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B1 noun 8 Min. Lesezeit

aux alentours de

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At the A1 level, you usually learn simple words like 'près de' (near) or 'environ' (about). 'Aux alentours de' might seem a bit long and complicated. However, you can start using it to talk about your house or your city. For example, if you live in a small town near London, you can say 'J'habite aux alentours de Londres.' This is a great way to sound more like a native speaker early on. Remember that 'aux' is always plural, and it sounds like 'oh'. You don't need to worry about the complex grammar yet, just treat it as a single block that means 'near'. It is very helpful when you don't know the exact name of a place but you know the big city nearby. You will mostly hear this when people describe where they live or where they are going on vacation. It's a 'bonus' phrase for A1 students that makes your French sound much more natural and less like a textbook.
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At the A2 level, you are starting to describe your environment in more detail. 'Aux alentours de' becomes very useful for talking about your neighborhood. You can use it to say where the supermarket is or where your school is located. For example, 'Il y a un parc aux alentours de mon école.' You also start to learn about telling time and making appointments. You can use this phrase to be a little flexible with time: 'Rendez-vous aux alentours de midi.' This is better than just saying 'à midi' if you think you might be five minutes late. You should also notice that 'aux alentours de' is followed by a noun. If that noun is masculine, like 'le parc', it becomes 'aux alentours du parc'. If it's feminine, like 'la gare', it stays 'aux alentours de la gare'. This is a good time to practice your contractions (de + le = du) which are essential for using this phrase correctly.
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At the B1 level, you are expected to handle more complex social interactions and express opinions or estimates. 'Aux alentours de' is a key phrase for this. You will use it to discuss prices, budgets, and statistics. For instance, 'Le voyage coûte aux alentours de cinq cents euros.' This shows you have a higher vocabulary level than someone who only uses 'environ'. You should also start to distinguish between 'autour de' (physically around) and 'aux alentours de' (in the general area). B1 students should be comfortable using this phrase in both writing and speaking. It is very common in work environments when discussing deadlines or project scopes. 'Le projet finira aux alentours du 15 juin.' Using this phrase helps you sound professional and nuanced. You should also be able to recognize it in news broadcasts or newspapers, where it is frequently used to describe the locations of events or the scale of an incident.
At the B2 level, you should use 'aux alentours de' with confidence and precision. You understand that it carries a slightly more formal tone than 'vers' or 'à peu près'. You can use it in more abstract contexts or in formal writing, such as an essay or a business proposal. For example, you might write about 'les tensions aux alentours de la frontière' (tensions in the vicinity of the border). You should also be aware of its synonyms like 'dans les parages' (more informal) or 'au voisinage de' (more technical) and choose the right one for the situation. At this level, you should never make the mistake of saying 'à l'alentour de' or forgetting the 's' on 'alentours'. You are also able to use it to describe historical periods or scientific measurements with ease. Your ability to use this phrase correctly in a variety of contexts—spatial, temporal, and numerical—is a sign of your maturing command of the French language.
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At the C1 level, 'aux alentours de' is part of your natural repertoire. You use it not just for basic estimation, but to add stylistic variety to your speech and writing. You might use it to create a specific atmosphere in a narrative, describing 'les bruits aux alentours de la vieille demeure'. You understand the subtle difference in register between this and its many synonyms. In a professional or academic setting, you know that 'aux alentours de' provides a perfect balance between precision and the necessary 'flou' (vagueness) of estimation. You can also use the noun 'les alentours' on its own (e.g., 'explorer les alentours') and you understand how the prepositional phrase is derived from it. Your use of the phrase is seamless, including the correct use of contractions and the silent 's' in liaison. You are also sensitive to how the phrase is used in literature versus journalism, noting its frequency in descriptive passages to establish a sense of place.
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At the C2 level, you have a complete mastery of 'aux alentours de' and can use it in highly sophisticated ways. You might use it in a philosophical or highly technical discussion to define a conceptual range or a 'neighborhood' of ideas. You are aware of its historical evolution and how it compares to archaic forms like 'à l'entour'. You can use it in complex sentence structures without hesitation, maintaining perfect grammatical agreement and register consistency. For a C2 speaker, this phrase is more than just a tool for approximation; it's a way to modulate the tone of a sentence, perhaps using it to soften a statement or to provide a more evocative description of a setting. You can also play with the phrase in creative writing, using it to evoke a sense of mystery or vastness. Your understanding extends to the most subtle nuances, such as why a writer might choose 'aux alentours de' over 'auprès de' or 'aux environs de' to achieve a specific rhythmic or semantic effect in their prose.
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  • Used to express physical proximity to a location, meaning 'in the vicinity of' or 'near'.
  • Used for temporal approximation, meaning 'around' or 'about' a specific time.
  • Used for numerical estimation, suggesting a figure is close to a target value.
  • A formal and descriptive alternative to basic words like 'près de' or 'environ'.

