France is a beautiful and exciting travel destination, but it's definitely one place you should know the language, at least conversationally. Personally, I know how to say hello, goodbye, thank you, please, and "I do not speak French well." Unfortunately, most people outside of Paris do not speak English. Of those that do speak English, it is often done so begrudgingly while you fumble through a menu at a restaurant or a map of the train station. Learn as much as you can, and use it as politely as possible.
