Asking for directions in French
Sign up for free to get all information about private lessons and our available group courses (A1, A2, B2, B2, C1, C2)
Sign up for free Course informationsWe offer both private lessons and organized group courses
Sign up for free to get all available courses or contact one of our teachers yourself!
MANON R.
25.00 €/h
Free trial lesson!
Group lessons!
Lucas D.
16.00 €/h
Free trial lesson!
Group lessons!
Céline C.
20.00 €/h
Free trial lesson!
Group lessons!
Our offer
When it comes to learning a language, knowing how to ask for directions or places is a 'must' whether you are a tourist or not. This chapter contains basic phrases that you will find useful in everyday conversations in French.
Lesson outline
HideHow to ask directions in French ?
When travelling to any French speaking country, you will need to know how to ask for or receive directions to the place you are going. Learning how to navigate gives you freedom to explore. Check the vocabulary in the table below:
English | French |
|---|---|
| north | nord |
| south | sud |
| west | ouest |
| east | est |
| straight | tout droit |
| right | droite |
| left | gauche |
| at the corner of | au coin de |
| center | centre |
| in back of | derrière |
| in front of | devant |
| over there | là-bas |
| next to | à côté de |
| city center | le centre-ville |
| map | une carte |
| until | jusqu'à |
When asking a questions, you need to know how to say Where is...? = Où est...?, Is it...? = Est-ce que..?, How can I...? = Comment est-ce que...?, In which..? = Dans quel(le)...? followed by these verbs: aller, se trouver, prendre, suivre, tourner, traverser.
Examples:
Where does the road lead? = Où mène cette rue?
What street is the movie theater on? = Dans quelle rue se trouve le cinéma?
How do I get to the museum? = Comment est-ce que je vais au musée?
Have a question?
Take online language lessons with a professional teacher
- Native & verified teachers
- Free trial lesson
- Learning materials included
Andrea B. 
18.00 €/h
Free trial lesson!
Group lessons!
Alessio T. 
20.00 €/h
Free trial lesson!
Group lessons!
KODZO A. 
15.00 €/h
Free trial lesson!
Group lessons!
Deborah S.
15.00 €/h
Free trial lesson!
Group lessons!
Emmanuelle D.
40.00 €/h
Free trial lesson!
Group lessons!
Israel R. 
19.00 €/h
Free trial lesson!
Group lessons!
MANON R.
25.00 €/h
Free trial lesson!
Group lessons!
Giada T.
24.00 €/h
Free trial lesson!
Group lessons!
Audrey W.
14.00 €/h
Free trial lesson!
Group lessons!
Djamel M.
15.00 €/h
Free trial lesson!
Group lessons!
How to give directions in French?
In the case of giving an answer or telling what direction to take we use the preposition "à" followed by definite article if it's necessary. To say the place is within eyesight, you can use phrases such as; Le voici! (Here it is!) or La voilà! (There it is!). Regarding the verbs "habiter" is used for living in a space, while "vivre" refers to both time and space. In the table you will find the common verb phrases to answer a question: 
English | French |
|---|---|
| follow the signs for | suivez la direction |
| continue straight ahead | continuez tout droit |
| leave the motorway | quittez l'autoroute |
| stay in the right-hand lane | rester sur votre droite |
Examples:
Pierre is going to the museum. = Pierre va au musée. (à + le / au)
Sarah wants to go to the cathedral. = Sarah veut aller à la cathédrale.
I live in an apartement. = J'habite dans un appartement.
Attention!
Pay attention to a formal and informal speech (vous or tu = You).
List of places in French
You can combine already mentioned direction-verbs with the places listed bellow:
| English | French |
|---|---|
| the train station | la gare ferroviaire |
| the bus stop | l'arrêt de bus |
| the airport | l'aéroport |
| the town hall | la mairie |
| the museum | le musée |
| the restaurant | le restaurant |
| the bar | le bar |
| the city center | le centre-ville |
| the shopping center | le centre commercial |
| the historic center | le centre historique |
| the park | le parc |
| the hospital | l'hôpital |
| the police station | le commissariat de police |
| the monument | le monument |
| the bridge | le pont |
Dialogue example
French
Marc: Excusez-moi, savez-vous où se trouve Le pont Neuf?