The French locution aux alentours de is a sophisticated and versatile phrase that translates primarily to "around," "in the vicinity of," or "about." It is a compound prepositional phrase built from the masculine plural noun alentours, which refers to the surrounding areas or outskirts of a place. While a beginner might simply use près de (near) or environ (about), the intermediate and advanced speaker uses aux alentours de to add precision, elegance, and a sense of spatial or temporal range to their speech.

Spatial Proximity
This is the most literal use. It describes being in the neighborhood or the immediate surroundings of a physical location. For example, if you are looking for a house near a specific park, you would look aux alentours du parc. It implies a radius rather than a specific point.
Temporal Approximation
When used with time, it signifies "roughly at" or "around." It is slightly more formal than vers. Saying a meeting is aux alentours de 14h suggests a window of time rather than a sharp start at 2:00 PM.
Numerical Estimation
It is frequently used in financial or statistical contexts to indicate an approximate value. If a car costs aux alentours de 20 000 euros, it means the price is in that ballpark, perhaps slightly more or slightly less.

Nous avons trouvé une petite auberge charmante aux alentours de Bordeaux, loin du tumulte de la ville.

Translation: We found a charming little inn in the vicinity of Bordeaux, far from the city's hustle and bustle.

In everyday conversation, you will hear this phrase when people are being vague on purpose or when they truly don't have an exact figure. It serves as a linguistic cushion. If a journalist reports on a crowd size, they might say there were aux alentours de dix mille personnes. It signals to the listener that the number is a reliable estimate but not a definitive count. This distinction is crucial in professional settings where precision is valued, but absolute certainty is impossible.

Le suspect a été aperçu aux alentours de la gare vers minuit.

Register and Tone
The phrase is neutral to slightly formal. You can use it with your boss, in a newspaper article, or when talking to a friend about where you want to go for a hike. It is less clinical than 'approximativement' but more descriptive than 'environ'.

Mastering aux alentours de requires understanding its role as a compound preposition. It always follows the structure: [Subject] + [Verb] + aux alentours de + [Noun/Value]. Because it ends with the preposition de, you must remember the mandatory contractions when it is followed by definite articles: de + le = du, and de + les = des.

With Cities and Places
When talking about geography, it helps define a regional area. "Il travaille aux alentours de Lyon" means he works in the suburbs or nearby towns of Lyon, not necessarily in the city center itself.
With Specific Times
For time, it acts as a more descriptive alternative to 'vers'. "Je reviendrai aux alentours de 18 heures" suggests a arrival between 5:45 and 6:15 PM. It provides a comfortable margin for the speaker.

La température devrait chuter aux alentours de zéro degré cette nuit.

One of the most frequent uses in professional French is for budgetary discussions. If you are negotiating a salary or a project cost, aux alentours de allows you to state a figure while leaving room for negotiation. It sounds more professional than saying "un peu près" (which is often a mispronunciation of 'à peu près').

Le loyer pour un appartement dans ce quartier se situe aux alentours de 1200 euros par mois.

Negative and Interrogative Forms
In questions, it is used to ask for an estimate: "Est-ce que l'hôtel est aux alentours de la plage ?" In negatives, it is rarer but possible: "Ce n'est pas aux alentours de mes compétences," meaning it is outside the scope of my skills (though 'dans mes cordes' is more common for skills).

Le projet sera finalisé aux alentours de la fin du mois de mai.

