Diese Seite in deiner Sprache

English

فارسی

العربية

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

B1 noun 12 Min. Lesezeit

bonne route

Jetzt üben Beispiele Notizen & Tipps bonne route in 30 Sekunden

Erklärung bonne route in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should learn 'bonne route' as a fixed phrase. It is a polite way to say goodbye to someone who is leaving in a car or on a bicycle. You don't need to worry too much about the grammar yet, but try to remember that it is always 'bonne' (feminine) because 'route' (road) is a feminine word. Think of it like saying 'Goodbye' but specifically for people who are about to drive. You will hear this a lot if you visit France and go to a gas station or a shop. When you leave, the person working there might say 'Merci, bonne route !' to you. You can simply reply with 'Merci, vous aussi !' (Thank you, you too!) if they are also working or 'Merci, au revoir !'. It is a very friendly and easy phrase to use to sound more natural in French. Even if you only know a few words, saying 'bonne route' to a friend who is driving away will make you sound much more fluent. It shows you care about their journey. Just remember: only use it for departures, never when someone arrives.

Registriere dich kostenlos für die vollständige Erklärung

As an A2 learner, you can start to understand the structure of 'bonne route'. It consists of the adjective 'bonne' (the feminine form of 'bon') and the noun 'route'. This is a great example of adjective agreement in French. You should use 'bonne route' instead of 'bon voyage' for short or medium trips by car. For example, if your friend is driving an hour to go home, 'bonne route' is perfect. If they are going on a two-week vacation to Italy, 'bon voyage' might be better, although 'bonne route' still works if they are driving there. You can also start using it in short sentences like 'Je vous souhaite une bonne route' (I wish you a safe drive). This is slightly more formal than just saying the phrase by itself. You might also hear people say 'Allez, bonne route !' where 'allez' acts as a way to signal that the conversation is over and it's time to go. It is a very practical phrase for everyday life in a French-speaking country, especially if you are involved in any kind of travel or hospitality.

Registriere dich kostenlos für die vollständige Erklärung

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'bonne route' in various contexts and understand its nuances compared to other farewells. You know that 'route' specifically refers to the road, so this phrase is most appropriate for car, bus, motorcycle, or bicycle trips. You should also be able to use it in more complex sentences and understand when it's being used as a statement of fact: 'Nous avons fait bonne route' (We had a good drive/the trip went well). This level involves recognizing that 'bonne route' carries a connotation of safety. By saying it, you are implicitly wishing that the person doesn't have an accident or get stuck in traffic. You can combine it with other expressions of concern, such as 'Bonne route, fais attention à la pluie' (Safe drive, watch out for the rain). You should also be aware of the cultural context: in France, the road network is a major part of life, and 'bonne route' is a social lubricant that makes interactions between travelers and service workers smoother. It's more than just a goodbye; it's a wish for a successful completion of a task (the drive).

At the B2 level, you should master the social registers of 'bonne route'. While it is generally neutral, you can adapt it to be more formal or informal. You might notice that in professional settings, such as a hotel reception or a car rental agency, the staff will use 'Je vous souhaite une excellente route' to sound more professional and welcoming. You should also be able to distinguish between 'bonne route' and 'bon trajet'. 'Bon trajet' is more clinical and can be used for any kind of commute, including the metro or train, whereas 'bonne route' remains tied to the asphalt. You should also be able to use the phrase metaphorically in certain contexts, such as wishing someone 'bonne route' in a new career path, though this is secondary to its literal meaning. At this level, you should also be aware of regional variations; for instance, while 'bonne route' is universal, some regions might favor 'prudemment' or other local expressions. You should be able to hear 'bonne route' on the radio (like Autoroute INFO) and understand that it serves to build a community of drivers. Your use of the phrase should feel instinctive and correctly timed during the 'prise de congé' (taking one's leave).

Registriere dich kostenlos für die vollständige Erklärung

For C1 learners, 'bonne route' is an element of 'pragmatique'—the study of how context contributes to meaning. You understand that the phrase functions as a 'rituel de politesse' (politeness ritual) that is almost mandatory in certain French social interactions. You can analyze its use in literature or cinema as a device to mark the beginning of a 'périple' (journey) or a 'quête' (quest). You are also aware of the historical and cultural weight of the 'route' in France—from the 'Nationale 7' to the modern 'autoroutes'—and how this phrase encapsulates a specific French relationship with travel and territory. You can use the phrase with irony or in very specific idiomatic constructions. For example, you might understand a play on words where 'bonne route' is used in a political cartoon to comment on a government's 'direction'. Your mastery of the phrase includes knowing when *not* to use it to avoid sounding like a cliché or a tourist. You can also discuss the evolution of the phrase and how modern GPS technology has integrated these traditional human wishes into digital interfaces, and what that says about the persistence of social etiquette in the digital age.

