A useful guide to buildings, places and locations in French

Ah, French! The language of love, croissants, and, of course, beautiful places that leave us daydreaming of Parisian streets, French Riviera beaches, picturesque villages, and dramatic castles.

But how do you talk about all these bâtiments (buildings) and lieux (places) in French? How do you ask “where” in French? Because even if Google Maps is your best travel companion, there will be times where you will need directions from a “human”!

That’s what we’re diving into today — a fun tour of the key vocab you'll need to navigate the language of places in French. Whether you're planning your next trip or just want to sound très chic, this guide has got you covered.

On y va ?

Table of contents

• Vocabulary for buildings in French
• Vocabulary for places in French
• Vocabulary for shops in French
• Vocabulary for locations in French

Vocabulary for buildings in French

As with many European countries, France is a land where history and modernity coexist beautifully. You can stroll past a medieval château or a gothic church on one block and a sleek, futuristic skyscraper on the next. French buildings tell stories — centuries-old, stone-walled tales or glass-and-steel whispers of the future.

It would be a shame not to talk about them, right? Keep reading to learn how to talk about these amazing buildings in French, from the Eiffel Tower to Notre-Dame!

Les bâtiments (Buildings): common types of buildings

Key phrases for discussing buildings in French

Once you know the names of buildings, you'll want to talk about them! Whether you're asking for directions or planning a sightseeing trip, these phrases will probably come in handy.

Vocabulary for places in French

Ah, the lieux (places) of France. Every city and every town has its own charm, whether it's the bustling streets of Paris, the French Riviera promenades or the quaint squares of Provence…and everything in between!

In French, talking about places isn't just about getting from point A to B, it’s about soaking in the culture along the way. In fact, you’ll see that strolling is a true lifestyle — driving my American husband, who walks fast like an American, crazy!

In France, a place is more than just a physical location — it's often tied to history, culture, and even cuisine. So let’s dive into the names of these magnifiques spots that you’ll definitely want to visit.

Les lieux (Places): common places to know

Key phrases for discussing places in French

Whether you're sightseeing or asking where the nearest café is (always a priority in France!), these phrases will help you get around:

Vocabulary for shops in French

Who goes to France without going shopping? France is famous for its shops — from designer boutiques to cozy bakeries (boulangeries, anyone?). Speaking of which, you’ll find a bakery at every corner 🙂

Let’s dive into the vocabulary you’ll need to make the most of your retail adventures.

And if you’re a fashion-addict, make sure to learn clothing vocab in French before shopping until you’re dropping!

Les magasins (Shops): common types of shops

Key phrases for shopping

Now that you know the names of shops, it’s time to use them. Here are some phrases to help you.

Vocabulary for locations in French

Whether you’re lost in the streets of Paris or Marseille — bonne chance ! — or trying to describe the location of your Airbnb, knowing how to give and receive directions — basically, “where” in French — is an absolute must in any language. Here’s a quick guide to locations in French.

Les emplacements (Locations): common terms for describing locations

Key phrases for giving directions

These handy phrases will make sure you never get lost… in translation or physically (or to help someone else avoid that fate). And if you do get lost, don’t panic, it’s part of the European city charm!

That’s quite a bit of French vocab for you to chew on, but trust me, learning these words will make your journey through France (or through your French language studies) a whole lot easier — and more fun!

Because even if you’re speechless when discovering les châteaux de la Loire, les Calanques, le Mont-Blanc on a clear day or le Louvre by night, eventually, you’re going to want to share your enthusiasm!

Now go out there and start using all these new places and locations in French. After all, as the French say: "C'est en forgeant qu'on devient forgeron" — practice makes perfect!

And if you want to deepen your geography vocab in French, check out this article, otherwise learn more French for free on our French blog.