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B1 noun 6 min read

volets

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips volets in 30 Seconds

Explanation volets in your Level:

At the A1 level, you just need to know that 'les volets' are the things on the outside of a window that you close at night. You should learn the simple phrase 'Fermer les volets' (To close the shutters) and 'Ouvrir les volets' (To open the shutters). You might see them in pictures of pretty French houses. They are usually blue, green, or white. Remember that the 's' at the end is silent. You use them to sleep in the dark. It is a very basic word for the house.

At the A2 level, you can start describing your house or an apartment. You can say 'Ma maison a des volets bleus' (My house has blue shutters). You should know the difference between 'volets' and 'rideaux' (curtains). You might also learn 'volets roulants', which are the modern shutters that roll up and down with a button. You can use this word when talking about your morning routine: 'Le matin, j'ouvre les volets et je regarde le soleil.'

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'volets' in various domestic contexts. You understand that shutters are important for insulation (keeping the house cool in summer and warm in winter). You might also encounter the figurative meaning for the first time in simple news articles, such as 'le volet social d'un projet'. You should know related verbs like 'entrebâiller' (to leave ajar) and adjectives like 'électrique' or 'manuel'. You are starting to see how 'volet' can represent a 'part' of a larger plan.

At the B2 level, you should use 'volet' frequently in its figurative sense. When discussing social issues, politics, or economy, you use 'volet' to distinguish between different parts of a topic. For example, 'Nous devons examiner le volet environnemental de cette décision.' You also understand more technical terms like 'persiennes' or 'contre-vents'. You can describe the architectural style of a region by mentioning the type and color of the shutters used. Your pronunciation should be perfect, avoiding the 't' sound.

At the C1 level, the word 'volet' becomes a precise tool for structuring complex arguments. You use it to break down a multi-faceted analysis: 'Ce dossier comporte trois volets : juridique, financier et humain.' You understand the nuance of using 'volet' versus 'partie'—'volet' often implies a structured, official component of a formal document or plan. You are also aware of literary uses, perhaps in descriptions of French villages where shutters represent the 'eyes' of a house or the privacy of its inhabitants.

At the C2 level, you have complete mastery. You recognize the etymological roots (from 'voler', to fly) and how it relates to the 'wings' of a triptych. You can use the word in high-level administrative, legal, and literary contexts without hesitation. You might use it metaphorically in creative writing to describe layers of a personality or stages of a historical event. You understand regional variations in shutter types across the Francophone world and their socio-economic implications in urban planning.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

volets in 30 Seconds

Volets are functional window shutters essential in French daily life for privacy and insulation.
The word frequently appears in news and politics to mean a 'section' or 'component' of a plan.
Commonly paired with verbs like 'ouvrir' (open) and 'fermer' (close); it is a masculine noun.
Essential for B1 learners to distinguish from 'rideaux' (curtains) and 'stores' (blinds).

The French word volets primarily refers to window shutters. Unlike in many modern English-speaking suburbs where shutters are purely decorative plastic slats screwed to the siding, French volets are functional, heavy, and integral to daily life. They are usually made of wood, metal, or PVC and are designed to be closed every single night and opened every morning. This ritual is a cornerstone of French domestic culture, signifying the beginning and end of the day. The word comes from the verb voler (to fly), originally referring to something that flaps or moves like a wing.

Literal Meaning: Physical panels used to block light, provide security, and insulate windows from heat or cold.
Figurative Meaning: A specific part, section, or component of a larger project, law, or multifaceted plan (e.g., the 'social component' of a reform).

Chaque soir, ma grand-mère ferme soigneusement les volets en bois pour garder la chaleur à l'intérieur de la maison.

In a physical sense, you will encounter volets battants (swinging shutters) in traditional villages, often painted in pastel blues, greens, or lavender. In modern apartments, you are more likely to see volets roulants (roller shutters), which are operated by a crank or an electric button. Beyond the home, the term is ubiquitous in administration and politics. When the government announces a new plan, they will describe the volet économique (economic part) and the volet environnemental (environmental part). This dual usage makes it a vital word for both B1 learners navigating daily life and C1 learners reading Le Monde.

Le nouveau projet de loi comporte un volet important sur la protection des océans.

Daily Ritual: Opening the shutters (ouvrir les volets) is a symbol of hospitality and being awake; keeping them closed during the day often implies the residents are away or it is exceptionally hot.