Registriere dich kostenlos für die vollständige Erklärung

At the C2 level, your understanding of 'bonne route' is that of a native speaker. You recognize the subtle prosody (the rhythm and intonation) with which the phrase is delivered in different contexts—the clipped, professional 'bonne route' of a toll collector versus the lingering, concerned 'bonne route' of a parent. You can use the phrase in high-level writing, perhaps in an essay about French 'art de vivre' or the sociology of the road. You understand its place in the broader system of French 'souhaits' (wishes) and how it relates to the concept of 'le bon chemin'. You might even explore the etymological roots of 'route' (from the Latin 'rupta', a broken path) and how 'bonne route' serves as a linguistic 'repair' or blessing for the challenges of travel. You can handle complex puns or literary references involving the phrase. Essentially, 'bonne route' is no longer a 'vocabulary word' for you; it is a versatile tool in your linguistic arsenal that you use with perfect social and emotional precision, fully aware of its cultural resonance and its ability to define the space between two people at the moment of parting.

Registriere dich kostenlos für die vollständige Erklärung

Jetzt üben Beispiele Notizen & Tipps

bonne route in 30 Sekunden

A polite French farewell specifically used for people traveling by road (car, bike, bus).
Means 'have a safe drive' or 'safe travels' and focuses on the journey itself.
Always uses the feminine 'bonne' to match the feminine noun 'route'.
Commonly heard at gas stations, toll booths, and when leaving friends' homes.

The French expression bonne route is a quintessential part of French social etiquette, serving as a warm and practical farewell. While a direct translation to English might be "good road," its functional equivalent is "have a safe trip" or "safe travels," specifically tailored for journeys involving driving, cycling, or any form of land transport. It is the verbal equivalent of a friendly wave as someone pulls out of a driveway. Unlike the more generic bon voyage, which often implies a longer, perhaps more exotic journey involving planes or ships, bonne route is grounded in the daily reality of moving from point A to point B on the asphalt. It is used between friends, family members, and even strangers, such as a shopkeeper speaking to a tourist who is about to get back in their car.

Literal Meaning: Good road. This combines the feminine adjective 'bonne' (good) with the noun 'route' (road/route).
Pragmatic Function: A parting wish for safety and a pleasant experience while traveling by vehicle.
Social Register: Neutral to informal, though perfectly acceptable in polite professional contexts when a client is departing.

The phrase is deeply embedded in the French psyche of the 'grand départ' or the 'chassé-croisé'—those times of year when the whole of France seems to take to the roads for vacation. In these moments, bonne route is not just a polite phrase; it is an acknowledgement of the shared experience of the French road system, the 'autoroutes', and the toll booths. It carries a subtext of 'watch out for traffic' and 'arrive safely'.

Merci pour ce merveilleux week-end, allez, bonne route et appelez-nous quand vous arrivez !

Translation: Thanks for this wonderful weekend, well, have a safe drive and call us when you arrive!

One of the most interesting aspects of this phrase is its versatility. You might hear it from a gas station attendant after you've filled up your tank, or from a colleague as you leave the office on a Friday afternoon to drive to the countryside. It bridges the gap between a formal 'au revoir' and a more specific 'à bientôt'. It focuses the farewell on the immediate physical task the person is about to undertake: navigating the road.

La météo s'annonce difficile, alors soyez prudents et bonne route à tous les deux.

Translation: The weather looks difficult, so be careful and have a safe journey to both of you.

In a broader sense, bonne route can sometimes be used metaphorically, especially in professional or life transitions, to wish someone success on their new 'path' or 'journey'. However, this is less common than its literal application. Most often, it is the sound of a door closing and an engine starting. It is the final blessing before the solitude of the drive begins.

Cultural Nuance: In France, the 'route' is often romanticized in songs and films, making this wish feel slightly more evocative than a simple 'drive safe'.

Il reste encore trois heures de conduite, je vous souhaite une bonne route.

Using bonne route correctly requires understanding its grammatical placement and the social context of the departure. As a fixed expression, it functions primarily as an interjection, but it can also serve as the direct object of verbs like 'souhaiter' (to wish) or 'faire' (to make/have). In its simplest form, it is shouted or spoken as someone is physically leaving. You don't say it when someone arrives; it is strictly for the beginning of a journey.

Standalone Interjection: "Bonne route !" – This is the most common usage, shouted as a car pulls away.
With 'Souhaiter': "Je vous souhaite une bonne route." – This is more formal and complete, often used in hospitality or professional settings.