In modern France, aux alentours de is ubiquitous across various media and social contexts. If you turn on the news, you will hear it used by journalists to describe the location of an event or the timing of a political decision. It provides a layer of journalistic objectivity by avoiding absolute claims that might later be proven slightly off.

Real Estate (Immobilier)
Real estate agents love this phrase. They use it to describe the amenities near a property. "Vous trouverez des commerces et des écoles aux alentours de la résidence." It paints a picture of a convenient lifestyle where everything is within reach.
Weather Forecasts (La Météo)
Meteorologists use it to predict temperatures or storm arrivals. "Le vent soufflera aux alentours de 80 km/h sur les côtes bretonnes." This indicates the average intensity expected across a region.

Les archéologues ont découvert des vestiges romains aux alentours de Nîmes.

In a social setting, if you are meeting friends for a drink, someone might text: "On se retrouve aux alentours de la Place de la Bastille ?" This implies that you don't have a specific bar picked out yet, but you'll be in that general area. It allows for flexibility in a busy city where meeting at a specific door can be difficult.

Le concert devrait commencer aux alentours de 21 heures, selon l'organisateur.

Historical Narratives
In history books or documentaries, it’s used to date events when the exact day isn't known. "Le château a été construit aux alentours de l'an 1200."

Il y a beaucoup de sentiers de randonnée aux alentours de ce village de montagne.

Even for intermediate learners, aux alentours de can be a bit of a trap. Most errors stem from the complex structure of the phrase or confusing it with similar-sounding expressions.

The 'Alentour' vs 'Alentours' Error
Many learners forget the 's' at the end of alentours. In this prepositional phrase, it is always plural. Writing "au alentour de" or "aux alentour de" is a common spelling mistake. Remember: there are multiple directions around you, so it’s plural!
Confusion with 'Autour de'
While 'autour de' means 'around' (physically encircling), 'aux alentours de' means 'in the vicinity'. If you say "Il y a une clôture aux alentours du jardin," it sounds like the fence is somewhere in the neighborhood of the garden. You should use "autour du jardin" if the fence is actually surrounding it.

Mistake:

*Je serai là à l'alentour de midi.

Correction: Je serai là aux alentours de midi.
Incorrect Contractions
As mentioned, the 'de' at the end must contract. Learners often say "aux alentours de le parc" instead of "aux alentours du parc." This is a classic B1-level error that reveals a lack of focus on basic grammar rules within complex phrases.

N'utilisez pas aux alentours de pour signifier 'environ' avec des adjectifs. On ne dit pas 'C'est aux alentours de rouge'.

Finally, avoid using it for abstract concepts that don't imply a range. You wouldn't say "Je suis aux alentours de fatigué." Use "Je suis à peu près fatigué" or better yet, "Je suis assez fatigué." The phrase is strictly for quantities, times, and locations.

French has a rich vocabulary for expressing approximation. Choosing the right one depends on whether you are talking about space, time, or quantity, and the level of formality you wish to convey.

Environ vs. Aux Alentours De
Environ: Primarily used for quantities and time. It is an adverb. "Il y a environ 20 personnes."
Aux alentours de: More formal, and can be used for physical location (which 'environ' cannot). "Il habite aux alentours de Lyon."
Vers vs. Aux Alentours De
Vers: Very common for time and direction. "Je viens vers 8h." It is short and informal.
Aux alentours de: More precise in its vagueness, if that makes sense. It sounds more deliberate and descriptive.
Dans les environs de
This is almost a perfect synonym for the spatial use of 'aux alentours de'. You can use them interchangeably when talking about being near a city or landmark. "Dans les environs de Paris" = "Aux alentours de Paris."

Alors que à peu près est très courant à l'oral, aux alentours de apporte une touche plus élégante à votre français.

Près de
The simplest version. It just means 'near'. It lacks the nuance of 'surroundings' that 'alentours' provides. Use 'près de' for simple distance, and 'aux alentours de' for a general area.

L'avion vole aux alentours de 10 000 mètres d'altitude.

How Formal Is It?

Wusstest du?

