parlez vous Anglais?

[Nick_H]

We're planning a two week cruise along the north coast of France, and I wondered how much French you need to be able to speak to talk to the various marinas and harbour masters. I remember a few words from school, but I have trouble understanding most english speakers over the VHF, so have no hope in French.

Any other tips (places to miss or not to miss etc.) also appreciated.

Nick

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[paulineb]

je m'excuse monsieur. je ne parle pas l'anglais.

<hr width=100% size=1>Pxx

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[Jools_of_Top_Cat]

ERRRR .......I......... DO .......... NOT............. SPEAK...........FRENCH.......... YOU.............TELL............ME............WHEN............I............CAN ............ENTER............ YOUR............MARINA............CE............ VUZ ............PLEZ. ............ NO ............LISTEN ............TO ............ME, ............LISTEN ............I ............ME ............ WANT............TO............COME............ IN............HERE............ ALLEY............TO ............YOUR............ MARINA.

Lets go home!

<hr width=100% size=1>Julian

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[discovery2]

Having visited a number of marinas over the years between Le Havre & Perros Guirec, the majority of marina staff have some knowledge of english and communication should not be a problem. Frequently the marina registration forms also have an english translation.

You might however, find it useful to have a french-english dictionary/glossary for some of the 'nautical' words, including the weather forecasts posted in the marina offices. Although they frequently use Beaufort numbers for wind strength, other words I often have to look up!

Agree that some communication over VHF might be more difficult, but again the marina staff have knowledge of english - although the marina channel may not always be manned! Communication with coast radio stations is not a problem as they also speak english.

Hope this helps.

David.

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