When constructing sentences, pay attention to the adjective-noun agreement. Since 'route' is a feminine singular noun, 'bonne' must match it. If you were to say 'bon voyage', 'bon' is masculine because 'voyage' is masculine. This distinction is vital for B1 learners to master. Furthermore, bonne route is often preceded by 'allez' or 'bon' (as in 'bon, bonne route') to signal the end of the conversation.

Allez, il commence à faire nuit, bonne route et surtout soyez prudents avec le verglas.

Translation: Come on, it's starting to get dark, have a safe drive and especially be careful with the black ice.

In more complex sentence structures, you might find it used to describe the quality of a trip already taken, though this is less common. For example, "On a fait bonne route" means "We had a good trip/the drive went well." This usage shifts the phrase from a wish to a statement of fact. However, for most learners, focusing on the imperative/wish form is the priority.

On vous souhaite une bonne route jusqu'à Marseille, profitez bien du soleil !

You can also modify the phrase to add emphasis or specific instructions. For instance, "Bonne route et bon courage pour les bouchons" (Good trip and good luck with the traffic jams). This shows how the phrase acts as a foundation for broader travel-related well-wishing. It is also common to pair it with 'prudence', as in "Bonne route, prudence !"

Regional Usage: In some parts of Switzerland or Belgium, you might hear slight variations, but 'bonne route' remains the standard across the Francophonie.

N'oubliez pas de faire une pause toutes les deux heures, bonne route.

If you are traveling through France, bonne route will become one of the most frequent phrases you encounter. It is the soundtrack of the French highway system. One of the most common places to hear it is at the 'péage' (toll booth) or the 'aire d'autoroute' (rest area). After paying for your toll or buying a 'petit noir' (espresso) at a gas station, the employee will almost invariably say, "Merci, bonne route !" as they hand you your receipt or change. It is a professional courtesy that acknowledges your status as a traveler.

The Toll Booth: The classic exchange: "Ça fera douze euros soixante, s'il vous plaît." "Voilà." "Merci, bonne route !"
GPS and Navigation: Some older GPS systems or mobile apps in French might conclude their route summary with a synthesized "Bonne route."

Beyond the highway, you'll hear it in domestic settings. Imagine a Sunday family lunch in a small village. As the cousins from the city pack their bags into the trunk and prepare for the three-hour drive back to Paris, the grandparents will stand on the doorstep, waving and calling out, "Bonne route, les enfants ! Appelez-nous quand vous serez arrivés !" It is a phrase associated with the bittersweet moment of departure and the concern for the safety of loved ones.

Le pompiste m'a dit bonne route avec un grand sourire après avoir vérifié mes pneus.

Translation: The gas station attendant said 'have a safe drive' with a big smile after checking my tires.

Radio stations like 'Autoroute INFO' (107.7 FM in France) use this phrase constantly. Between traffic updates about 'bouchons' (jams) and 'travaux' (roadworks), the presenters will wish their listeners a bonne route. It creates a sense of community among the thousands of drivers listening in their cars. You might also see it on digital overhead signs on the motorway, especially during holiday weekends, paired with safety messages about keeping a safe distance or taking breaks.

À la radio, l'animateur a conclu le flash info trafic par un chaleureux « bonne route à tous ».

In literature and film, the phrase often punctuates the beginning of a journey that the audience knows will be significant. It marks the transition from the safety of the 'home' space to the unpredictability of the 'road'. Whether it's a romantic getaway or a tense thriller, bonne route is the last normal thing said before the plot advances.

Professional Context: Delivery drivers (livreurs) and truck drivers (routiers) hear and say this dozens of times a day. It is the professional 'have a nice day'.

While bonne route seems straightforward, English speakers often fall into several traps. The first and most frequent is the gender agreement error. In English, 'good' is invariable. In French, you must remember that 'route' is feminine. Saying "Bon route" (masculine) is a very common beginner mistake that sounds jarring to a native ear. It's a small detail, but it's a marker of your level of French. Always think 'la route' -> 'bonne route'.

Gender Mismatch: Incorrect: *Bon route. Correct: Bonne route. (Remember: 'route' is feminine).
Misuse of 'Bon Voyage': Using 'bon voyage' for a 20-minute drive across town. It sounds overly dramatic or slightly sarcastic.

Another common mistake is confusing bonne route with bon voyage. While they are related, they are not interchangeable. Bon voyage is for 'travel' in a general sense—usually involving significant distance, a change of country, or a vacation. If your friend is just driving home after dinner, bon voyage sounds far too grand. Use bonne route for these everyday driving scenarios. Conversely, if someone is flying to Japan, bonne route is technically incorrect because there is no 'road' involved in a flight.

