French Orals- La ville

Les gratte-ciels

The tall, multi-story skyscrapers that dominate urban skylines.

Les immeubles

The buildings designed for residential or commercial use, providing various spaces for living and business activities.

Les façades en pierre / en verre

The exterior walls of buildings made from stone or glass, reflecting architectural styles and materials.

Les toits / Les balcons

The covering structures on buildings; balconies serve as outdoor platforms often used for relaxation.

Les fenêtres / Les volets

Openings in walls for light and air; shutters provide privacy and protection.

Les ponts / Le viaduc

Structures built to cross over physical obstacles such as rivers or valleys.

Les monuments historiques

Important structures preserved for their cultural significance and historical value.

La cathédrale / L’église

Large and significant religious buildings, often featuring grand architecture.

La place principale

The central public square, often a gathering place for events and community activities.

La fontaine

An artistic feature that contains water, often serving as a decorative or recreational element.

L’hôtel de ville

The municipal building housing local government offices and services.

Le marché couvert

An indoor market where various goods are sold, often featuring local produce and products.

Le musée / La galerie d’art

Cultural institutions dedicated to education and entertainment, showcasing art and history.

Les avenues / Les boulevards

Wide streets designed to accommodate heavy traffic, often lined with shops and trees.

Les ruelles pavées

Narrow streets characteristic of older neighborhoods, often with distinctive cobblestone layouts.

Les trottoirs / La chaussée

Paved paths for pedestrians running alongside the roads.

Les passages piétons

Marked sections for pedestrians to cross streets safely.

Les ronds-points

Circular intersections designed to facilitate smooth traffic flow.

Les feux de signalisation

Devices regulating the movement of vehicles and pedestrians through signal lights.

Les panneaux de signalisation

Signs providing important information to drivers and pedestrians.

Les arrêts de bus / de tram

Designated locations for public transport pickups, including buses and trams.

Le métro / La bouche de métro

An underground rapid transit system and its entry points.

Les pistes cyclables

Dedicated lanes designed specifically for bicycles.

Les ponts qui enjambent la rivière

Bridges constructed to span over rivers, providing crucial transportation links.

Les quais / Les berges

Platforms along a body of water, like docks or riverbanks.

La foule / Les passants

Groups of people and individuals moving about in public spaces.

Les terrasses de café

Outdoor seating areas adjacent to cafés, fostering social interaction.

Les vitrines des magasins

Display windows of retail stores, showcasing products to attract customers.

Les marchands ambulants

Street vendors selling goods in public places.

Les kiosques à journaux

Small stands where newspapers and magazines are sold.

Les spectacles de rue

Live performances occurring in public spaces, adding vibrancy to urban life.

Les graffitis sur les murs

Artistic writings or drawings displayed on walls, often as a form of expression.

Les embouteillages / La circulation dense

Traffic congestion characterized by slow-moving vehicles.

Le bruit des klaxons

The sound produced by vehicle horns, contributing to urban noise.

Les voitures / Les taxis

Personal vehicles and regulated taxis used for transportation.

Les vélos / Les trottinettes

Bicycles and electric scooters, popular modes of urban transport.

Les bus / Les trams

Public transport vehicles that serve city routes for commuters.

Le métro / Les rames de métro

The underground train system composed of multiple trains.

Les bateaux-mouches sur la rivière

Tourist boats operating on rivers, often providing city tours.

Les arbres bordant les avenues

Trees planted along the streets, contributing to urban greenery.

Les squares

Small urban parks that serve as green spaces for relaxation.

Les jardins publics

Gardens open to the public, providing recreational areas.

Les parterres de fleurs

Ornamental flower beds featuring various plants for aesthetic appeal.

Les bancs en bois

Wooden benches found in parks, offering seating for visitors.

S’élever au-dessus de la ville

To rise above the city, often referring to tall structures.

Se refléter dans les vitrines

To reflect in the shop windows, showcasing views of the surroundings.

S’étendre à perte de vue

To stretch as far as the eye can see, often referring to expansive landscapes.

Enjamber la rivière

To span the river, particularly regarding bridges.

Surplomber la place

To overlook the square, usually describing buildings' positioning.

Se presser sur les trottoirs

To rush along the sidewalks, reflecting busy urban life.

Traverser la rue en courant

To run across the street, indicating urgency or haste.

S’arrêter devant une vitrine

To stop in front of a shop window, typically to admire the displays.

Remplir les cafés et restaurants

To fill the cafés and restaurants with patrons, indicating a bustling atmosphere.

Regarder les artistes de rue

To watch street performers, adding to the vibrancy of public spaces.

Flâner dans les ruelles

To stroll leisurely in the narrow streets, enjoying the ambiance.

Faire du lèche-vitrines

To window shop, engaging in browsing without purchasing.

Klaxonner sans arrêt

To honk continuously, often in traffic or crowded areas.

Ralentir à un feu rouge

To slow down at a red light, adhering to traffic rules.

Attendre le bus à l’arrêt

To wait for the bus at the designated stop, a common urban activity.

Descendre du métro

To get off the metro, often at various urban transit points.

Rouler à toute vitesse

To drive at full speed, typically through city roads.

Stationner en double file

To double-park, indicating improper parking practices.

Illuminer les rues

To light up the streets, enhancing safety and visibility at night.

Projeter des ombres sur les façades

To cast shadows on the buildings, often during sunset.

Créer une atmosphère animée

To create a lively atmosphere, contributing to the urban experience.

Éclairer les enseignes lumineuses

To illuminate neon signs, adding to the nighttime cityscape.

Teinter le ciel d’orange et de rose

To tint the sky with orange and pink