Julien: Oui, vouz devez aller tout droit jusqu'au Pont des fleurs, ensuite tournez à gauche dans la rue Paris IV.
Marc: Comment aller au pont des Fleurs?
Julien: Il se trouve à côté de la Cathédrale Notre-Dame. La première rue à droite.
Marc: Merci beaucoup pour votre aide!
Julien: De rien, au revoir!
English
Marc: Excuse me, do you know where is the Pont Neuf?
Julien: Yes, you have to go straight up to the Bridge of flowers, then turn left in the street Paris IV.
Marc: How to get to the Pont des Fleurs?
Julien: It is next to the Notre-Dame Cathedral. The first street on the right.
Marc: Thank you very much for your help!
Julien: You're welcome, goodbye!
Practice what you have learnt with a few exercises that we have prepared for you!
Exercises
- Matching directions exercise
- Talking about directions in French: "Fill in the blanks" exercise
- Asking for directions: translate the words
Matching directions exercise
Talking about directions in French: "Fill in the blanks" exercise
Asking for directions: translate the words
Exercises
- Matching directions exercise
- Talking about directions in French: "Fill in the blanks" exercise
- Asking for directions: translate the words
Matching directions exercise
Talking about directions in French: "Fill in the blanks" exercise
Asking for directions: translate the words
What our students say
Unlike in other platforms, all our teachers are manually verified by our professional team. Trust in the experiences of our students.
1 - If you are looking for a well-structured French program to take you from a beginner level to advanced level to be able to travel to France, i have developed with success my own program which includes 70 worksheets from basic to advance level.
2 - If you are thinking taking any DELF exam, I can help you as I have experience in this field (3 years with Ensemble en Francais - online school).
3 - If you are a VCE French student, I definitively will be able to boost your skills to do well at the exam due to my experience as VCE French teacher and also as a VCE assessor.
4 - Finally I have also an extensive experience in teaching French at the primary and middle school level
E. W.
Francois is very patient with my learning, especially as I am an absolute beginner. The lessons contain of a check of the homework, a review of the last lessons, and lastly new vocabulary. Francois tries to stay in French as much as possible and helps me out when I cannot find the meaning of a word or sentence on my own. This helps me learn quicker. In my opinion the homework helps a lot aswell. It helps me focus on what I have learned in the lessons so far, and also to memorize more rapidly.
Francois D.
I want to help people to improve the level of their chosen language.
I couldn't imagine a better teacher than Nancy! Together with Nancy you find the right method for you to improve your French in a fun and personal way. I would recommend her to everyone!
Nancy C.
Hi! My name is Tiphaine, I'm french, I'm 34 years old and I live in Seville.
I grew up in the outside of Paris, I travelled all over the world and I live in Spain for 8 years now.
I'm a musician, a dancer and I love to cook and hike.
I'm a french teacher, and it's my passion! I speak 3 languages, and thanks to my learning I was able to live amazing experiences in many countries.
That's why I became a teacher, to be able to share with you my love for french language and culture and to guide you in your progress.
For me, each language is a way of seeing and interpreting the world, as glasses of different colors.
Understanding the way a language works is understanding how its people see things; it's such a exciting process, I can't wait to share it with you!
I have more than 5 years experience, in schools, companies and universities.
I work with people from all ages, beginners to advanced. I know most of french manuals.
I can prepare you to DELF and DALF exams. I also have a specialization in french for specific goals and french business.
I can offer you thematic courses, to improve your pronunciation, increase your vocabulary, prepare you for traveling or for a new job.
All my classes are in french, I adapt my vocabulary and speech speed according to your level.
I also adapt my method to your needs, personality, to take the best advantage of my classes and your french learning.
I use diversified ressources, from quizz to podcasts, videos, songs and games.
Whatever are your motivations, if you want to learn french in a pleasurable and rewarding way, book a class with me!
J. M.
The strategy of Tiphaine is simple but very effective. She assess each students by understanding their needs and goals first. What I enjoy most is I get to speak french with her more than I did in my other french classes. She also give life advices on the side. :)
Tiphaine R.
Hi,
I m claudie , I m french and i have experience to teach french to foreign people.
I create in a school of langage in Spain a little faculty for my french lessons with a group from 15 years olds until 25.
The pupils were all the levels A1 until C2!
I was teaching as well with lillte children and adults in Spain and Rumania.
