Swapping Holiday Stories the French Way
Everyday French expressions for talking about trips, holidays and travel mishaps with friends and colleagues.
Most people in France take a long summer break in July or August, plus shorter breaks during school holidays. Train tickets are booked on SNCF Connect, including cheap Ouigo TGVs, and many people share rides on BlaBlaCar. Asking « Tu pars où cet été ? » and swapping stories afterwards is classic small talk at work.
- 1
Bon voyage !
Have a good trip!
- 2
J'ai la bougeotte.
I've got itchy feet.
- 3
On a voyagé pour trois fois rien.
We travelled on a shoestring.
- 4
Je suis complètement décalé.
I'm completely jet-lagged.
- 5
C'est hors des sentiers battus.
It's off the beaten track.
- 6
C'est au milieu de nulle part.
It's in the middle of nowhere.
- 7
Je pars en vacances !
I'm going on holiday!
- 8
Les voyages forment la jeunesse.
Travel broadens the mind.
- 9
Je suis crevé.
I'm dead tired.
- 10
Ce resto, c'est un attrape-touristes.
That restaurant is a tourist trap.
- 11
Je vis dans ma valise.
I'm living out of my suitcase.
- 12
On a raté le train de peu.
We only just missed the train.
- 13
Ça fait du bien de changer d'air.
It's nice to have a change of scenery.
- 14
La vue est à couper le souffle.
The view is breathtaking.
- 15
On s'est complètement paumés.
We got completely lost.
- 16
Je voyage léger.
I travel light.
- 17
Quelle galère !
What a hassle!
- 18
J'ai rechargé les batteries.
I recharged my batteries.
- 19
On prend la route demain matin.
We're hitting the road tomorrow morning.
- 20
Profite bien !
Make the most of it!