berges
The English phrase "river banks" is translated into French as berges.
The term berges is used to refer to the physical edges or slopes of a river.
Which one should you use?
While berges refers to the physical edges or slopes of a river, rives is often used to describe the banks of larger rivers or in a more literary sense. Bord de l'eau is a more general term for the edge of a body of water, whereas berges specifically implies the sloping sides of a river or canal.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form of berges is la berge.
Did you know?
- The distinction between berges and rives is so strong that la Rive Gauche (the Left Bank) of the Seine is a world-famous cultural district, but calling it la Berge Gauche would sound like you are talking about the literal mud and stones.
- In Paris, the quais are the paved stone platforms built along the berges of the Seine to facilitate loading and unloading boats.
- In many French cities, the term berges has become a trendy way to refer to urban waterfront promenades used for leisure and walking.
Examples in context
- Je me promène le long des rives du fleuve chaque matin.I take a walk along the river banks every morning.
- Les berges de la rivière offrent un cadre magnifique pour des pique-niques en famille.The river banks provide a beautiful setting for family picnics.
- On aime se promener en soirée le long des bords du fleuve.We love taking evening walks along the river banks.
- Il se promène sur les berges de la Seine.He is walking along the banks of the Seine.
- Nous marchons le long des berges du Rhône.We are walking along the banks of the Rhône.
- Les berges sont très étroites ici.The river banks are very narrow here.
- Il y a des fleurs sur les berges.There are flowers on the river banks.
Example conversation
Léa and Nathan are walking by the Seine in Paris.
- LéaRegarde les fleurs sur les berges !Look at the flowers on the river banks!
- NathanC'est magnifique, Nathan adore cet endroit.It is magnificent, Nathan loves this place.
- LéaOn peut s'asseoir sur les berges ?Can we sit on the river banks?
- NathanOui, Léa, installons-nous ici.Yes, Léa, let's settle in here.