Ne dites pas « bon voyage » si quelqu'un prend simplement sa voiture pour rentrer chez lui.

Explanation: Don't say 'bon voyage' if someone is just taking their car to go home; use 'bonne route' instead.

Learners also sometimes try to translate "drive safe" literally as "conduisez sauf" or "roulez sauf". This is incorrect and confusing in French. While you can say "roulez prudemment" (drive prudently), the most natural and common way to express the sentiment of 'drive safe' is simply bonne route. It encompasses both the wish for a good journey and the wish for safety.

Attention à la confusion avec « bonne journée » ; on utilise 'bonne route' spécifiquement pour le trajet.

Finally, watch out for the timing. Bonne route is a parting wish. If you say it to someone who has just arrived at your house after a long drive, they will be very confused—they might think you are telling them to leave immediately! For someone who has just arrived, you should say "Vous avez fait bonne route ?" (Did the drive go well?) or "Le trajet s'est bien passé ?" (Did the journey go well?).

Timing Error: Saying 'Bonne route' as a greeting upon arrival. It is strictly a farewell for departure.

To truly master French, you need to know when to use bonne route and when to opt for a synonym or a more specific alternative. The choice depends entirely on the mode of transport, the distance, and the level of concern you have for the traveler. Let's compare bonne route with its closest cousins in the French lexicon of departures.

Bonne route vs. Bon voyage: Bonne route is for driving/cycling/land travel. Bon voyage is for longer trips, flights, or vacations. You wouldn't say 'bon voyage' to someone going to the supermarket, but you could say 'bonne route' if the supermarket is in the next town.
Bonne route vs. Soyez prudent: Bonne route is a general wish. Soyez prudent (Be careful) or Prudence sur la route explicitly focuses on safety, often used when weather conditions are bad.

If the person is taking a train, bonne route is technically incorrect because a train travels on a 'voie' (track), not a 'route'. In this case, you would say "Bon voyage" or simply "Bon trajet". If they are walking, you might say "Bonne marche" (though this is rare) or just "Bonne fin de journée". The specificity of bonne route to wheeled transport is its defining feature.

Pour un trajet en train, préférez « bon voyage » ou « bon trajet » à « bonne route ».

Translation: For a train journey, prefer 'bon voyage' or 'bon trajet' over 'bonne route'.

Another alternative is roulez bien. This is more informal and literally means "drive well". It's something you might say to a close friend. You could also say "rentre bien" (get home safely) if the person is driving back to their house. This is very common in social settings after a party or dinner. Rentre bien focuses on the destination, while bonne route focuses on the journey itself.

Il est tard, rentre bien et fais attention aux radars !

In a professional logistics context, you might hear "Bonne livraison" (Good delivery) or "Bonne vacation" (Good shift). But even in these cases, bonne route remains the most versatile and widely used term for anyone behind a steering wheel. It is the gold standard of French travel etiquette.

Summary of Alternatives: 1. Bon voyage (Long trips) 2. Rentre bien (Going home) 3. Prudence (Safety focus) 4. Bon trajet (Generic journey).

How Formal Is It?

Wusstest du?

The word 'route' shares the same origin as 'rupture' and 'abrupt', because a road was originally seen as a 'break' in the natural landscape.

Aussprachehilfe

UK /bɔn ʁut/

US /bɔn ɹut/

The stress is equal on both words, with a slight rise at the end of 'route' if it's an exclamation.

Reimt sich auf

toute doute goutte voûte croûte écoute ajoute coûte

Häufige Fehler

Pronouncing 'bonne' like 'bone' (it should be short 'bon').
Failing to pronounce the 'n' in 'bonne'.
Pronouncing 'route' like 'root' with an English 'r'.
Making the 'ou' sound too much like 'u'.
Dropping the final 't' sound in 'route'.

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Lesen 1/5

Very easy to recognize in text as it is a short, common phrase.

Schreiben 2/5

Requires remembering the feminine 'e' on 'bonne'.

Sprechen 2/5

Requires mastering the French 'r' and the open 'o' sound.

Hören 1/5

Easily identified even in fast speech due to its frequency.

Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest

Voraussetzungen

bon bonne route merci au revoir

Als Nächstes lernen

bon voyage bon trajet prudence conduire voiture

Fortgeschritten

périple itinéraire péripéties transports en commun sécurité routière

Wichtige Grammatik

Adjective Agreement (Feminine)

La route est bonne. (Route is feminine, so 'bon' becomes 'bonne').

Omission of Articles in Exclamations

Bonne route ! (No 'une' needed in the short form).

