Arinthod is a small French-speaking commune in the Jura department, so travelers will hear only standard French on the street, in shops, and at the market. English is rarely guaranteed in family-run hotels, chambres d'hôtes, or village bakeries, so a short pocket phrasebook and confident pronunciation of 'Bonjour' go a long way.
Local etiquette is formal and old-fashioned: greet everyone with 'Bonjour' before any request, stay on 'vous' until invited to use 'tu', and keep voices low in residential streets and inside churches. Phrases tied to regional specialties (Comté, Jura wines, marchés) and to outdoor activities (randonnée, pêche) are especially appreciated.
Start every interaction with 'Bonjour' (or 'Bonsoir' after dusk) before asking anything; in this small Jura town it is considered rude to skip the greeting. Use 'vous' with shopkeepers, hosts, and anyone older; switch to 'tu' only if invited. Keep a ready 'Merci beaucoup' and 'Au revoir, bonne journée' to close conversations politely.
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Useful phrases when ordering: 'Je voudrais…' (I would like…), 'Quelle est la spécialité locale?' (What is the local specialty?), 'L'addition, s'il vous plaît' (The bill, please). For Jura specialties, ask for 'du Comté', 'un vin jaune' or 'un Savagnin', and 'une saucisse de Morteau'. At marchés, point and ask 'C'est de la région?' to confirm local produce.
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Phrases to reach Arinthod: 'Où est la gare?' (Where is the station?), 'Y a-t-il un bus pour Lons-le-Saunier?' (Is there a bus to Lons-le-Saunier?), 'Je voudrais un taxi' (I would like a taxi). The nearest TER stations are in Lons-le-Saunier and Dole; a rental car is the most flexible option for reaching the Revermont villages.
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When visiting Église Saint-Martin or other religious sites: 'Bonjour, peut-on visiter?' (Hello, may we visit?), remove hats, keep shoulders covered, and speak softly. Common phrases: 'C'est ouvert?' (Is it open?), 'À quelle heure est la messe?' (What time is the mass?). Respect quiet hours in residential lanes after about 22:00.
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Essential emergency phrases: 'Au secours!' (Help!), 'Appelez un médecin' (Call a doctor), 'Où est la pharmacie?' (Where is the pharmacy?). Useful numbers: 15 (SAMU medical), 18 (fire/pompiers), 17 (police/gendarmerie), 112 (EU emergency). The nearest hospital and 24h pharmacy are in Lons-le-Saunier, about 35 km away.
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For hiking, fishing, and cycling: 'Une carte des sentiers, s'il vous plaît' (A trail map, please), 'Où peut-on pêcher?' (Where can we fish?), 'Peut-on louer des vélos?' (Can we rent bikes?). Ask 'C'est loin à pied?' (Is it far on foot?) before setting out, as Revermont trails can be steeper than they look.
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