French expression · updated July 11, 2026

carrefour

Crossroads / intersectionAn intersection — literally on the road, figuratively in life (and yes, the supermarket)

Carrefour means crossroads or intersection — the point where roads meet. That's exactly why France's supermarket giant carries the name: the first store opened at a crossroads. You'll need the word for directions ('continue until the next carrefour') and, figuratively, for any turning point in life.

Where you'll hear it

Maxime

Bonjour, excusez-moi, je suis perdu. Pourriez-vous m'indiquer comment aller au Panthéon ?

Hello, excuse me, I'm lost. Could you tell me how to get to the Pantheon?

Laura

Bien sûr ! Alors, tu dois continuer tout droit jusqu'à le prochain carrefour.

Sure! So, you need to continue straight until the next intersection.

Maxime

D'accord, et après ?

Okay, and then?

Laura

Tu tournes à gauche et tu vas voir un grand pont. C'est le pont sur la

Turn left and you will see a big bridge. It's the bridge over the Seine.

Read the full dialogue in the lesson

How it shows up

  1. Tournez à gauche au carrefour.

    Turn left at the intersection.

  2. Il y a un feu rouge au prochain carrefour.

    There's a traffic light at the next crossroads.

  3. Je suis à un carrefour de ma carrière.

    I'm at a crossroads in my career.

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