Versoix is in the Canton of Geneva's French-speaking region, so travelers will encounter French on signage, menus, and in shops. A basic greeting of Bonjour and a polite Merci go a long way before asking if someone speaks English (Parlez-vous anglais?). Locals appreciate any attempt at French, even imperfect, and the formal Monsieur/Madame form is expected on first contact.
Cards below cover greetings, transit vocabulary for TPG and Léman Express, restaurant phrasing for fondue and perch specialties, etiquette cues like quiet hours and Swiss recycling, and emergency numbers (112 general, 117 police, 144 ambulance). Practice the pronunciation of nasal vowels and the rolled r for the most natural delivery.
Start every interaction with Bonjour (day) or Bonsoir (evening), followed by Monsieur or Madame. Use Excusez-moi to get attention and Pardon for minor bumps. Close with Merci and Bonne journée. Switch to English only after asking Parlez-vous anglais? — most staff in Versoix and greater Geneva are bilingual.
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At the TPG machine: Un billet pour Versoix, s'il vous plaît. For the Léman Express to Geneva Cornavin: Le train pour Genève, s'il vous plaît. On Mouettes/CGN boats: Le prochain bateau pour Genève, s'il vous plaît? Confirm schedules with À quelle heure part le prochain? (When does the next one leave?)
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Order with Je voudrais… (I would like). Try Filets de perche (lake perch) by asking Vous avez des filets de perche? For cheese: Une fondue moitié-moitié, s'il vous plaît. End the meal with L'addition, s'il vous plaît and offer C'était délicieux, merci. Say À votre santé when toasting.
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Use formal vous, never tu, with shopkeepers and servers initially. Observe quiet hours (couvre-feu) typically after 22:00. Ask about recycling: Où sont les containers de tri? when unsure. Tipping is not required but 5-10% rounded up is appreciated — simply say Gardez la monnaie (Keep the change).
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Call 112 for general emergencies, 117 for police, 144 for ambulance. To flag down help: Au secours! or À l'aide! State symptoms: J'ai besoin d'un médecin (I need a doctor) or Je suis malade. At a pharmacy: Avez-vous quelque chose pour… (Do you have something for…). Pharmacies in Versoix rotate weekend duty (pharmacie de garde).
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Ask for prices with Ça coûte combien? Sizes and quantities: C'est trop cher (too expensive), Vous avez une taille en plus? (another size?). For directions: Où est…? Combien de temps à pied? (how long on foot?). Pay by card in most places; for cash ask Acceptez-vous les cartes?
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