Firstly, before giving you these sentences, I would like to precede them with a warning: contrary to popular belief, the French are not sleazy lotharios (well, not all of them at least). Pick-up lines are not used by your average man, French girls wouldn’t buy it: you see, we are sceptics by nature, and also highly image conscious. The flirting game for us is all about “insouciance”, the carefree attitude: the general rule of thumb being to not look overly interested and to engage in casual conversation. But despair not! As visiting English, you have an advantage! As much as you may be embarrassed by your stumbling, heavily accented French, don’t be: they are suckers for your accents just as much as you are for theirs. It’s not all frosty relations between our two countries, as much as the hoards of louty Brits have done little to endear England to the locals, the fascination with English wit and charm is still there.

 

To get you on your way, I have put together a collection of useful phrases starting with good conversation starters, and going on to quirky one liners.

 

So go ahead, use these sentences with caution, and a healthy dose of English humour and a swagger and you’ll be enjoying your holiday in no time.

 

 

"Excusez-moi de vous déranger, mais comment s'appelle ce quartier?"

(Sorry to bother you, but I was wondering what the name of this neighbourhood was?)

 

"Je peux vous inviter à boire un verre?"

(May I buy you a drink?)

 

"Pardonnez-moi, mais ça à l'air délicieux. C'est quoi?"

(Excuse me, but this looks delicious! What is it?)

 

"Vous n'auriez pas du feu? Vous voulez peut-être une cigarette?"

(Do you have a lighter? Perhaps you’d like a cigarette?)
 

 

"Tu viens souvent ici?”

 (Do you come here often?)

 

 

"Alors, ça roule? "
 (How you doin' ?)

 

“Je viens tout juste d'arriver dans cette ville. Est-ce que tu pourrais m'indiquer le chemin jusqu'à ton appartement ? ”
(I just arrived in this city. Could you tell me the way to your apartment?)

 

"Excuse-moi, j'ai perdu mon numero de téléphone. Est-ce que je peux t'emprunter le tien?"

(Excuse me, I seem to have lost my phone number. Could I borrow yours?)

"Je trouve qu'il n'y a pas assez de fumé ici. Et si on sortait fumer une clope?"

( I don't think there's enough smoke in here. How about we go outside for a cigarette?)

"Excuse-moi. Est-ce que tu embrasses les inconnus ? Non ? Donc, je me présente."
(Excuse me, do you kiss strangers? No? Then let me introduce myself)

To a waiter(ess):" Est-ce que vous faites partie du menu?"

(Are you on the menu ?)

 

 

" Mes sous-vètements sont comestibles."
(My underwear is edible)

 

"Enlève ta culotte, c'est moi qui pilote"

( find your own definition for this one)

 

Personally, as a girl, I would say that simple is always best: merely walk up to your chosen girl and say “Mademoiselle, je vous trouve absolument charmante” (I find you absolutely charming/ beautiful)- I have certainly never slapped someone for saying it!

 

Or better still you could pick a line from Jean Gabin in 'Quai des Brumes' " T'as de beaux yeux tu sais." "You know, you have beautiful eyes." It seemed to work for him.