Using volets correctly involves understanding its role as a countable noun and its common verb pairings. Most often, you will use it in the plural because windows typically have two panels, or a house has many. The most common verbs are ouvrir (to open) and fermer (to close). However, for more nuance, you can use entrebâiller (to leave slightly ajar), which is perfect for letting in a breeze while maintaining privacy.

Common Verbs: Fermer (close), Ouvrir (open), Peindre (paint), Réparer (repair), Baisser (lower - for roller shutters), Lever (raise - for roller shutters).

Il a oublié de fermer les volets avant de partir en vacances.

When talking about the 'sections' of a project, the word is often singular. You would say 'le premier volet de la trilogie' (the first part of the trilogy). This usage is very common in professional settings. For example, in a business meeting, you might say, 'Passons maintenant au volet financier' (Let's move on to the financial section). It acts as a synonym for partie or section but sounds more structured and professional.

Les volets roulants sont bloqués à cause du gel ce matin.

Adjective Agreement: Because 'volets' is masculine plural, ensure your adjectives end in -s (e.g., verts, anciens, automatiques).

You will hear volets in three main contexts in France. First, in everyday domestic life. If you stay with a French family, you'll hear 'Tu peux fermer les volets ?' every evening. Second, in real estate listings. A 'maison avec volets en bois' is a selling point for those seeking charm, while 'volets électriques' is a selling point for those seeking comfort. Third, and perhaps most surprisingly for learners, you will hear it constantly on the news (le JT - Journal Télévisé).

Le ministre a présenté le second volet du plan de relance économique.

In news broadcasts, journalists use volet to categorize complex information. They might say, 'Concernant le volet judiciaire de l'affaire...' (Regarding the judicial aspect of the case...). This makes the word essential for understanding French media. You will also hear it in weather reports, especially during storms: 'Pensez à bien attacher vos volets' (Remember to secure your shutters), as high winds can rip swinging shutters off their hinges.

News Vocabulary: Volet social (social aspect), Volet sécuritaire (security aspect), Volet fiscal (tax aspect).

The most frequent mistake English speakers make is confusing volets with rideaux (curtains) or stores (blinds). While all three cover windows, they are distinct. Rideaux are made of fabric and hang inside. Stores are usually thin slats (Venetian blinds) or fabric rollers, also usually inside. Volets are almost always external, rigid, and offer much more protection and light blockage. If you tell a French person you closed the 'rideaux' when you meant 'volets', they will think the room is still quite bright.

Attention : ne confondez pas les volets (extérieurs) et les rideaux (intérieurs).

Another mistake is the pronunciation. The final 's' is silent, and the 't' is also silent. It sounds like 'vo-lay'. Many beginners try to pronounce the 't', which makes it sound like 'violet' (the color/flower), leading to confusion. Additionally, learners often forget that volet can mean a 'part' of something. If you only know the 'shutter' definition, hearing a news report about the 'volet diplomatique' of a war will be very confusing.

False Friend Alert: Do not confuse 'volet' with 'wallet' (portefeuille) or 'volley' (as in volleyball).

Depending on the region of France or the specific type of window covering, you might use different words. Persiennes are a specific type of shutter with slanted slats that allow light and air to pass through even when closed. Jalousies are similar to Venetian blinds but often more permanent and external. In some technical or architectural contexts, you might hear contre-vents, which specifically refers to the heavy exterior wooden panels used to protect against wind.

Persiennes vs. Volets: Persiennes have slats (lames) for ventilation; volets are usually solid panels (pleins).
Stores vs. Volets: Stores are often interior and made of lighter materials; volets are exterior and heavy.

Dans les vieux appartements parisiens, on trouve souvent des persiennes en métal plutôt que des volets en bois.

For the figurative meaning (part/section), you can use partie, section, phase, or élément. However, volet implies that the part is one of several folded components that make up a whole, like a triptych painting (which is actually where this figurative meaning originated). If you are talking about a book or movie series, tome (for books) or opus (for art/music/movies) are also good alternatives.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"Nous entamons le second volet de notre étude de marché."

Neutral

"Il est temps de fermer les volets."

Informal

"T'as vu la couleur de ses volets ? C'est moche !"

Child friendly

"Le petit oiseau s'est caché derrière le volet."

Slang

"Il vit volets clos, ce mec est trop bizarre."

Fun Fact

The figurative meaning of 'volet' as a 'part' comes from art history, specifically triptychs (three-paneled paintings) where the side panels are called 'volets'. When you open or close them, you reveal a different 'part' of the artwork.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /vɔ.lɛ/

US /voʊ.leɪ/

The stress is equal on both syllables, as is typical in French, though the final 'e' sound is slightly more emphasized in speech.