I m a very dynamic teacher with a lot of patient and empathy.
You will make a lot of progress!
J. .
Claudie is a wonderful, dedicated and very patient teacher. My goal was to speak French, because before, during lessons in my own country, I didn't feel comfortable speaking French and I couldn't manage to speak French without blocking. With Claudie, it's totally different. For over eight months, I took lessons with Claudie almost every week. Claudie gives me self-confidence and I learned a lot. We are talking about everyday life, but also about cultural subjects. She always manages to find interesting topics to discuss. We laugh a lot and I hope we will continue the lessons for a long time.
Claudie S.
Learning with a system and joy.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Because of its linguistic relationship with English, Norwegian is relatively easy to learn for people with a knowledge of English. About a third of the vocabulary can be understood by everyone either immediately or after a few lessons. The grammar is simpler than in German or Dutch, for example. The best prerequisites for learning this wonderful language!
My lessons are aimed at beginners and advanced learners (A1-B2).
I practise modern language teaching methods that I learned at the Folke University in Bergen. This means:
- We learn by talking a lot to each other
- We will work with images that encourage us to speak
- We are not bothered by mistakes, but rather enjoy new words and success stories
- We learn new words, spellings, sentences and pronunciations by building on what we already know
- We take grammar seriously where it is important. We don't let it limit us
- We learn easiest when we have fun and enjoy it.
Regardless of whether you are preparing for a job interview, are thinking of emigrating or are just there to enjoy the matter: My lessons adapt to your wishes.
The first introductory lesson is free. If you book several hours at once, you will receive a discount.
--------------------------
I was born in Luxembourg and have lived in Bergen / Norway for over 10 years. I work as a historian in a UNESCO World Heritage Museum and am in daily contact with Scandinavian history and the Norwegian language. I originally studied Scandinavian Studies, Medieval History and Archeology in Germany and Norway. I learned Norwegian about 20 years ago and taught for several years at the University of Bonn / Germany and the Folke University in Bergen / Norway. I speak 5 languages and can also read some historical languages (including Old Norse).
These experiences will make learning Norwegian a lot easier for you. I know the pitfalls that await foreigners and which donkey bridges work well. My cultural-historical knowledge will not only give you an understanding of Norwegian culture and way of life, but will also help you in a practical way to be able to easily remember strange words and formulations at first glance and not to get lost in the thicket of countless dialects.
I am looking forward to our collaboration!
Vi snakkes,
Tom
G. P.
Specialized in teaching for many years, in him you will find a well prepared, expert, friendly and inspiring teacher with a creative and at the same time simple teaching method.
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
Tom H.
Doctor of Letters and Professor of French Language and Literature
A. P.
Virginie is the best French teacher I ever came across. She has been a great help in preparing for DELF B1. Her clear method of explaining helps me understand and retain the grammar rules. She is very patient and her calm personality removes my anxiety and puts my mind at ease. I highly recommend her and thank her for the wonderful learning experience.
Virginie D.
Bonjour! Veux-tu apprendre français? ou l'améliorer?
My classes are structured according to my students' needs, I use different teaching methods and I rely on listening each of my students' expectations and goals. Dynamism and constant learning are my purposes in my classes.
I have worked as a French teacher for more than ten years.
I have academic studies in English and French from Montréal, Canada, where I lived for several years. I have a Bachelor in Teaching French as a foreign language from the Université de Bourgogne.
I learned French at an early age in immersion in a French-speaking region and I studied French formally for 11 years, obtaining a native level.
À bientôt!
J. J.
Natalia is a great teacher. She uses a variety of teaching methods and always considers my wishes and learning goals. The atmosphere is very pleasant, we speak a lot about random topics but also about situations from my work, which really helps to improve my conversation skills.
Natalia L.
We work with Janeke on improving her skills using situations from her work environment. Also, we discuss different topics, using a variety of materials. I have seen her French improve very quickly. Congratulations Janeke!
Hello,
My name is Tiska. I am a French Teacher with experiences with adults and teenagers in Public Education (USA) and Language Schools. I am holding a Master Degree in FLE (Teaching French as a Foreign Language).
Join a small group of learners of 2 or 3 for conversation lessons with me. An article or video to watch before the lesson and a conversation with personalized corrections during the lesson. This option saves you at least 10 euros per lesson on Colanguage.
