#61 Talking About Transportation Strikes｜French Conversation Phrases
Izumi Curious French
#171 Asking for Recommended Tourist Spots on Rainy Days｜French Travel Phrases
Izumi
When traveling, it is not uncommon for the weather to change suddenly. Especially if you have planned outdoor sightseeing, you may find yourself wondering whether you should continue as planned or switch to an alternative itinerary.
In such situations, it is reassuring to know how to ask local residents, hotel staff, or tourist information offices about sightseeing options that can still be enjoyed on a rainy day.
In this section, I will explain useful French expressions for asking about recommended tourist destinations during rainy weather.
Contents
Dialogue
Excusez-moi, avec ce temps, je me demandais s’il y avait des activités à faire à l’intérieur.
（Excuse me, given this weather, I was wondering if there are any activities that can be enjoyed indoors.）
Oui, vous pourriez visiter le musée d’art moderne ou la galerie municipale.
（In that case, you might like to visit the modern art museum or the municipal gallery.）
Bonne idée. Est-ce que c’est loin d’ici ?
（That sounds great. Is it far from here?）
Non, pas vraiment. Vous pouvez y aller à pied en une quinzaine de minutes.
（No, not really. You can get there on foot in about fifteen minutes.）
Parfait. Et est-ce qu’il y a des cafés agréables dans le quartier ?
（Perfect. Are there any pleasant cafés in the area as well?）
Oui, il y en a plusieurs, surtout autour de la place principale.
（Yes, there are several, especially around the main square.）
Merci pour vos conseils.
（Thank you very much for your advice.）
1. Starting the Conversation by Referring to the Weather
When asking about sightseeing options suitable for rainy days, I recommend beginning by referring to the weather, for example by saying “given this weather…”.
This provides a natural opening to the conversation and makes it easier to ask for advice.
Example
- Avec ce temps, je me demandais si ….
（Given this weather, I was wondering if …）
The expression “je me demandais si …” means “I was wondering whether …” and conveys a polite, reserved tone. It is particularly suitable when speaking with hotel staff or at a tourist information office.
2. Asking About Tourist Activities Suitable for Rainy Days
When it is raining, asking specifically about indoor activities often leads to more concrete and helpful suggestions.
Example
- Je me demandais s’il y avait des activités à faire à l’intérieur.
（I was wondering if there are any activities that can be enjoyed indoors.）
As explained earlier, “je me demandais …” uses the imperfect tense of the verb demander (to ask). The following clause “s’il y avait …” is also in the imperfect tense, following the rule of tense agreement.
By using the imperfect tense, the speaker implies “this has been on my mind for a little while,” which results in a softer and more courteous way of asking.
3. Checking Distance and Accessibility
On rainy days, moving around can be more tiring than usual. For this reason, distance and ease of access become especially important.
After being given a destination, I recommend confirming how far away it is.
Example
- Est-ce que c’est loin d’ici ?
（Is it far from here?）
A common response from the person giving directions is:
Example
- Vous pouvez y aller à pied en une quinzaine de minutes.
（You can get there on foot in about fifteen minutes.）
The expression “une quinzaine de minutes” (about fifteen minutes) does not indicate an exact duration, but rather an approximate estimate. Since walking time can vary depending on traffic signals, crowds, and weather conditions, this flexible phrasing is frequently used when giving directions.
When planning your sightseeing, the following related questions can also be useful:
Related Expressions
- Est-ce que c’est facile d’accès ?
（Is it easy to get there?） - Est-ce qu’on peut y aller sans trop marcher ?
（Can you get there without walking too much?）
4. Asking for Additional Recommendations
After learning about a main sightseeing destination, asking for additional recommendations can help you further refine your travel plans.
Example
- Est-ce qu’il y a des cafés agréables dans le quartier ?
（Are there any pleasant cafés in the area?）
The adjective “agréable” means “comfortable” or “pleasant” and is useful when looking for a place where you can relax during your sightseeing.
Related Expressions
- Un endroit pour se reposer un peu ?
（Is there a place where I can rest for a bit?） - Y a-t-il un endroit au sec pour passer un moment ?
（Is there a place where I can spend some time without getting wet?）
Summary
Key French Phrases
- Avec ce temps / Avec la pluie, …
→ Expressions used to start a sightseeing inquiry by referring to the weather. - Y a-t-il des activités à faire à l’intérieur ?
→ A useful phrase for asking about indoor activities on rainy days. - Est-ce que c’est loin d’ici ?
→ Used to confirm distance and ease of travel. - Un café agréable / un endroit pour se reposer
→ Helpful expressions when looking for a comfortable place to spend time during rainy weather.