In the past, 'alentour' was often used as a single word adverb. The modern plural noun form 'alentours' became the standard for the prepositional phrase we use today.

Aussprachehilfe

UK [o.za.lɑ̃.tuʁ.də]
US [o.za.lɑ̃.tuʁ.də]
Primary stress is on the last syllable of 'alentours' (tours).
Reimt sich auf
séjours parcours toujours secours contours discours cours tours
Häufige Fehler
  • Pronouncing the 's' at the end of 'alentours' (it is silent).
  • Pronouncing 'aux' like 'ox' (it should be 'oh').
  • Failing to make the liaison [z] between 'aux' and 'alentours'.
  • Pronouncing 'de' like 'dee' (it should be a schwa [ə]).
  • Stress on the first syllable of 'alentours'.

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Lesen 2/5

Easy to recognize in text once you know 'alentours'.

Schreiben 4/5

Requires careful spelling and contraction handling (du/des).

Sprechen 3/5

Flows well but requires the [z] liaison.

Hören 3/5

Can be missed if spoken quickly as 'o-za-lɑ̃-tuʁ'.

Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest

Voraussetzungen

près de environ vers autour ville

Als Nächstes lernen

au voisinage de approximativement dans les parages périphérie banlieue

Fortgeschritten

circonvoisin limitrophe périphérique concomitant

Wichtige Grammatik

Contractions with 'de'

aux alentours + de + le = aux alentours du

Liaison with 'aux'

aux[z]alentours

Plural agreement of 'alentours'

Always uses 'aux' (plural).

Prepositional locution function

Acts as an adverbial phrase of place or time.

Silent final consonants

The 's' in 'alentours' is silent before 'de'.

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Beispiele nach Niveau

1

J'habite aux alentours de Paris.

I live in the vicinity of Paris.

A1 students use this for general location.

2

Le bus arrive aux alentours de 8h.

The bus arrives around 8 AM.

Simple time approximation.

3

Il y a un café aux alentours de la gare.

There is a cafe near the station.

Spatial use with a feminine noun.

4

C'est aux alentours de dix euros.

It's around ten euros.

Basic price estimation.

5

Nous marchons aux alentours du lac.

We are walking around the lake.

Contraction: de + le = du.

6

Ma maison est aux alentours de l'école.

My house is near the school.

Use of l' before a vowel.

7

Le restaurant est aux alentours de l'hôtel.

The restaurant is near the hotel.

Spatial proximity.

8

Il fait froid aux alentours de la montagne.

It is cold near the mountain.

Describing weather in a region.

1

Le rendez-vous est aux alentours de midi.

The meeting is around noon.

Approximation of a specific time.

2

Il cherche un appartement aux alentours de Lyon.

He is looking for an apartment near Lyon.

Common real estate usage.

3

Le parc se trouve aux alentours du centre-ville.

The park is located near the city center.

Contraction 'du' with masculine noun.

4

Il y a beaucoup de bruit aux alentours de l'aéroport.

There is a lot of noise near the airport.

Describing environmental conditions.

5

Le prix est aux alentours de cent euros.

The price is around one hundred euros.

Numerical estimation.

6

Nous avons mangé aux alentours de 20 heures.

We ate around 8 PM.

Past tense with time approximation.

7

Elle travaille aux alentours de la place principale.

She works near the main square.

Spatial use.

8

Le musée est fermé aux alentours des jours fériés.

The museum is closed around public holidays.

Contraction 'des' with plural noun.

1

La température oscillera aux alentours de 25 degrés.

The temperature will hover around 25 degrees.

Future tense with estimation.

2

Le budget est estimé aux alentours de 5000 euros.

The budget is estimated at around 5000 euros.

Professional/financial context.

3

Ils ont construit une usine aux alentours de la forêt.

They built a factory near the forest.

Spatial proximity.

4

L'incident s'est produit aux alentours de minuit.

The incident occurred around midnight.

Reporting an event.

5

Le village se situe aux alentours de la rivière.

The village is located in the vicinity of the river.

Geographical description.

6

Il y a des vignes aux alentours du château.

There are vineyards around the castle.

Describing a landscape.

7

Le vol partira aux alentours de 15h30.

