occupy in the world.” – Gustave Flaubert.

We all feel a little smaller when gazing at the moon and the stars, as this well known quote suggests.

47. Voyager c’est découvrir que tout le monde se trompe sur les autres pays.

Translation: “To travel is to discover that everyone is wrong about other countries.” – Aldous Huxley.

Another funny quote which speaks to how much the French are actually very fond of La Belle France , even though they may not always show it.

48. Qui a l’habitude de voyager… sait qu’il arrive toujours un moment où il faut partir. 

Translation: “Who is used to travelling… knows that there always comes a time when you have to leave.” – Paolo Coelho.

49. Voyager – cela vous laisse sans voix, puis vous transforme en conteur.

Translation: “Traveling – it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.” – Ibn Battuta

50. Si vous pensez que l’aventure est dangereuse, essayez la routine. Elle est mortelle!

Translation: “If you think adventure is dangerous, try routine. She is lethal!” – Paulo Coelho.

51. Les voyages sont la partie frivole de la vie des gens sérieux, et la partie sérieuse des gens frivoles. 

Translation: “Travel is the frivolous part of serious people’s lives, and the serious part of frivolous people.” – Anne-Sophie Swetchine

52. Nous ne voyageons pas pour échapper à la vie, mais pour que la vie ne nous échappe pas.

Translation: “We do not travel to escape life, but so that life does not escape us.” – Anonymous.

53. Trouvons un bel endroit pour se perdre.

Translation: “Let’s find a nice place to get lost.” – Anonymous.

54. Où que tu ailles, vas-y de tout ton coeur.

Translation: “Wherever you go, go with all your heart.” – Anonymous.

I think this quote can probably apply to a lot of things, including travel.

55. Celui qui voyagerait avec bonheur devait voyager léger.

Translation: “Whoever travels happily should travel light.” – Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, the author of Le Petit Prince .

56. Chaque voyage est le rêve d’une nouvelle naissance. 

Translation: “Every journey is the dream of a new birth.” – Jean Royer

57. Tous ceux qui errent ne sont pas perdus.

Translation: “Not all who wander are lost.” – John Ronald Reuel Tolkien.

58. Je n’ai pas encore été partout, mais c’est sur ma liste!

Translation: “I haven’t been everywhere yet, but it’s on my list!” – Susan Sontag.

The famous words of every tried-and-true traveler who wants to see it all.

59. Quiconque ne visite pas Paris, ne deviendra jamais vraiment élégant.

Translation: “Anyone who does not visit Paris will never become truly elegant.” – Honoré de Balzac.

I think anyone who has been shopping in Paris and visited these famous fashion houses (or these less expensive ones ) will agree!

60. Le voyage est la seule chose qu’on achète qui nous rend plus riche.

Translation: “Travel is the only thing we buy that makes us richer.” – Anonymous.

61. La vérité est au delà des montagnes, pour la trouver il faut voyager!

Translation: “The truth is beyond the mountains, to find it you have to travel!” – Anonymous.

62. On a tous quelqu’un que l’on aime et qui habite trop loin.

Translation: “We all have someone we love who lives too far away.”

63. Le vrai voyageur n’a pas de plan établi et n’a pas l’intention d’arriver.

Translation: “The true traveler has no set plan and no intention of arriving.” – Lao Tseu.

64. Au premier voyage on découvre, au second on s’enrichit. 

Translation: “On the first trip we discover, on the second we are enriched.” – Anonymous.

65. Ma chose préférée à faire est d’aller là où je n’ai jamais été. Le voyage apporte de l’amour et du pouvoir dans votre vie. 

Translation: “Ma chose préférée à faire est d’aller là où je n’ai jamais été. Le voyage apporte de l’amour et du pouvoir dans votre vie.” – Anonymous

66. Les emplois remplissent votre poche, les aventures remplissent votre âme.

The quote continues: “Une fois par an, allez dans un endroit où vous n’êtes jamais allé auparavant”.

Translation: “Jobs fill your pocket, adventures fill your soul. Once a year, go somewhere you’ve never been before.” – Anonymous

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French translation of 'bon voyage'

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Bon Voyage: a deeper dive into what France has to offer

April 8, 2022

Authored By:

Travelling within France has become one of my favorite things whether it’s a weekend trip or a very quick day trip somewhere. Because of the many options for public transport, travelling within France is easier than one may think.