Direct Object with 'Souhaiter'

Je vous souhaite une bonne route. (Une bonne route is the direct object).

Compound Nouns with 'de'

Le code de la route. (Using 'de' to link nouns).

Imperative Mood for Advice

Faites bonne route ! (Using the 'vous' form of the imperative).

Registriere dich kostenlos für die vollständige Erklärung

Beispiele nach Niveau

Au revoir, bonne route !

Goodbye, have a safe drive!

Simple interjection used at departure.

Merci, bonne route à vous aussi.

Thank you, safe travels to you too.

Adding 'à vous aussi' to return the wish.

Bonne route, maman !

Safe drive, mom!

Informal use with a family member.

Il fait beau, bonne route.

The weather is nice, have a good trip.

Using 'bonne' to match feminine 'route'.

Allez, bonne route !

Go on, have a safe trip!

'Allez' is often used to start the farewell.

Bonne route et à bientôt.

Safe travels and see you soon.

Combining two common farewells.

C'est par là, bonne route.

It's that way, have a safe drive.

Used after giving directions.

Bonne route, sois prudent.

Safe drive, be careful.

'Prudent' adds a wish for safety.

Je vous souhaite une bonne route.

I wish you a safe journey.

More formal structure with 'souhaiter'.

Faites attention et bonne route !

Pay attention and have a safe drive!

Using the imperative 'faites attention'.

Bonne route jusqu'à Paris.

Have a safe drive all the way to Paris.

'Jusqu'à' indicates the destination.

On vous dit au revoir et bonne route.

We say goodbye and have a safe trip.

Using 'on' as 'we' in a common expression.

Merci pour la visite, bonne route.

Thanks for the visit, have a safe drive.

Used after thanking someone.

Il y a du monde, alors bonne route.

It's crowded (traffic), so have a safe drive.

'Du monde' refers to traffic here.

Bonne route, appelez-nous en arrivant.

Safe drive, call us when you arrive.

Common social request following the wish.

Prenez votre temps et bonne route.

Take your time and have a safe journey.

Encouraging safety over speed.

Nous avons fait bonne route malgré la pluie.

We had a good drive despite the rain.

Using 'faire bonne route' to describe a completed trip.

Le garagiste m'a souhaité une bonne route.

The mechanic wished me a safe drive.

Reporting what someone else said.

Bonne route, j'espère que vous n'aurez pas de bouchons.

Safe drive, I hope you won't have any traffic jams.

'Bouchons' is the common word for traffic jams.

C'est une longue distance, alors bonne route.

It's a long distance, so have a safe journey.

Linking the wish to the difficulty of the task.

On a hâte de vous voir, bonne route !

We can't wait to see you, safe drive!

Expressing anticipation before the journey.

Bonne route, n'oubliez pas de faire des pauses.

Safe drive, don't forget to take breaks.

Giving advice along with the wish.

Est-ce que vous avez fait bonne route ?

Did you have a good drive?

Interrogative form used upon arrival.

Je vous souhaite une bonne route et beaucoup de prudence.

I wish you a safe drive and a lot of caution.

Formal and emphasizes safety.

Malgré les travaux, j'espère que vous ferez bonne route.

Despite the roadworks, I hope you'll have a good drive.

Using the future tense of 'faire bonne route'.

Toute l'équipe vous souhaite une excellente route.

The whole team wishes you an excellent journey.

Using 'excellente' for emphasis in a professional context.

Bonne route, et que le sort vous soit favorable !

Safe journey, and may fate be kind to you!

A slightly more literary or humorous addition.

Assurez-vous d'avoir assez d'essence, et bonne route.

Make sure you have enough gas, and have a safe drive.

Practical advice preceding the farewell.

La radio a annoncé une bonne route pour les départs en vacances.

The radio announced smooth travel for holiday departures.

Using the phrase as a noun phrase meaning 'smooth traffic'.

Bonne route à tous ceux qui nous écoutent sur le 107.7.

Safe drive to all those listening to us on 107.7.

Standard phrase for French highway radio.

Si vous passez par la montagne, bonne route et soyez vigilants.

If you go through the mountains, safe drive and be vigilant.

Conditional structure 'si... alors'.

Elle nous a lancé un 'bonne route' avant de disparaître au tournant.

She threw us a 'safe drive' before disappearing around the bend.

Using the phrase as a quoted noun.

Souhaiter 'bonne route' est un automatisme social en France.

Wishing 'bonne route' is a social reflex in France.

Analyzing the phrase as a sociological phenomenon.

Il est impératif de faire bonne route pour arriver à l'heure au colloque.

It is imperative to have a smooth journey to arrive on time for the conference.

Formal context using 'faire bonne route'.