The flight will depart around 3:30 PM.

Specific time approximation.

8

Le suspect habitait aux alentours de cette rue.

The suspect lived in the vicinity of this street.

Legal/investigative context.

1

Les bénéfices stagnent aux alentours de 2%.

Profits are stagnating at around 2%.

Abstract numerical use.

2

Le projet devrait aboutir aux alentours du printemps.

The project should come to fruition around spring.

Vague temporal reference.

3

Il règne une atmosphère étrange aux alentours de ce vieux manoir.

A strange atmosphere reigns in the vicinity of this old manor.

Literary/descriptive use.

4

La population de la ville est aux alentours de 100 000 habitants.

The city's population is around 100,000 inhabitants.

Statistical estimation.

5

Les recherches se concentrent aux alentours de la zone de crash.

The search is concentrated in the vicinity of the crash zone.

Precise spatial range.

6

Le prix du baril de pétrole se maintient aux alentours de 80 dollars.

The price of a barrel of oil remains around 80 dollars.

Economic context.

7

Des manifestations ont éclaté aux alentours du palais présidentiel.

Protests broke out in the vicinity of the presidential palace.

News/political reporting.

8

Il a été décidé de construire un nouveau stade aux alentours de la ville.

It was decided to build a new stadium on the outskirts of the city.

Urban planning context.

1

La nébuleuse se situe aux alentours de 5000 années-lumière.

The nebula is located around 5000 light-years away.

Scientific/astronomical use.

2

L'auteur explore les thèmes de la solitude aux alentours de la folie.

The author explores themes of solitude on the verge of madness.

Abstract/metaphorical use.

3

Le taux de chômage oscille aux alentours de la moyenne européenne.

The unemployment rate fluctuates around the European average.

Comparative statistical use.

4

Les vestiges archéologiques furent découverts aux alentours de l'ancienne cité.

Archaeological remains were discovered in the vicinity of the ancient city.

Historical/academic context.

5

Le débat s'est cristallisé aux alentours de la question de la souveraineté.

The debate crystallized around the question of sovereignty.

Metaphorical 'around'.

6

La biodiversité est menacée aux alentours des zones industrielles.

Biodiversity is threatened in the vicinity of industrial zones.

Environmental science context.

7

Le manuscrit date aux alentours de la fin du XVIIe siècle.

The manuscript dates to around the end of the 17th century.

Historical dating.

8

L'œuvre de Proust gravite aux alentours de la mémoire et du temps.

Proust's work revolves around memory and time.

Literary analysis.

1

L'épicentre du séisme a été localisé aux alentours de la faille tectonique.

The earthquake's epicenter was located in the vicinity of the tectonic fault.

Technical geological use.

2

Les fluctuations quantiques se produisent aux alentours du zéro absolu.

Quantum fluctuations occur in the vicinity of absolute zero.

Advanced physics context.

3

La politique monétaire doit rester aux alentours de l'objectif d'inflation.

Monetary policy must remain around the inflation target.

High-level economic policy.

4

Il existe une zone d'ombre aux alentours de la légalité de cette transaction.

There is a gray area regarding the legality of this transaction.

Legal nuance/metaphor.

5

L'harmonie se déploie aux alentours de la dissonance dans cette symphonie.

Harmony unfolds around dissonance in this symphony.

Musicology/aesthetic theory.

6

Le récit se perd aux alentours de la réalité et du songe.

The narrative gets lost in the vicinity of reality and dreams.

Advanced literary description.

7

Les tensions géopolitiques s'intensifient aux alentours des détroits stratégiques.

Geopolitical tensions intensify in the vicinity of strategic straits.

International relations.

8

La structure atomique vibre aux alentours de sa position d'équilibre.

The atomic structure vibrates around its equilibrium position.

Scientific precision.

Synonyme

environ vers à peu près dans les environs de approximativement près de au voisinage de dans les parages de

Gegenteile

loin de exactement au centre de précisément

Häufige Kollokationen

aux alentours de midi
aux alentours de la ville
aux alentours de 20 euros
aux alentours de minuit
aux alentours de la gare
aux alentours de 50%
aux alentours de Noël
aux alentours de la frontière
aux alentours de zéro
aux alentours de l'an 2000

Häufige Phrasen

Dans les alentours

— In the surrounding area. Used when the reference point is already known.