My group has done many trips to various places throughout France whether just a small group or the majority of us. It has always been a great time. In January, we decided to take a trip to a little town called Quimper. I am pretty sure it was just because of the name (which we were saying incorrectly). It was nothing short of amazing. We found ourselves in Quimper around 8pm where no more buses were running. This resulted in an hour walk to the Airbnb. It sounds terrible, but I promise that it was actually a great time and a beautiful night. We made a pit stop for some wine and celebrated our arrival with (very) long showers and lots of laughs. The weekend consisted of touring the beautiful town including the market and cathedral.

We started the morning off with fresh pain au chocolat and bread from a boulangerie nearby and some hot coffee. We decided it would be easier and perhaps more fun to cook dinner together the second night. That being said, we split into teams including: main dish, salad, drinks, charcuterie, and dessert. After dispersing into the markets, we concocted an amazing meal for 10 for just 10 euros a piece. Incredible! Cooking together has such a fun dynamic and I hope to continue doing so with this group.

In March we decided to take advantage of the 5 euro train tickets and do a day trip in Brest. We definitely spent more time on the train than in Brest, but it was so worth it. The food, the views, and the people I was with were incredible. We visited a (closed) chateau and walked through pretty gardens. It really was the B(r)est time. I think that if I had more time here in Rennes, I would love to go back.

My friends visited from the States so we hopped on a train to Saint Malo on my day off. It did not disappoint. We found joy in walking along the shore to the little town and collecting sea glass on our way. We did find out (the hard way) that many places didn’t open until noon for lunch. We crossed paths with this little place called Cargo. The waiter immediately knew we weren’t French (ouch) but he was SO nice. The people working made sure we were happy the entire time and didn’t mind the (many) photos that my friends were taking. After that we wandered around the town and perused through the little shops. Saint Malo is a must for when you are in Rennes.

I think that being able to travel within France has been such an enlightening experience and has given me so much insight on the French way of living as well as independence while being here. Sometimes it is good to get away even when you’re already away.

Gordon College

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Definition of bon voyage

• congee
• good-by

Examples of bon voyage in a Sentence

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'bon voyage.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

French, literally, good journey!

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Dictionary Entries Near bon voyage

Cite this entry.

“Bon voyage.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bon%20voyage. Accessed 7 Sep. 2024.

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Kids definition of bon voyage.

French, literally, "good journey"

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Bon Voyage, Charlie Brown (and Don't Come Back!!) (1980)

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The Ultimate 7-Day French Riviera Itinerary

When it comes to planning the ultimate 7-day itinerary for the French Riviera, this guide will help you. I spent an extended time exploring the Cote d’Azur this late spring and have narrowed down the best places you can’t miss.

Our time in the South of France on the French Riviera was one of the best parts of our several-week trip through France. The Mediterranean coastline, charming villages, fresh cuisine, and lots to do kept us very busy.

I found myself just loving very slow meals, afternoons at the beaches, and leisure strolls. It felt so contrasting to the busy, fast-paced lives we live back at home. The French Riviera while known for its glitz and glam, doesn’t always have to be like that. In fact, we did this South of France trip with our toddler in tow , showing just how any traveler can visit this region.

The French Riviera is a place to take it all in slowly. Read on to discover the best 7-day itinerary for this iconic French region.

Short on Time? Here’s My Top Tip for the Best Hotels for Visiting the French Rivera:

Hotels in villefranche-sur-mer.

I would recommend booking all of your time in  Villefranche  as a home base .

• Welcome Hotel , for the best waterfront hotel
• Hôtel le Provencal French Riviera , for the best luxury hotel
• Hotel De La Darse , for the best budget-friendly hotel

Travel Tip: The best way to explore the South of France is by driving yourself. We use Discover Cars for our rental cars in Europe, choose full coverage insurance, and opt for trusted companies like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt. Renting a car and driving in France is quite easy. Book your car with Discover Cars here .

The French Riviera Itinerary in 7 Days

What to know before planning your itinerary.

What’s the Best Airport to Fly Into for the French Riviera?

Nice Airport (code: NCE) is the best airport to fly into for the French Riviera. It services the most flights and puts you very close to this entire itinerary. The airport is easy to fly into and depart from, plus there are nonstop flights to Newark if you’re coming from the States.

What is the Best Way to See the French Riviera?