Que vous preniez l'autoroute ou les nationales, je vous souhaite bonne route.

Whether you take the highway or the national roads, I wish you a safe journey.

Subjunctive 'preniez' used for 'whether... or'.

Le départ fut marqué par un laconique 'bonne route'.

The departure was marked by a laconic 'safe drive'.

Literary description of a conversation.

Rien ne vaut une bonne route dégagée pour apprécier le paysage.

Nothing beats a good clear road to appreciate the landscape.

Using 'bonne route' literally as a 'good road'.

Bonne route, et puisse le vent vous porter !

Safe journey, and may the wind carry you!

Poetic/archaic phrasing with 'puisse'.

L'expression 'bonne route' occulte souvent les dangers réels de la conduite.

The expression 'bonne route' often hides the real dangers of driving.

Critical analysis of the phrase's usage.

En vous souhaitant une bonne route, je vous remets ces documents.

While wishing you a safe journey, I am handing you these documents.

Using the present participle 'en souhaitant'.

L'insouciance du 'bonne route' contrastait avec la grisaille du ciel.

The carefreeness of the 'safe drive' wish contrasted with the grayness of the sky.

Abstract noun usage of the entire phrase.

On ne saurait trop recommander de faire bonne route en respectant les limitations.

One cannot recommend enough having a safe journey by respecting speed limits.

High-level 'on ne saurait trop' construction.

Ce 'bonne route' résonnait comme un adieu définitif.

That 'safe drive' resonated like a final goodbye.

Symbolic interpretation of the phrase.

Il convient de souhaiter bonne route à ceux qui s'aventurent dans l'inconnu.

It is fitting to wish a safe journey to those venturing into the unknown.

Formal 'il convient de' construction.

Au-delà de la simple politesse, 'bonne route' est un vœu de préservation.

Beyond simple politeness, 'bonne route' is a wish for preservation.

Philosophical definition of the expression.

Sous ses airs de banalité, 'bonne route' est le garant du lien social itinérant.

Under its appearance of banality, 'bonne route' is the guarantor of the itinerant social bond.

Sophisticated metaphorical analysis.

Puissiez-vous faire bonne route à travers les méandres de l'existence.

May you have a good journey through the twists and turns of existence.

Deeply metaphorical and formal use.

Le rituel du 'bonne route' ponctue la fin de chaque escale.

The ritual of 'bonne route' punctuates the end of every stopover.

Using the phrase to describe a cultural pattern.

Häufige Kollokationen

Faire bonne route

Souhaiter une bonne route

Une très bonne route

Bonne route à tous

Bonne route et prudence

Continuer sa route

En route

Route nationale

Bord de route

Sortie de route

Häufige Phrasen

Allez, bonne route !

— A very common way to end a conversation as someone is leaving.

Allez, bonne route, on s'appelle demain !

Je vous souhaite une bonne route.

— The full, polite version of the wish.

Merci pour votre visite, je vous souhaite une bonne route.

Bonne route et bon courage !

— Used when the journey is expected to be difficult (traffic, long distance).

Bonne route et bon courage pour les bouchons à Paris.

Faites bonne route.

— Another way to say 'have a good trip'.

Faites bonne route et profitez bien de vos vacances.

Bonne route, rentrez bien.

— A combination wish for the journey and the safe arrival home.

Bonne route, rentrez bien, et merci encore.

On a fait bonne route.

— Stating that the trip went well after arriving.

On a fait bonne route, on est arrivés plus tôt que prévu.

Bonne route à vous deux.

— Wishing a safe trip to a couple or two people.

Salut les amis, bonne route à vous deux !

Bonne route, sois vigilant.

— A wish combined with a warning to stay alert.

Bonne route, sois vigilant avec cette pluie.

Une bonne route dégagée.

— Referring to a road with no traffic.

J'espère que vous aurez une bonne route dégagée.

Bonne route, à la prochaine !

— Safe travels, until next time!

Bonne route, à la prochaine fois j'espère.

Wird oft verwechselt mit

bonne route vs Bon voyage

Used for long distances or vacations, not usually for a short drive.

bonne route vs Bon trajet

More technical, used for commuting or train/bus rides.

bonne route vs Bonne journée

A general 'have a good day', not specific to travel.

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"Faire fausse route"

— To be on the wrong track or to be mistaken about something.

Si tu penses qu'il va t'aider, tu fais fausse route.

Neutral

"En route !"

— Let's go! / We're off!

Tout le monde est prêt ? En route !

Neutral

"Se mettre en route"

— To set off or to start a journey.

Il est temps de se mettre en route si on veut arriver avant la nuit.

Neutral

"Être en route"

— To be on the way.

