Rick Steves' French Phrase Book & Dictionary

by Rick Steves

English, French

Genres: Travel, Reference, France, Language

192 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1995

About the author

Rick Steves is an American travel writer, television personality, and activist known for encouraging meaningful travel that emphasizes cultural immersion and thoughtful global citizenship. Born in California and raised in Edmonds, Washington, he began traveling in his teens, inspired by a family trip to Europe. After graduating from the University of Washington with a degree in European history and business, Steves started teaching travel classes, which led to his first guidebook, Europe Through the Back Door, self-published in 1980.
Steves built his Edmonds-based travel company on the idea that travelers should explore less-touristy areas and engage with local cultures. He gained national prominence as host and producer of Rick Steves' Europe, which has aired on public television since 2000. He also hosts a weekly public radio show, Travel with Rick Steves, and has authored dozens of popular guidebooks, including bestselling titles on Italy and Europe at large.
Beyond travel, Steves is an outspoken advocate for drug policy reform, environmental sustainability, and social justice. He supports marijuana legalization and chairs the board of NORML. He has funded housing for homeless families and donates to anti-hunger and arts organizations. In 2019, he pledged $1 million annually to offset the carbon emissions of his tour groups.
Steves is a practicing Lutheran with Norwegian ancestry and continues to live in Edmonds. He has two adult children and is in a relationship with Reverend Shelley Bryan Wee. Despite health challenges, including a prostate cancer diagnosis in 2024, Steves remains committed to his mission of helping Americans travel with greater purpose, empathy, and understanding of the world. His work reflects a belief that travel, done right, can be both transformative and a force for peace.

Reviews

[Neuromanced · Rating 3 out of 5]

Please note: if you order "l'eau robinet" (like I did, because this book told me to) when you want tap water in restaurant, you may be laughed at (like I was) and told you should actually say, "une carafe d'eau."

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely the best book I read in preparation for my first trip to France. The 'what to do when you're being hit on in a discotheque by a slimy chain-wearing guy' section alone was worth the price of the book!

[Margaret · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is such a helpful little book. Pocket size so you can take it with you. Instead of just being a dictionary. It is full of phrases with an easy description of how to sound it out. And is categorized by what you need it for "Eating out", "Taking a taxi", etc.

[Rosalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Includes great things like "I lost my wallet" and "The ATM ate my card." Which in 2007, I didn't think was still possible, but it happened and I was able to address it.

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great resource to study before and use during a trip to france. Just the right size to carry with you.

[Monica Spencer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Indispensable. For real.

[Rhonda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy to find the words and phrases needed on short notice.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I speak enough French to survive in France without assistance if I had to, but why do that when I have this handy little guidebook? Seriously, this book brought back to memory much of the vocabulary I learned in high school and college. I didn't really need to use it much, but it was a great refresher. If I didn't speak any French, it would have been a lifesaver. My husband actually referred to the book quite a bit because he doesn't speak French.

[Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very useful (and small enough to fit in your pocket) guide to the mandatory French for Travelers. After studying this book on my bus commute for three months, I was functionally communicative for all of the things that came up during our 2 week trip through France. It's the usual Rick Steves fare - all the basics infused with his quirky humor. A must for travelers to France, especially if you plan to travel outside of the major cities.

[James · Rating 3 out of 5]

We selected this phrase book after looking at four different French phase books. Each book's phonetic hints for proper pronunciation differ but found this one suited our needs best. Main concern was to learn to read a menu. No eels for us. Note-be sure to search your suitcase carefully. We took ours but didn't find it until we returned home. And no, we didn't eat eel.

[Pollopicu · Rating 5 out of 5]

I ordered this little book days before my trip to Paris, and I don't know how I would've gotten along without it. I admit, I was already familiar with the French language before ordering it, but it was just what I needed to cohesively bring the language together, and confidently for my trip.

I don't think I would ever travel without Rick Steve's little phrase books.

[Thinkmilly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best little book that saved my butt when I visited Paris in 05.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very helpful, especially for my husband (who has limited French skills) when ordering out.

[Jacqueline Mott · Rating 3 out of 5]

Helpful in communicating a bit of French but made me realize how much I need French lessons.

[Ted Tabour · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very helpful book that I will carry in my backpack while in France this fall.

[Jenny]

So handy to have on my phone. I wish it had more tense conjugations.