You could do this entire trip by rental car or utilize trains and Ubers. I preferred having a rental for our trip as it gave us so much more flexibility. You could see a lot in a shorter time as you’re not dependent on public transport schedules. So if you’re going for a week, I would recommend a car for the time for ease.

What Do I Need to Know About Renting a Car in French Riviera?

• Do use  Discover Cars  to Book  — They have the best rates and rental options, and you can add full insurance at a reasonable rate. This is my trusted site for booking, which is where we booked our rental car from Nice Airport with a reputable agency (Alamo).
• There are Toll Roads  — Be prepared that some highways have toll roads. All have a credit card and a coin option, so keep an eye out for this.
• Extra Drivers Cost More  — If two of you drive, you’ll need to pay an additional driver fee by day. For Sixt, it was 10 euros daily.
• Parking Isn’t as Bad as You Think — Don’t be intimated by all the posts that say parking is difficult. Sure it’s busy, but you can easily get spots when you just leave a bit earlier (and not by much) and park for longer.

What is the Best Time of Year for Weather On The French Riviera?

July through September are ideal if you’re looking for the best swimmable weather with warm waters. Keep in mind that the busiest months are June through August. As it’s sunny almost year-round, I would opt for months like April and May or September through November to visit.

How Much Time Is Needed to Visit the French Riviera?

I would recommend a minimum week to do this full itinerary. You could condense it down to 5-days, but honestly, the joy of the French Riviera is the slowness of life on the coast. I think I would even consider 10 days as well (we spent 2 weeks to give an idea.)

Editor’s Note: How I Structured this 7-Day French Riviera Itinerary

When I plan a trip, my goal is to cut down as many transfer days as possible. I picked a single home base and it worked out incredibly. We opted for Villefranche-sur-Mer , where there were dozens of day trips under 30-45 minutes from us. With that said, you could easily make Nice your home base as well (some great new hotels worth considering. Nice also has incredibly easy day trips as well. The itinerary is structured this way, with a single base for day trips.

Day 1: Arrive in Villefranche-sur-Mer

Welcome to the French Riviera. Those turquoise sparkling waters are some of the Med’s best, and there’s no better way than to settle in than by walking by the coast. After checking into your accommodation in Villefranche-sur-Mer , I recommend a charming stroll through the old town down to Plage des Marinieres . A quick dip may be the best thing for your jet lag.

That night for dinner, keep it easy — you can likely stroll in for a last-minute reservation at places like TOSCA or Alma . If you want to kick off your trip with something more formal, book ahead at La Mère Germaine or La Caravelle . And if you need to stretch your legs one more time, my favorite walk was the “ La Citadelle ” walk that went beyond the point over to La Darse.

Why Stay in Villefranche-sur-Mer?

Simply put, it’s the best of both worlds. It’s like a small village but with enough to do in the village and close to every place you will want to explore. My second contender would be Nice but this is a much larger city with much more going on. So I prefer Villefranche, but Nice would also be a good second option if one of the hotels piques your interest. Both have a main train station.

Where to Stay in Villefranche-sur-Mer (and Nice)

Hotels are limited in Villefranche-sur-Mer which means you need to book ahead. If I had my pick it would be:

• Welcome Hotel , for the best-elevated boutique hotel
• Hotel De La Darse , for a quiet escape within walking distance
• Luxury 1 Bedroom Apartment with View
• Seafront 2 Bedroom Apartment with View

In Nice, there are a few notable hotels that must be mentioned if you’re considering Nice as your home base. I would look at:

• Hotel du Couvent , for a chic, design-forward stay
• La Pérouse , for a boutique, luxury stay
• Anantara Plaza-Nice Hotel , for a seafront getaway
• Mama Shelter Nice , for a lively, young stay
• CASA MUSA , for a lived-in, in the mix of it all stay

Helpful Guides to Plan Your Trip

• The Ultimate Guide to Villefranche-sur-Mer

3 Days in Nice, France: The Essential Travel Guide

Day 2: explore villefranche-sur-mer.

Stroll into town and make your way to BAKARO , your one-stop (and only stop) for pastries, coffee, and more. It’s where all the locals begin their day with a strong cappuccino. I’d stroll around Villefranche-sur-Mer , have a lazily slow lunch on the waterfront at Olivula , and let the day pass by. It’s your first day on the ground anyway.

