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15 Essential French Phrases to Break the Ice with Neighbors in Paris

Discover essential French phrases for effortlessly breaking the ice and building connections with your Parisian neighbors.

Fabienne Defaux
Written by
Fabienne Defaux
15 Essential French Phrases to <i class="rose">Break the Ice with Neighbors</i> in Paris
Published on
November 24, 2023
Reading time
3 mn

Ready to get to know your Parisian neighbors? 🛎️👋

Sometimes, neighbors in Paris can seem a bit reserved, hurried, or just hard to approach. But let's be honest: the hallway or stairwell isn't exactly the place for warm smiles and friendly introductions, right? 🥥

🔛 Yet, a simple conversation starter can often be the spark that turns a polite nod into a genuine connection.

That's why I have put together a list of 15 essential French phrases with audio guides to help you break the ice and start friendly chats with your neighbors. With these phrases, you'll feel ready to ask natural, friendly questions and create authentic connections in your Parisian community.

Want to take your French further? Our FrenchUp courses, FrenchBooster Program and Conversation Classes offer the practice you need to master everyday French conversations with ease.

Enjoy the list and happy chatting!

Friendly Conversation Starters with Neighbors in Paris

Do you live in the building?

Vous habitez dans l'immeuble ?

Have you been living here for a long time?

Ça fait longtemps que vous habitez ici ?

Have you been in the neighborhood for a long time?

Ça fait longtemps que vous êtes dans le quartier ?

Discussing the Paris Neighborhood

There's a lot of construction going on in the neighborhood right now, isn't there?

Il y a beaucoup de travaux dans le quartier en ce moment !

How do you like the new paint?

Comment vous trouvez la nouvelle peinture ?

Do you like the neighborhood?

Le quartier vous plaît ?

Has the neighborhood changed a lot since you moved in?

Est-ce que le quartier a beaucoup changé depuis votre installation ?

It's quite cool these days, isn't it?

Qu'est-ce qu'il fait frais en ce moment !

Food and Local Recommendations

Have you tried the gourmet grocery store across the street?

Vous avez testé l'épicerie fine en face ?

Do you know of a good bakery around here that you'd recommend?

Auriez-vous une bonne boulangerie dans le quartier à me recommander ?

Getting to Know Your Neighbor Personally

Are you from the Paris region?

Vous venez de la région parisienne ?

What brought you to Paris?

Qu'est-ce qui vous a amené à Paris ?

Do you enjoy living in Paris?

Ça vous plaît de vivre à Paris ?

Talking About Work and Family in French

What do you do for a living?

Vous travaillez dans quoi ?

Do you have family in Paris?

Vous avez de la famille à Paris ?

These 15 friendly phrases are your gateway to connecting with your neighbors and starting meaningful conversations in Paris. Practice these expressions, and before you know it, you'll feel more at ease in the community and build connections that make Paris feel even more like home.

Bon courage, and enjoy making new friends in your neighborhood!