Ne t'inquiète pas, je suis déjà en route.

Neutral

"Tracer sa route"

— To go one's own way or to move forward with determination.

Elle a décidé de tracer sa route sans l'aide de personne.

Informal

"Barrage de route"

— A roadblock (can be literal or figurative).

Il y a un barrage de route à cause de la manifestation.

Neutral

"La route est longue"

— There is still a lot of work to do or a long way to go (figurative).

La route est encore longue avant d'atteindre l'égalité parfaite.

Neutral

"Faire de la route"

— To drive a long distance.

On a fait beaucoup de route aujourd'hui, je suis fatigué.

Neutral

"Prendre la route"

— To hit the road / to start driving.

On prend la route demain à l'aube.

Neutral

"Route de secours"

— An emergency or alternative route.

En cas de problème, il y a toujours une route de secours.

Neutral

Leicht verwechselbar

bonne route vs Route

Often confused with 'chemin' or 'rue'.

Route is for main roads and highways; rue is for city streets; chemin is for paths or tracks.

La route nationale est plus rapide que le petit chemin.

bonne route vs Voyage

English speakers use 'trip' for both short and long journeys.

Voyage implies a significant trip or vacation; route focuses on the road journey itself.

Bon voyage en Italie ! vs Bonne route jusqu'à Lyon !

bonne route vs Trajet

Both refer to the journey.

Trajet is the abstract distance or path; route is the physical road.

Le trajet dure trois heures par la route.

bonne route vs Voie

Both mean 'way' or 'path'.

Voie is used for train tracks (voie ferrée) or metaphorical paths; route is for cars.

Le train arrive sur la voie 4.

bonne route vs Rue

Both are paved ways.

Rue is in a town/city with houses; route is between towns.

J'habite dans cette rue, mais je prends la route pour aller au travail.

Satzmuster

[Exclamation] !

Bonne route !

Je vous souhaite [Expression].

Je vous souhaite une bonne route.

On a fait [Expression].

On a fait bonne route.

[Expression] à [Person].

Bonne route à toi !

J'espère que vous ferez [Expression].

J'espère que vous ferez bonne route.

[Expression] malgré [Obstacle].

Bonne route malgré les bouchons.

En vous souhaitant [Expression]...

En vous souhaitant une bonne route, je vous dis à bientôt.

Que [Expression] vous accompagne.

Que la bonne route vous accompagne tout au long du voyage.

Wortfamilie

Substantive

routier (truck driver)

routage (routing)

autoroute (highway)

itinéraire (itinerary)

Verben

router (to route)

dérouter (to divert/confuse)

aiguiller (to direct)

Adjektive

routier (related to roads)

autoroutier (related to highways)

Verwandt

chemin

sentier

voie

trajet

voyage

Registriere dich kostenlos, um alle Beispiele zu sehen

So verwendest du es

frequency

Extremely high in daily French life, especially during weekends and holidays.

Häufige Fehler

Bon route ! → Bonne route !
The noun 'route' is feminine, so the adjective 'bon' must be in its feminine form 'bonne'.
Using it for a plane trip. → Bon voyage !
A plane doesn't fly on a 'route' (road) in the French sense. 'Bon voyage' is for air travel.
Saying it when someone arrives. → Vous avez fait bonne route ?
'Bonne route !' is a wish for the future. For the past, ask if the trip went well.
Confusing 'route' and 'rue'. → Bonne route !
You don't say 'Bonne rue'. 'Route' refers to the journey/road network.
Translating 'Drive safe' as 'Conduisez sauf'. → Bonne route !
'Sauf' means 'except' or 'safe' in a different context. 'Bonne route' is the natural way to say 'drive safe'.

Tipps

Gender Agreement

Always remember that 'route' is feminine. Use 'bonne' with two Ns and an E. This is the most important grammatical rule for this phrase.

Service Politeness

When leaving a gas station or toll booth in France, saying 'Merci, bonne route' back to the attendant is a sign of great manners.

Vehicle Specificity

Keep this phrase for cars, buses, bikes, and motorcycles. Avoid using it for boats or planes where 'Bon voyage' is the standard.

Adding Concern

If the weather is bad, pair 'Bonne route' with 'Soyez prudent' to show you care about the person's safety.

Verb Pairing

Use the verb 'souhaiter' (to wish) for a full sentence: 'Je vous souhaite une bonne route'.

The French R

Practice the 'r' in 'route' by making a slight gargling sound in the back of your throat. Don't use the English 'r'.

Holiday Season

During the summer 'grands départs', you will see 'Bonne route' on digital signs everywhere. It's a national theme!