I think today is the best day to get in a well-need beach day, so head to Plage des Marinieres to claim your spot on the pebbles. If you’re feeling like you need to change your sights already, I would hop in an Uber and get dropped off 10 minutes away at Plage de Passable . Rent a day bed, order an ice cream, and enjoy.

For dinner come back to Villefranche-sur-Mer and try one of the above you haven’t been to yet (reservation needed.). And Glacier Feracci Vielle Ville is the go-to for your gelato needs.

Travel Tip for Villefranche-sur-Mer: There’s a wonderful weekly market every Wednesday and Saturday around the Jardin François Binon . It’s a steep stroll but a lovely local market that doesn’t feel overrun with tourists.

Day 3: Day Trip to Menton

Pack up your day bag, don’t forget a swimsuit, and make your way towards Italy. Your destination is Menton , also known as the “Pearl of France” and has all things lemon. This pastel-hued coastal village is the last stop before the Italy border and one of the best places to visit on the Côte d’Azur . I’d recommend driving and parking, or you could take the train from Nice.

Stroll through town, and shop the main Rue Saint Michel where all of the city life is happening. I’d pop into the  Marché des Halles  food hall of Menton to pick up a handful of things to eat for lunch. I highly recommend the lemon tarts from Mitron Bakery . Make your way down to one of the beaches, like the main  Plage des Sablettes Ouest , and enjoy a dip.

When the sun lowers, make the climb up the famous yellow stairs, known as the Les Rampes Saint-Michel . From there you’ll see the bell tower of the Basilique Saint-Michel Archange de Menton and one of the most beautiful squares in town. And don’t miss a wander up the historic  Rue du Vieux Château and Rue Longue for a charming view.

For dinner, get in line or book ahead at Pizzeria 430gradi  for the best Neapolitan pizza you’ll have in the South of France. It’s so good and goes all too quickly. As the sun sets, make your way down to the beach for the infamous view of Menton from  Quai Impératrice Eugénie at Vue Panoramique de Menton  noted on the map.

Helpful Menton Guides to Plan Your Trip

• Your Complete Guide to Charming Menton, France

Day 4: Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat & Èze

Begin your day with an early start and head to Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. There’s a bus but honestly Uber is so fast and convenient, I’d call one to head to Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild . Book in 2 hours here (tickets reserved in advance recommended) to stroll some of the beautiful gardens in all of France.

Afterward, take an Uber to Plage Paloma (parking is horrendous here) for a few hours of beach time. This was my favorite beach on the coast, and there’s a day club if you prefer to book a bed in advance.

Late afternoon, make your way to Èze by way of the Moyen Corniche . The best secret is to arrive about an hour or two before the famous Le Jardin Exotique closes to have it mostly to yourself sans the tour groups. You’ll only need an hour to visit it. Afterward, stroll through the medieval hilltop, and soak in the charm and views.

For dinner, I’d book ahead at a few restaurant choices. Château Eza and La Chèvre d’Or are your two high-end choices, and we personally loved the simple, yet charming La Taverne d’Antan à Eze .

Travel Tip for Èze: An easy mistake when looking for where to go, don’t confuse Èze Village with Èze-sur-Mer. The village is the hilltop location, and the “sur-Mer” is the coastal village at the bottom by the coast. And the drive between them is a very long mistake.

Helpful Èze Guides to Plan Your Trip

• Guide to Visiting Èze: The French Riviera’s Enchanting Hilltop Village

Day 5: Day Trip to Saint-Paul-de-Vence

About 45 minutes north of Nice, the medieval village of Saint-Paul-de-Vence is deserving of a full day of exploring. If you’re into the arts, leisure strolls, and incredible food, this is it for you. Start at Fondation Maeght , home to an incredible collection of Miró and Calder pieces.

Afterward, stroll into town and stop in first for lunch at La Colombe d’Or Hotel and Restaurant (a reservation is required). This is one of those trendy yet longstanding spots in the Riviera. It’s utterly private, and chic, and you’ll be glad you booked in.

The town is a minute’s walk after lunch, so begin your time making your way down the Rue Grande that cuts through the heart of it. You’ll find several art galleries, local boutiques, vendors selling regional products, and more. It almost feels like a scene from Beauty and the Beast with the narrow streets.

You can stop into a cafe and catch the views from Chemin de Ronde and Saint-Paul-de-Vence Cemetery . If you have extra time before dinner, go for a countryside drive towards La Colle-sur-Loup, you could even stop in if you like. For dinner, there’s no better spot to book in than Les Remparts .

