Learning a little bit of
French
Learning a few basic French phrases before coming to Toulon can go a long way. Many people will speak English, but a little French is always appreciated, and it makes the whole weekend more fun.
Mia’s been in your shoes (and so has Paul-Noël the other way around). We’ve put together a few phrases that we believe will be especially helpful for visitors in the region. Consider this a small Riviera cheat sheet to help you feel more at ease right away.
Quick pronunciation tip: The stress almost always falls on the last syllable, and you’ll hear lots of nasal sounds (ahn / ohn / ehn) that may take a try or two.
Strap in.
Common phrases
Where we’ll be
Toulon (too-LOHN) — Paul-Noel’s hometown; our wedding city
La Côte d’Azur (lah koht dah-ZYUR) — the Riviera; the azure coast
L’Église Saint-Flavien (leh-gleez sahn flah-VYEN) — the church
Père Alexis & Père Gilles (pehr ah-lek-SEE / pehr zheel) — the two priests who will celebrate the Mass at the church and guide the ceremony.
La Résidence du Cap Brun (lah ray-zee-DAHNS dew cap BRUHN) — the venue
A few polite words
Bonjour (bohn-ZHOOR) — Hello / Good morning
Bonsoir (bohn-SWAHR) — Good evening
Au revoir (oh ruh-VWAHR) — Goodbye
S’il vous plaît (seel voo PLEH) — Please (formal)
Merci (mehr-SEE) — Thank you
De rien (duh ree-EHN) — You’re welcome
Excusez-moi (ex-kyoo-zay-MWAH) — Excuse me
For the celebration
Félicitations aux mariés ! (fay-lee-see-tah-SYOHN oh mah-ree-AY) — Congratulations to the newlyweds!
Vive les mariés ! (veev lay mah-ree-AY) — Long live the newlyweds!
Santé ! (sahn-TAY) — Cheers!
C’est magnifique. (say mah-nee-FEEK) — This is beautiful.
Je suis très heureux / heureuse d’être ici. (m/f) (zhuh swee trayz uh-RUH / uh-RUHZ DET-ruh ee-SEE) — I’m so happy to be here.
Puis-je prendre une photo ? (pwee zhuh prahnd oon FOH-toh) — May I take a photo?
Il fait chaud ! (eel feh SHOH) — It’s hot out!
On y va ! (on ee VAH) — Let’s go!
Quick help on the go
Parlez-vous anglais ? (par-lay voo ahn-GLAY) — Do you speak English?
Où sont les toilettes ? (oo sohn lay twah-LEHT) — Where are the bathrooms?
Où est le parking ? (oo eh luh par-KEENG) — Where is the parking?
Où se trouve… ? (oo suh troov) — Where is…?
À quelle heure… ? (ah kel UHR) — At what time…?
Excusez-moi, pouvez-vous m’aider ? (ex-kyoo-zay-MWAH, poo-vay-voo meh-DAY?) — Excuse me, can you help me?
Je suis végétarien / végétarienne (m/f) . (zhuh swee veh-zhay-tah-ree-EHN / ENNE) — I’m vegetarian.
J’ai une allergie. (zhay oon ah-lair-ZHEE) — I have an allergy.
