Salle de Bains / Toilette

Unlike in many countries (eg. Thailand and South Korea) where there is only one term to denote both 'toilet' and 'bathroom,' the French take their 'bathroom' and 'toilet' business incredibly seriously... In every household in France you will find that the 'TOILET BOWL' is isolated, protected, and looked after in its very own room. You will never... ever find a bathtub and a toilet bowl located in the same room if you live in a country where you must pay absolute attention when using these two words: bathroom... and toilet.

Very politely ask in your very good French 'Ou est le Salle de bains?' if you want to take a shower or a bath .... and 'Ou est la toilette?' ... otherwise...

Note that the French DO wash their hands after taking care of business in their beloved 'toilette.' (although the picture does not seem as if they do) It is always a bit of work to walk across your house from the toilet to the bathroom with those filthy hands...