Day 6: Exploring Nice

Just know that a day in Nice just barely scratches the surface. It’s a large city, so if you have an extra day to give, you could easily spend it here. I’d look at doing a few things, which is why I’m going to break down this day into a list. You’ll see there is a range of activities to choose from.

The Best Things to Do in Nice:

• Stroll through Old Nice (Vieux Nice).
• Snack your way through Marché Aux Fleurs , the open market.
• Spend time at Plage Beau Rivage Beach .
• Hike Castle Hill (Colline du Château) for the best views in town.
• Try the regional “socca” from Chez Thérésa .
• See Matisse Museum (Musée Matisse).
• Stroll around Port Lympia , and grab tapas and wine at Rouge, Restaurant – Bar à vin .
• Have dinner at the iconic Le Plongeoir .

Realistically you cannot do all of these things in one day, but pick a handful that stand out to you. For me, strolling through Old Nice, seeing the market, having lunch in town, and climbing the Colline du Château were some of my personal favorites.

Helpful Nice Guides to Plan Your Trip

Day 7: relax in villefranche-sur-mer or plage mala.

Depending on how much time you have on your last day, I would relax back in Villefranche-sur-Mer before continuing with your travels. However, if you’re craving one more South of France adventure, I have to point you towards Plage Mala .

It’s a bit of an effort as parking can be tricky and the climb down to the beach has hundreds of stairs, but it is well worth it. This is one of the best beaches in the French Riviera , and the most dramatic. There are two beach clubs you could book in and there is a free public section as well. It would make for a very great final day exploring the French Riviera.

If You Have More Time

If you’re looking to add a few more days or consider other day trips, there are a few more spots. The other popular two places not on here are Antibes and Saint Tropez. Both are wonderful to visit and offer unique experiences in their own way. Saint Tropez is a bit further, at almost a two-hour drive, so you could stop in Antibes along the way.

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PS — Are You Booking a Trip Soon? Use My Booking Checklist!

These are the sites I use most to book my own trips. Using the links below is a great way to support Bon Traveler’s travel journalism at no extra cost to you . If you need help organizing your itinerary, get my free travel itinerary template here .

1. Book Your Flights

I use Skyscanner to find the best flights. It searches 100s of airlines and websites across the globe to ensure you’re not missing out on any route options or deals.

2. Book Your Accommodations

I use Booking.com for hotels and guest houses. They have the biggest inventory and consistently offer the best rates.

3. Book Your Tours & Experiences

I use Viator or Get Your Guide to find the best tours and experiences. They are my favorite tour search engines. I always check both as their inventory varies depending on the destination.

4. Book Your Rental Car

Self-driving is the best way to explore most destinations. I use Discover Cars for our rental cars, select full coverage insurance, and opt for a reputable company like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt.

5. Don’t Forget Airport Lounge Access

I use Priority Pass to gain access to 1,400+ VIP lounges and airport experiences worldwide. The Priority Pass app is the first thing I check when I have a layover. I’ve been a member for over a decade, and having a comfortable place to relax before and between flights makes air travel so much more enjoyable.

6. Don’t Forget Travel Insurance

I never leave the country without travel insurance. It provides comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong (ie. illness, injury, theft, and cancelations, etc.). I use it frequently for my travels to stay protected.

My favorite companies that offer the best coverage and rates are:

• World Nomads (best for all-around)
• Safety Wing (best for frequent travelers)

Xx, Jessica

Related Posts

Guide to the Best French Riviera Beaches You Can’t-Miss

A Complete Guide to Charming Menton, France

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Meaning of bon voyage in English

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• acciaccatura
• ombudsperson
• ombudswoman
• pas de deux
• the Internationale
• vivacissimo

You can also find related words, phrases, and synonyms in the topics:

• Flora's voice wished me " bon voyage " in a most friendly but tremulous tone.  
• He wished us bon voyage, removed his hand, and we were off.  
• It's best to say 'good-bye' and 'bon voyage' right here.  
• Numerous devoted friends were on hand to say good bye and "bon voyage", but they were permitted only on the dock.  
• There was a short drive to the river amid polite calls of "good-bye" and " bon voyage," and there lay the Mayflower, like a great white bird with comfortably folded wings.  

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kick something into the long grass

to delay dealing with something, especially because you want people to forget about it

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