Rhymes With

poulet (chicken) ballet (ballet) billet (ticket) chalet (chalet) filet (fillet) gilet (vest) valet (valet) reflet (reflection)

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 't' (making it sound like 'violet').
Pronouncing the 's' at the end.
Confusing the 'o' sound with 'ou' (making it sound like 'voulay').
Making the first syllable too long like 'voh-lay'.
Stress on the first syllable like English 'VO-lay'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize in context, though the figurative meaning requires B1+ level.

Writing 3/5

Simple spelling, but remembering the silent 's' and 't' is key.

Speaking 3/5

Pronunciation is tricky due to the silent letters and the vowel sound.

Listening 2/5

Clear sound, but can be confused with 'violet' if not careful.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

fenêtre maison fermer ouvrir bois

Learn Next

rideau store façade toit serrure

Advanced

triptyque échappatoire panoramique isolation domotique

Grammar to Know

Plural of nouns ending in -et

Un volet -> Des volets (just add -s).

Masculine adjective agreement

Les volets sont verts (not vertes).

Using 'en' for materials

Des volets en bois, des volets en fer.

Position of adjectives

Les volets roulants (after the noun).

Silent final consonants

Volet (t is silent), Volets (s is silent).

Examples by Level

J'ouvre les volets.

I open the shutters.

Subject + Verb + Article + Noun.

Les volets sont bleus.

The shutters are blue.

Plural agreement: volets (m. pl.) + bleus (m. pl.).

Ferme les volets, s'il te plaît.

Close the shutters, please.

Imperative mood (command).

Il y a deux volets.

There are two shutters.

Using 'il y a' with a number.

Ma maison n'a pas de volets.

My house doesn't have shutters.

Negative 'pas de' before a noun.

Les volets sont en bois.

The shutters are made of wood.

'En' indicates material.

Où sont les volets ?

Where are the shutters?

Question with 'où'.

Le volet est cassé.

The shutter is broken.

Singular usage.

Il fait noir car les volets sont fermés.

It is dark because the shutters are closed.

Cause and effect with 'car'.

Nous peignons les volets chaque été.

We paint the shutters every summer.

Present tense of -er verb 'peindre' (irregular).

Elle préfère les volets roulants électriques.

She prefers electric roller shutters.

Compound noun 'volets roulants'.

Le vent fait battre les volets.

The wind makes the shutters bang.

Causative construction 'faire + infinitive'.

Il faut ouvrir les volets pour voir le jardin.

One must open the shutters to see the garden.

'Il faut' + infinitive.

Mes volets sont très vieux.

My shutters are very old.

Possessive adjective 'mes'.

Tu peux baisser le volet du salon ?

Can you lower the living room shutter?

Question with 'pouvoir'.

Les volets protègent de la chaleur.

The shutters protect from the heat.

Verb 'protéger' + 'de'.

J'ai laissé les volets entrebâillés pour laisser passer l'air.

I left the shutters ajar to let the air in.

Participle 'entrebâillés' as an adjective.

Le premier volet de ce film était excellent.

The first part of this movie was excellent.

Figurative use meaning 'part/installment'.

Il a installé des volets en PVC pour moins d'entretien.

He installed PVC shutters for less maintenance.

Preposition 'pour' indicating purpose.

Le volet social de la réforme est très critiqué.

The social component of the reform is highly criticized.

Figurative use in a political context.

N'oublie pas de verrouiller les volets avant de dormir.

Don't forget to bolt the shutters before sleeping.

Negative imperative + infinitive.

Les volets de cette maison sont typiques de la Provence.

The shutters of this house are typical of Provence.

Adjective 'typique' + 'de'.

Il y a un problème avec le moteur du volet roulant.

There is a problem with the roller shutter motor.

Noun phrase with multiple complements.

Elle a regardé par la fente du volet.

She looked through the slit in the shutter.

Preposition 'par'.

La loi comprend un volet environnemental ambitieux.

The law includes an ambitious environmental component.

Formal vocabulary 'comprendre' (to include).

Les volets battants donnent du cachet à la façade.

The swinging shutters give character to the facade.

Idiom 'donner du cachet' (to give character).

Il est impératif de fermer les volets pendant la canicule.

It is imperative to close the shutters during the heatwave.

Impersonal construction 'Il est impératif de'.

Ce projet se décline en trois volets distincts.

This project is divided into three distinct parts.