Il n'y a pas de boulangerie dans les alentours.

Explorer les alentours

— To explore the nearby area. Common in travel contexts.

Nous avons pris une journée pour explorer les alentours.

Vivre aux alentours

— To live nearby or in the suburbs.

Beaucoup d'employés vivent aux alentours.

Chercher aux alentours

— To search the immediate vicinity.

Il a perdu ses clés et a cherché aux alentours.

Rester aux alentours

— To stay close by.

S'il vous plaît, restez aux alentours en cas d'urgence.

Se promener aux alentours

— To take a walk nearby.

J'aime me promener aux alentours du village.

Surveiller les alentours

— To keep an eye on the surroundings.

Le gardien surveille les alentours du bâtiment.

Bruit aux alentours

— Noise in the surrounding area.

Il y a trop de bruit aux alentours pour dormir.

Beauté des alentours

— The beauty of the surrounding landscape.

Les touristes apprécient la beauté des alentours.

Sécurité aux alentours

— Safety in the nearby area.

La sécurité aux alentours de l'école est une priorité.

Wird oft verwechselt mit

aux alentours de vs autour de

Means 'physically encircling' (like a ring). 'Aux alentours de' means 'in the general vicinity'.

aux alentours de vs à l'entour

An archaic form. Stick to 'aux alentours de' in modern French.

aux alentours de vs environ

Environ is an adverb and cannot be used for physical places. You can't say 'environ la ville'.

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"Faire le tour des alentours"

— To check out the whole area. Often used when arriving at a new place.

Dès notre arrivée, nous avons fait le tour des alentours.

neutral
"Battre les alentours"

— To search the surrounding area thoroughly (older usage).

Les soldats ont battu les alentours pour trouver le fugitif.

literary
"Être aux alentours de la vérité"

— To be close to the truth.

Votre estimation est aux alentours de la vérité.

neutral
"Rôder aux alentours"

— To prowl or loiter nearby.

Un chat rôde aux alentours de la maison.

neutral
"Se tenir aux alentours"

— To stand nearby or wait in the vicinity.

Il se tenait aux alentours, attendant son tour.

neutral
"Rayonner aux alentours"

— To spread or extend to the surrounding areas.

L'influence de cette ville rayonne aux alentours.

formal
"S'aventurer aux alentours"

— To venture into the nearby areas.

Ne vous aventurez pas aux alentours de la falaise la nuit.

neutral
"N'avoir rien aux alentours"

— To have nothing nearby (isolated).

C'est une ferme isolée, il n'y a rien aux alentours.

neutral
"Connaître les alentours comme sa poche"

— To know the surroundings like the back of one's hand.

Il a grandi ici, il connaît les alentours comme sa poche.

informal
"Dégager les alentours"

— To clear the surrounding area.

Veuillez dégager les alentours de la sortie de secours.

formal

Leicht verwechselbar

aux alentours de vs alentour

It looks like the singular form.

'Alentour' is an adverb used alone at the end of a sentence. 'Aux alentours de' is a preposition followed by a noun.

Les bois alentour sont sombres.

aux alentours de vs environs

Both refer to surroundings.

'Les environs' is a noun. 'Aux alentours de' is a prepositional phrase.

J'aime les environs de Lyon.

aux alentours de vs près de

Both mean near.

'Près de' is simple distance. 'Aux alentours de' implies a broader area.

Il est près de la porte.

aux alentours de vs vers

Both used for time.

'Vers' is short and informal. 'Aux alentours de' is more descriptive.

Viens vers 8h.

aux alentours de vs approximativement

Both mean approximately.

'Approximativement' is more formal and technical.

C'est approximativement le même poids.

Satzmuster

A1

J'habite aux alentours de [City].

J'habite aux alentours de Nice.

A2

C'est aux alentours de [Time].

C'est aux alentours de 10h.

B1

Le prix est aux alentours de [Number] euros.

Le prix est aux alentours de 50 euros.

B1

Il y a [Noun] aux alentours de [Place].

