Maybe try this, it works for me.

Learn how to say ' I'm sorry, I don't speak French' in French first, plus thankyou and excuse me.

I found that a lot of answers come back in English and at least You've made the first approach and the person will appreciate that.

Then learn single words - hospital - where - bank - garage etc as back up in case they do not speak Englsih. This coupled with a few hand gestures might get you through.

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