Learning French: helpful vocabulary for finding an artisan in France

The price of everyday essentials such as food and household products is always a topic that inspires much complaining chatter in French supermarket aisles – the word râler (to moan) is tailor-made to describe such expression of one’s discontent at the rising cost of living.

Read also: Learning French: the meaning of râler and more moaning synonyms

However, there is another aspect of life in France which people complain about equally vigorously, and with good reason – even if they tend to be less vocal in public about it: the cost of les travaux.

The words broadly encompass any type of paid work being carried out at one’s home, usually by an 'artisan' which includes anyone from a painter (peintre) or plumber (plombier) to a plasterer (plaquiste) or electrician (éléctricien).

Read also: Water leak leaves home owner in France facing €35,000 bill

Anyone who has employed such a worker will know that the process can be a minefield. 

First you need to find more than one – easier said than done, but a recommendation (une recommandation or une suggestion) is always best – and get a detailed devis (quote) to avoid misunderstandings down the line.

Here is the point at which you may well spit out your café au lait in shock – some of the day-rate equivalents are so eye-wateringly high that you wonder if it might not be easier to sign up for an apprentissage (apprenticeship) and learn how to re-wire the house yourself.

Read also: How much do energy efficiency renovations cost in France?

Once you have agreed to use their services, you need to find a gap in their agenda (diary) – and you must be grateful that they can slot you in at all. "On est très chargé" (we are very busy) they will say.

The Revolution may have chucked out the monarchy but in your Language Noter’s experience, artisans are the new untouchable Kings (Queens) of France.