Group opening:
Monday and/or Wednesday from 17:30 to 18:30 (French time).
Level: intermediate (B1)
Also, standard French lessons
- level A2 (low intermediate)
- 2 hours a week
- ask for schedule
Don’t know your level? Ask for a free level test.
I give Skype lessons to people who need or want to improve their French language. I like to use material from the internet (videos, article etc.) to introduce a theme which leads to a lesson and a conversation.
I like to create engaging learning with my students. I will give as homework a document to watch or to read with comprehension exercises so the time we have on skype is only speaking practice and explanation if needed.
I can help you prepare DELF-DALF Exams or work on specific needs (as professional French).
Really like to speak about all the subjects with the student especially those the student like so it gives the motivation to speak in the foreign language.
The free first lesson is organize to know your tastes, your level and your needs so we can plan the next lessons about the objectives you fixed.
F. D.
Tiska is a very good teacher: her lessons are well structured and she follows your French level perfectly. The method she uses is modern and leaves room for conversation. Homework is a real party with the videos, listening to music videos and grammar which is well explained in the book. I can highly recommend Tiska for your French lesson.
Tiska G.
Native Spanish Teacher
G. P.
Carlos is an excellent, professional and experienced Spanish teacher. His method is made up of theory and exercises, he uses school documents and is prepared for all levels of Spanish. Highly recommended.
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
CARLOS R.
Hello there. I am Ivan and I teach German, French and English online with great success for over 7 years. My teaching technics suit to all kind of interests and goals: personal as well as professional.
I have studied, worked and lived in the French and in the German part of Switzerland, supporting customers from different ages and countries around the world. I am currently working for two online-schools (in the UK and in China).
Additionally, teaching is my passion which makes me not only a passionated and hard-working teacher but also a flexible, dynamic and compassionate person.
Please contact me for more information and a first meeting free of charge.
Looking forward to meet you soon.
R. K.
Ivan is an excellent teacher. He adapts lessons to your needs and wishes and makes learning with him fun and enjoyable by finding material which interests you or that you might find interesting even if you didn’t know it yourself before! I have had 25 lessons with him now and my progress has been much quicker than any method, or course I have taken before. I can’t rate him highly enough! He is very punctual and is very quick to respond if I have any questions. Thank you Ivan!
Ivan E.
Mabuhay! Magandang Araw! Kumusta ka? I am Rey Corañes. I am a licensed professional teacher and I have 4 years of teaching experience in teaching Filipino/Tagalog language. I have a degree in education and my specialization is teaching Filipino. Let me help you set your goals and have amazing results. Do you want to speak the common Filipino phrases? Do you want to learn how to converse with the people in the community? Do you want to master the grammar and have conversational practices? No worries, I am here to help you learn it all. So what are you waiting for? Book a lesson with me.
G. P.
Ray has been a teacher for four years. He taught Filipino in a private school for two years, while now he is working in a public school. Specialized in teaching for many years, in Rey you will find an experienced but at the same time young and creative teacher. His teaching methods will be based on the level of the student. He also delivers the lessons in an interactive and stimulating way, such as games.
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
Rey C.
Thank you so much for this review! I'm so overwhelmed.
Training is my passion. I like interacting with people. I am passionate about reading, watching movies, and music. I love to explore new places and have keen interest in arts and literature.I love meeting new people because every person is a whole new world you can learn from. I am also a keen reader and an enthusiastic traveller.
A. .
she have books and she knows how the delf / dalf works, she gives me some advises that i didn't find in youtube video
Hella K.
1 - If you are looking for a well-structured French program to take you from a beginner level to advanced level to be able to travel to France, i have developed with success my own program which includes 70 worksheets from basic to advance level.
2 - If you are thinking taking any DELF exam, I can help you as I have experience in this field (3 years with Ensemble en Francais - online school).
3 - If you are a VCE French student, I definitively will be able to boost your skills to do well at the exam due to my experience as VCE French teacher and also as a VCE assessor.
4 - Finally I have also an extensive experience in teaching French at the primary and middle school level
R. W.
Francois is teaching our daughter in French at the moment. She is a total beginner and they started from scratch. Both work for one hour daily and agree on homework which is being checked in the next lesson. The lesson via Skype is working well with the exchange of material Skype as well. We can definitely see progress.
Francois D.