Il y a un parc aux alentours du musée.

B2

Le projet finira aux alentours de [Month].

Le projet finira aux alentours de juillet.

B2

La température est aux alentours de [Degree].

La température est aux alentours de 20 degrés.

C1

L'influence rayonne aux alentours de [Place].

L'influence rayonne aux alentours de la capitale.

C2

La vérité se situe aux alentours de [Concept].

La vérité se situe aux alentours de cette hypothèse.

Wortfamilie

Substantive

alentours (masculine plural): surroundings, outskirts.

Verben

entourer: to surround, to encircle.
s'entourer: to surround oneself with.

Adjektive

environnant: surrounding, neighboring.

Verwandt

environs
proximité
voisinage
parages
périphérie
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frequency

High in journalism, real estate, and professional meetings.

Häufige Fehler
  • au alentour de → aux alentours de

    The noun 'alentours' is always plural in this locution, so it must use 'aux'.

  • aux alentours de le parc → aux alentours du parc

    Failure to contract 'de' and 'le'.

  • Il est aux alentours de fatigué. → Il est à peu près fatigué.

    'Aux alentours de' is only for nouns/numbers, not adjectives.

  • environ de la ville → aux alentours de la ville

    'Environ' cannot be used with a physical location noun.

  • à l'alentour de → aux alentours de

    This is an outdated or incorrect form in modern French.

Tipps

Watch the Contractions

Always remember that 'de + le' becomes 'du'. 'Aux alentours du parc' is correct, 'aux alentours de le parc' is not.

Upgrade from 'Environ'

When writing a professional email about a budget, use 'aux alentours de' to sound more polished.

The Silent S

The final 's' in 'alentours' is silent. Don't let it trip you up!

Spatial vs Temporal

Use it for both distance and time to show your range as a speaker.

Descriptive Power

Use it in creative writing to describe the 'ambiance' of a surrounding area.

News Keyword

Expect to hear this phrase on the news when reporters describe the location of an event.

The 'Tour' Connection

Link 'alentours' to the word 'tour' (circle/turn) to remember it means 'around'.

Autour vs Alentours

Remember: 'autour' is a circle, 'alentours' is a neighborhood.

Elegant Approximation

Use it to avoid sounding too blunt or overly precise when an estimate is better.

Real Estate Ads

Read French real estate ads (immobilier) to see this phrase used in its most natural habitat.

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Imagine 'Aux' is a key opening a 'Lent' (slow) 'Tour' (tower). You are walking 'around' it slowly.

Visuelle Assoziation

Picture a central point (like a church) with a blurry circle drawn around it to represent the 'alentours'.

Word Web

Place Time Price Near Around Vicinity Neighborhood Estimate

Herausforderung

Try to describe your morning routine using 'aux alentours de' for every time mention.

Wortherkunft

Derived from the Old French phrase 'à l'entour', which meant 'in the circle' or 'around'. 'Entour' comes from 'en' (in) and 'tour' (turn/circle).

Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: The phrase originally referred literally to things in a circular formation around a point.

Romance (Latin: 'in' + 'tornus').

Kultureller Kontext

Be careful when using it to describe people's homes; 'aux alentours de' is neutral, but 'les parages' can sometimes sound suspicious.

English speakers often over-rely on 'around'. Learning this phrase helps distinguish between 'encircling' (autour de) and 'being near' (aux alentours de).

Marcel Proust often describes the 'alentours' of Combray in his works. French weather reports on TF1/France 2 constantly use this phrase. Real estate site 'SeLoger' uses it to categorize property listings.

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

Real Estate

  • aux alentours de la ville
  • commerces aux alentours
  • calme aux alentours
  • école aux alentours

Travel

  • aux alentours de la gare
  • visiter les alentours
  • hôtel aux alentours
  • monuments aux alentours

Finance

  • aux alentours de 1000 euros
  • aux alentours de 5%
  • budget aux alentours de
  • prix aux alentours de

Socializing

  • aux alentours de midi
  • aux alentours de ce soir
  • on se retrouve aux alentours de
  • aux alentours du bar

Weather

  • aux alentours de zéro
  • aux alentours de 30 degrés
  • aux alentours de la côte
  • vent aux alentours de

Gesprächseinstiege

"Est-ce que tu habites aux alentours de ton travail ?"

