In this workshop you practise a short, realistic exchange in French: asking whether a gym is near, checking the distance, and asking about day passes. You will hear the key lines, understand what each one means in English, then take both roles yourself. The goal is to speak clearly and in the right order, not to memorise grammar rules.
Asking if a gym is nearby
Start with a polite opening and a simple question. The line «Bonjour, est-ce qu'il y a une salle de sport près d'ici ?» means "Hello, is there a gym near here?" — a greeting followed by a question about whether a gym exists close to your current location. If you prefer to state your purpose first, you can use «Je cherche une salle de sport.», which means "I'm looking for a gym." Both are useful when you approach someone in the street or at a reception desk. Say the line slowly, then repeat it at a natural speed. Keep your voice calm and friendly; a clear greeting makes the question easier for the other person to answer.
Understanding the reply and asking about distance
When someone answers, listen for the key information. The reply «Oui, il y a une salle de sport à cinq minutes à pied.» means "Yes, there is a gym five minutes away on foot." It confirms that a gym exists and gives a walking time. If you want to check the distance yourself, use «C'est à quelle distance ?», which means "How far is it?" This is a short, direct question you can ask after any location answer. Notice that the reply gives a time on foot rather than a number of metres, so you can simply thank the person or ask your next question.
Asking about day passes
If you only want to train once, ask about a day pass. The question «Est-ce que vous avez des pass journée ?» means "Do you have day passes?" You can use it at the gym reception. A possible answer is «Oui, le pass journée coûte douze euros.», which means "Yes, the day pass costs twelve euros." This reply confirms availability and gives a price. Listen for the word for "yes" at the start, then the price. If you hear a price, you already have the information you need to decide. Practise the question and the answer separately before putting them together.
Listen once, then say the phrase yourself. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Checking available voices…
Est-ce qu'il y a une salle de sport près d'ici ?
Is there a gym near here?
ess keel ya ewn sal duh spor preh dee-see
Je cherche une salle de sport.
I'm looking for a gym.
zhuh shersh ewn sal duh spor
C'est à quelle distance ?
How far is it?
say tah kel dee-stahns
Est-ce que vous avez des pass journée ?
Do you have day passes?
ess kuh voo za-vay day pass zhoor-nay
Read one side aloud, then answer in your own words. The goal is to make the exchange yours.
Bonjour, est-ce qu'il y a une salle de sport près d'ici ?
Hello, is there a gym near here?Oui, il y a une salle de sport à cinq minutes à pied.
Yes, there is a gym five minutes away on foot.Est-ce que vous avez des pass journée ?
Do you have day passes?Oui, le pass journée coûte douze euros.
Yes, the day pass costs twelve euros.Your turn
Try each prompt out loud. Choose a guided start, the full sequence, or a challenge pass after your first attempt.
Guided exchange: ask and answer
You are standing near a gym and you want to know if it is close. Play the audio for the lines below, or read them aloud if you have a partner. Take role A first, then swap.
Your task: Role A says «Bonjour, est-ce qu'il y a une salle de sport près d'ici ?». Role B replies with «Oui, il y a une salle de sport à cinq minutes à pied.». Then Role A asks «Est-ce que vous avez des pass journée ?». Role B answers with «Oui, le pass journée coûte douze euros.». Say each line clearly before moving to the next.
Reply comprehension: choose the right answer
Read the question below, then choose the reply that matches it. The replies are all lines you have practised.
Your task: Question: «Est-ce que vous avez des pass journée ?». Which reply fits? Option 1: «Oui, le pass journée coûte douze euros.». Option 2: «Oui, il y a une salle de sport à cinq minutes à pied.». Say your choice aloud, then say the full reply.
Recall with correct roles
Cover the lines and try to remember the exchange from memory. You will play both roles, one after the other.
Your task: First, as the person asking, say the opening question «Bonjour, est-ce qu'il y a une salle de sport près d'ici ?». Then, as the person answering, say the reply «Oui, il y a une salle de sport à cinq minutes à pied.». Next, as the person asking again, say the day pass question «Est-ce que vous avez des pass journée ?». Finally, as the person answering, say the price reply «Oui, le pass journée coûte douze euros.».
Common questions
Can I use these lines if I am the person working at the gym?
Yes. The lines are not tied to one person. If you play the staff role, you can answer with «Oui, il y a une salle de sport à cinq minutes à pied.» or «Oui, le pass journée coûte douze euros.» when someone asks you «Bonjour, est-ce qu'il y a une salle de sport près d'ici ?» or «Est-ce que vous avez des pass journée ?». The order of the exchange stays the same: question first, then reply.
What should I listen for in the reply?
Listen for the first word, which tells you yes or no, then listen for the key detail. In «Oui, il y a une salle de sport à cinq minutes à pied.» the detail is a walking time. In «Oui, le pass journée coûte douze euros.» the detail is a price. You do not need to understand every word to get the main information.
Sources and further reading
- french: ask for a gymChecked September 2026
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