French for Beginners: Asking for Local Recommendations
Learn to ask 'Qu'est-ce que vous recommandez à voir ?' and understand suggestions in French. Perfect for travelers seeking authentic experiences.
By SofiaGetting around · Yapr Learn
When you're in a new place, asking for local recommendations can lead you to hidden gems and authentic experiences. In this lesson, you'll learn how to ask 'What do you recommend to see?' and understand the suggestions you receive. We'll focus on the phrase 'Qu'est-ce que vous recommandez à voir ?' and other useful expressions for soliciting recommendations. You'll also learn how to respond to suggestions, ask for more details, and express your preferences. By the end, you'll be able to engage in a simple conversation about local attractions, distinct from asking for directions.
By the end, you can…
- ask for local recommendations using 'Qu'est-ce que vous recommandez à voir ?'
- understand and respond to suggestions about places to visit
- ask for more details about a recommended place
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
Qu'est-ce que vous recommandez à voir ?
What do you recommend to see?
kess-kuh voo ruh-koh-mahn-day ah vwahr
Use this formal question with strangers or acquaintances to ask for recommendations on what to see. The 'vous' form is polite.
Qu'est-ce qu'il y a à visiter ici ?
What is there to visit here?
kess-keel ee ah ah vee-zee-tay ee-see
A more general way to ask about tourist attractions in the area. Use 'ici' to mean 'here'.
Vous avez des suggestions ?
Do you have any suggestions?
voo-zah-vay day soo-gzhess-tyon
A straightforward way to ask for suggestions. Use this when you want to be direct but polite.
Qu'est-ce que vous me conseillez ?
What do you advise me?
kess-kuh voo muh kon-say-yay
Similar to 'recommander', but 'conseiller' means 'to advise'. Use this to ask for advice on what to do or see.
Je vous recommande de visiter...
I recommend you visit...
zhuh voo ruh-koh-mahnd duh vee-zee-tay
This is how someone might start a recommendation. Follow with a place, e.g., 'le musée' (the museum).
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
To ask for recommendations, use 'Qu'est-ce que vous recommandez ?' (What do you recommend?) or 'Qu'est-ce que vous me conseillez ?' (What do you advise me?). You can add 'à voir' (to see) or 'à visiter' (to visit) to specify. For example: 'Qu'est-ce que vous recommandez à voir ?' (What do you recommend to see?) or 'Qu'est-ce que vous conseillez comme restaurant ?' (What do you recommend as a restaurant?). The verb 'recommander' is regular -er, so it's easy to conjugate: je recommande, tu recommandes, il/elle recommande, nous recommandons, vous recommandez, ils/elles recommandent.
When to use it
Use these phrases when you want personalized suggestions from locals, such as at a tourist office, hotel reception, or when chatting with a friendly local. They are distinct from asking for directions, which would be 'Où est...?' (Where is...?). For example, ask 'Qu'est-ce que vous recommandez à voir ?' to get ideas, then follow up with 'Où se trouve...?' (Where is...?) for directions. If you're with friends, you can use the informal 'tu' form: 'Qu'est-ce que tu recommandes à voir ?'
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
Excusez-moi, qu'est-ce que vous recommandez à voir dans le coin ?
Excuse me, what do you recommend to see around here?eks-koo-zay-mwah, kess-kuh voo ruh-koh-mahn-day ah vwahr dahn luh kwanJe vous recommande de visiter le vieux port. C'est très joli.
I recommend you visit the old port. It's very pretty.zhuh voo ruh-koh-mahnd duh vee-zee-tay luh vyuh por. say tray zho-leeMerci ! Et qu'est-ce qu'il y a d'autre à voir ?
Thank you! And what else is there to see?mair-see! ay kess-keel ee ah dohtr ah vwahrVous pouvez aussi visiter le musée d'art. Il est gratuit le dimanche.
You can also visit the art museum. It's free on Sundays.voo poo-vay oh-see vee-zee-tay luh mew-zay dahr. eel ay gray-twee luh dee-mahnshA little context goes a long way
In France, it's common to ask for recommendations at tourist offices or from hotel staff. Using 'vous' is polite and expected with strangers. In more casual settings, like with younger people or in informal contexts, 'tu' may be used. Tipping is not customary, so a simple 'merci' is sufficient. Also, note that in Quebec, 'bienvenue' is often used to mean 'you're welcome' after thanks, but in France, 'de rien' or 'je vous en prie' are more common.
One thing to watch for
Using 'Qu'est-ce que vous recommandez à voir ?' with friends or peers, which can sound overly formal.
Try this instead: With friends, use the informal 'tu' form: 'Qu'est-ce que tu recommandes à voir ?' This is more natural and friendly. For example, 'Qu'est-ce que tu me conseilles comme balade ?' (What do you advise me to do for a walk?)
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1How would you ask a stranger 'What do you recommend to see?' in French?
Show a sample answer
Qu'est-ce que vous recommandez à voir ?
This uses the formal 'vous' form, which is appropriate for strangers. 'Qu'est-ce que tu recommandes à voir ?' is also correct but informal, used with friends.
2What does 'Je vous recommande de visiter le musée' mean?
Show a sample answer
I recommend you visit the museum.
'Je vous recommande' means 'I recommend to you' (formal), and 'de visiter le musée' means 'to visit the museum'. You could also say 'Je te recommande' informally.
3How would you ask 'Do you have any suggestions?' politely in French?
Show a sample answer
Vous avez des suggestions ?
This is a straightforward polite question. You could also say 'Est-ce que vous avez des suggestions ?' for a slightly more formal tone.
To ask for local recommendations in French, use 'Qu'est-ce que vous recommandez à voir ?' with strangers, and 'Qu'est-ce que tu recommandes à voir ?' with friends. Listen for suggestions starting with 'Je vous recommande de...' and don't hesitate to ask for more details.
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