The 'Allez' Opener

Start with 'Allez...' to signal you're finishing the conversation: 'Allez, bonne route !'

Life Paths

You can use it for someone starting a new job to sound poetic: 'Bonne route dans tes nouvelles fonctions'.

Radio 107.7

If you drive in France, tune into 107.7 FM. You will hear 'Bonne route' every few minutes between songs.

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Think of 'Bonne' as 'Bunny' and 'Route' as 'Root'. Imagine a lucky bunny hopping along a tree root to find its way home safely. 'Bunny-Root' -> 'Bonne Route'!

Visuelle Assoziation

Visualize a bright green 'GO' sign on a smooth, sunny asphalt road that stretches forever into the horizon.

Word Web

Voiture Asphalte Sécurité Voyage Vitesse Prudence Péage Essence

Herausforderung

Try saying 'Bonne route' to three different people this week: a delivery driver, a friend leaving your house, and yourself before you start your commute.

Wortherkunft

From the Old French 'route', which comes from the Vulgar Latin 'rupta (via)', meaning 'a broken way' or a path forced through a forest or terrain.

Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: A path or way that has been 'broken' or cleared through the wilderness.

Indo-European > Italic > Romance > French

Kultureller Kontext

There are no major sensitivities, but avoid saying it to someone who has just had a car accident.

English speakers often say 'Safe travels' or 'Drive safe'. 'Bonne route' is the direct functional equivalent of 'Drive safe'.

The song 'Nationale 7' by Charles Trenet celebrates the road. The film 'Nationale 7' (2000) explores life along the highway. The radio station 'Autoroute INFO' uses the phrase as a signature.

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

At a Gas Station

Le plein, s'il vous plaît.
Où sont les toilettes ?
Merci, bonne route !
Combien je vous dois ?

Leaving a Friend's House

Merci pour tout.
On se rappelle.
Bonne route, rentre bien !
À la prochaine.

At a Toll Booth

C'est combien ?
Je peux payer par carte ?
Bonne route !
Gardez le ticket.

Giving Directions

Prenez à droite.
C'est tout droit.
Vous y êtes presque.
Bonne route !

On the Radio

Flash info trafic.
Bouchons sur l'A7.
Soyez prudents.
Bonne route à tous.

Gesprächseinstiege

"Vous avez fait bonne route pour venir jusqu'ici ?"

"Est-ce que la route était dégagée ce matin ?"

"Vous reprenez la route tout de suite ou vous restez un peu ?"

"Je vous souhaite une bonne route, vous allez vers où ?"

"On m'a dit qu'il y avait des travaux, alors bonne route !"

Tagebuch-Impulse

Décrivez un moment où quelqu'un vous a souhaité 'bonne route' et comment vous vous êtes senti.

Imaginez votre voyage idéal en voiture à travers la France. Par où passeriez-vous ?

Pourquoi est-il important d'être poli avec les gens que l'on croise sur la route ?

Racontez une fois où vous n'avez pas fait 'bonne route' à cause d'un problème.

Que signifie pour vous l'expression 'tracer sa route' dans la vie ?

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

Technically, no. 'Route' refers to a road for cars or bikes. For a train, it is better to say 'Bon voyage' or 'Bon trajet'. Using 'bonne route' for a train journey sounds slightly incorrect to native speakers.

No, 'bon route' is always grammatically incorrect because 'route' is a feminine noun. You must always use the feminine adjective 'bonne'. This is a very common mistake for learners to avoid.

The best time is right as someone is about to leave. For example, when they have their car keys in hand or are already sitting in the driver's seat. It is a parting wish, not a greeting.

It is unusual. For someone walking, you would usually say 'Bonne promenade' (if they are walking for fun) or just 'Bonne fin de journée'. 'Bonne route' implies a vehicle and a road.

'Bonne route' is a general pleasantry like 'have a good drive'. 'Roulez prudemment' is a specific instruction to 'drive carefully', often used when the speaker is worried about safety or bad weather.

It is neutral. You can say it to a friend, a family member, or a stranger (like a gas station attendant). To make it more formal, you can say 'Je vous souhaite une bonne route'.

Yes, occasionally it is used to wish someone success in a new life chapter or career, similar to 'good luck on your new path'. However, its literal use for driving is much more common.

You can say 'Merci !' or 'Merci, vous aussi !' (if they are also traveling) or 'Merci, à bientôt !'. It's a simple exchange of politeness.

Almost! It is a very standard social reflex. If someone knows you are about to drive a significant distance, they will almost always say it.

Yes, it is widely understood and used in France, Belgium, Switzerland, Canada, and Francophone Africa with the same meaning.

Registriere dich kostenlos für Tipps & Notizen