"Connais-tu un bon restaurant aux alentours de la place ?"

"À quelle heure arrives-tu ? Aux alentours de 18h ?"

"Est-ce qu'il y a des activités intéressantes aux alentours de ton village ?"

"Le prix de ce téléphone est-il aux alentours de 500 euros ?"

Tagebuch-Impulse

Décrivez les paysages que vous voyez aux alentours de votre maison.

Racontez un souvenir d'un voyage aux alentours d'une grande ville.

Quels sont les avantages de vivre aux alentours d'un parc ?

Imaginez votre vie aux alentours de l'an 2050.

Quels commerces sont essentiels aux alentours de votre domicile ?

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

Usually no. You wouldn't say 'Je suis aux alentours de Marie'. Use 'près de Marie' instead. It is for places, times, and quantities.

Yes, it sounds more elegant and descriptive, especially in writing.

Yes, always. In this phrase, 'alentours' is a plural noun.

No, just 'aux alentours de midi'. Time expressions like 'midi' or 'minuit' don't take an article here.

They are almost identical for physical locations and can be used interchangeably.

Yes. 'Aux alentours du 15 mai' is very common.

Only as a [z] liaison if the next word starts with a vowel, like 'alentours'.

No. For colors, use 'un genre de' or 'presque'. Not 'aux alentours de rouge'.

Use 'aux alentours' or 'alentour' without the 'de'. 'Il n'y a rien aux alentours'.

Not really, though you might hear 'dans les parages' in slangy contexts.

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Teste dich selbst 200 Fragen

writing

Write a sentence saying you live near London.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a sentence saying the meeting is around 10 AM.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write a sentence saying the price is around 100 euros.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Describe where a park is using 'aux alentours du centre'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Use 'aux alentours de' to describe a temperature.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write: 'There are many forests in the vicinity of the city.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write: 'He will arrive around midnight.'

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Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write: 'The budget is estimated at around 5000 euros.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write: 'I am walking near the lake.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write: 'There is a lot of noise near the station.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Use 'aux alentours de' with the word 'Noël'.

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Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write: 'The suspect lives near here.'

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Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write: 'The car costs around 20,000 euros.'

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Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write: 'They are building a house near the river.'

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Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write: 'I like to explore the surroundings.'

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Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write: 'The museum is near the hotel.'

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Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write: 'Profits are around 5%.'

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Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write: 'The village is near the mountain.'

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Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write: 'The plane flies around 10,000 meters.'

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Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Write: 'The event happened around 1900.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Pronounce: 'Aux alentours de Paris.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Pronounce: 'Aux alentours de midi.'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'Around 50 euros' in French.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'In the vicinity of the station'.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'Near the park'.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'Around 8 PM'.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'Explore the surroundings'.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'Around zero degrees'.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'Near the river'.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'Around the end of the month'.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Pronounce the liaison in 'aux alentours'.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'He lives near here'.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'Around 10 percent'.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'There is no noise nearby'.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'Near the border'.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'Around 1900'.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'Near the airport'.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'Around midnight'.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'Near the city center'.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'Around 5 euros'.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen and write: 'J'habite aux alentours de Lyon.'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen and write: 'C'est aux alentours de midi.'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen and write: 'Le prix est aux alentours de 20 euros.'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen and write: 'Il y a un parc aux alentours.'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen and write: 'Rendez-vous aux alentours du stade.'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen and write: 'La température est aux alentours de zéro.'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen and write: 'Le vol part aux alentours de 10h.'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen and write: 'Explorez les alentours de la ville.'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen and write: 'Le budget est aux alentours de 500 euros.'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen and write: 'Il y a du bruit aux alentours de la gare.'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen and write: 'Le suspect est aux alentours.'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen and write: 'Il arrive aux alentours de minuit.'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen and write: 'Le village est aux alentours du lac.'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen and write: 'Le prix oscille aux alentours de 2%.'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen and write: 'Nous marchons aux alentours de la forêt.'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

/ 200 correct

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