Essential French Phrases to Break the Ice with Neighbors

Your Friendly Guide to Starting Conversations in France & Switzerland

Moving to a new country can be exciting—but also a bit intimidating, especially when it comes to meeting neighbors. Whether you’re an expat settling in Nice, Geneva, or a small Swiss village, one of the best ways to integrate is simply by saying “Bonjour” and starting a casual chat.

In this article, you’ll learn the most useful and polite French phrases to break the ice with your neighbors, build connections, and feel more at home.

1. Start with a Warm Greeting

Greeting is essential in French-speaking cultures—it shows respect and friendliness.

✅ Try these:

·         Bonjour ! (Hello / Good day!)

·         Bonsoir ! (Good evening!)

·         Salut ! (Hi!) — more informal, best with younger or familiar neighbors

·         Comment allez-vous ? (How are you?) — formal

·         Ça va ? (How’s it going?) — informal

Tip: Always say “Bonjour” before asking any question. In France and Switzerland, starting a conversation without a greeting is considered rude.

2. Introduce Yourself Casually

You don’t need a long speech—just a few friendly lines are enough.

✅ Try:

·         Je m’appelle [Your Name].

·         J’habite ici depuis peu. (I just moved in.)

·         Enchanté(e) de faire votre connaissance.(Pleased to meet you.)

·         Nous venons de nous installer dans l’immeuble.(We just moved into the building.)

Bonus: Bring a small treat or ask for a local recommendation—it opens the door for deeper conversation!

3. Useful Questions to Get to Know Them

Want to spark small talk that feels natural? Ask about the neighborhood or daily life.

✅ Try:

·         Vous habitez ici depuis longtemps ?(Have you lived here long?)

·         Est-ce qu’il y a un bon boulanger dans le quartier ?(Is there a good baker in the neighborhood?)

·         Est-ce que vous connaissez les jours de collecte des déchets ?(Do you know when trash collection days are?)

4. Join Community Life

Participating in local activities is a great way to meet people naturally.

✅ Try:

·         Y a-t-il une fête de quartier cette année ?(Is there a neighborhood party this year?)

·         Est-ce que vous participez aux réunions de copropriété ?(Do you attend the co-owners’ meetings?)

·         J’aimerais rencontrer plus de gens du quartier.(I’d like to meet more people from the neighborhood.)

5. Be Polite & Friendly—Always!

French and Swiss people appreciate good manners. Always use “bonjour,” “merci,” and “au revoir.”

✅ Useful expressions:

·         Merci beaucoup ! (Thank you very much!)

·         Excusez-moi de vous déranger. (Sorry to bother you.)

·         Bonne journée ! (Have a good day!)

·         À bientôt ! (See you soon!)

Are you an expat in France or Switzerland ?

Whether you live in Lausanne or Lyon, the customs are similar: polite greetings, genuine curiosity, and patience go a long way. French-speaking neighbors may be reserved at first—but once the ice is broken, you’ll discover warmth, humor, and community.

Remember: Don’t worry about making mistakes. A simple “Bonjour” with a smile is the best start you can make!

Final Tips for Success:

·         Don’t rush—start small.

·         Learn names and use them.

·         Offer help or small talk at the elevator, mailbox, or garden.

·         Join local WhatsApp or Facebook groups.

📝 Need help learning French for daily life?

If you’d like more personalized support, consider booking online private French lessons with French With Audrey's team. These 1:1 sessions are tailored to your goals—whether it’s improving everyday conversation, boosting your confidence with neighbors, or preparing for life in a French-speaking country. Learn at your own pace, from anywhere in the world.

Join our beginner-friendly online French conversation classes as well as our Ultimate Beginner MasterCourse !

For more information, contact me here → frenchavecaudrey@gmail.com 

À bientôt!

Audrey, your French teacher 👩‍🏫