Pronominal verb 'se décliner en'.

Le volet sécuritaire a été renforcé après les incidents.

The security aspect was strengthened after the incidents.

Passive voice 'a été renforcé'.

Malgré les volets clos, on entendait la musique du voisin.

Despite the closed shutters, we could hear the neighbor's music.

Preposition 'malgré' + noun phrase.

On a remplacé les persiennes par des volets pleins.

We replaced the slatted shutters with solid ones.

Replacing 'A' with 'B' (remplacer par).

Le volet financier reste à définir lors de la prochaine réunion.

The financial part remains to be defined during the next meeting.

'Reste à' + infinitive.

L'enquête s'oriente désormais vers le volet criminel de l'affaire.

The investigation is now moving towards the criminal aspect of the case.

Reflexive verb 's'orienter vers'.

Les volets de bois grisés par le temps racontent l'histoire de la demeure.

The wooden shutters, weathered by time, tell the story of the home.

Past participle 'grisés' used as an adjective.

Ce triptyque présente un volet central imposant.

This triptych features an imposing central panel.

Technical art vocabulary.

Le gouvernement a négligé le volet humain de cette crise sanitaire.

The government neglected the human side of this health crisis.

Abstract usage in sociology/politics.

Il a fallu un budget colossal pour le volet logistique de l'événement.

A colossal budget was needed for the logistics part of the event.

Compound past 'Il a fallu'.

Les volets claquaient violemment contre la pierre sous l'effet de la tempête.

The shutters were banging violently against the stone under the force of the storm.

Imperfect tense for description.

Le volet éducatif est le pilier de notre association.

The educational component is the pillar of our association.

Metaphorical 'pilier'.

Elle a entrebâillé le volet, laissant filtrer un rai de lumière dorée.

She cracked the shutter open, letting a ray of golden light filter through.

Literary register 'un rai de lumière'.

L'œuvre s'articule autour d'un volet autobiographique prépondérant.

The work revolves around a predominant autobiographical component.

High-level verb 's'articule autour de'.

L'hermétisme des volets clos suggérait une volonté de repli sur soi.

The hermetic seal of the closed shutters suggested a desire for withdrawal.

Advanced noun 'hermétisme'.

Le volet prospectif de l'étude anticipe les mutations du marché.

The prospective part of the study anticipates market changes.

Technical adjective 'prospectif'.

Chaque volet de sa vie semblait être une pièce d'un puzzle complexe.

Every chapter of his life seemed to be a piece of a complex puzzle.

Metaphorical comparison.

La réfection des volets à l'identique est soumise à l'approbation des Bâtiments de France.

The identical restoration of the shutters is subject to the approval of the Bâtiments de France.

Administrative jargon 'à l'identique'.

L'aspect rébarbatif du volet administratif décourage de nombreux entrepreneurs.

The off-putting nature of the administrative side discourages many entrepreneurs.

Advanced adjective 'rébarbatif'.

Le volet législatif vient parachever l'arsenal juridique contre la fraude.

The legislative component completes the legal arsenal against fraud.

Literary verb 'parachever'.

Sous le volet de la discrétion, il menait une double vie.

Under the guise of discretion, he led a double life.

Idiomatic-style usage.

Common Collocations

fermer les volets

ouvrir les volets

volet roulant

volet battant

volet social

volet financier

volet judiciaire

peindre les volets

entrebailler les volets

volet électrique

Common Phrases

Vivre volets clos

— To live with shutters closed; metaphorically, to live in secrecy or isolation.

Depuis son accident, il vit volets clos.

Le deuxième volet de...

— The second part of a series or plan.

Le deuxième volet de la saga sortira en mai.

Un volet de la loi

— A specific section of a legislative text.

Ce volet de la loi concerne l'éducation.

Battre les volets

— When shutters hit the wall repeatedly due to wind.

Le vent fait battre les volets toute la nuit.

Mettre les volets

— An older expression for closing the shop or house for the night.

Il est tard, il faut mettre les volets.

Derrière les volets

— Being inside, often implies watching secretly.

Les voisins nous observent derrière les volets.

Volet par volet

— Step by step or section by section.

Nous analyserons le contrat volet par volet.

Accrocher les volets

— To secure the shutters so they don't move.

Pense à bien accrocher les volets à cause du vent.

Un volet de mesures

— A set or series of measures.

Le gouvernement a annoncé un nouveau volet de mesures.

Volets en bois

— Traditional wooden shutters.

Les volets en bois isolent mieux que le plastique.

Often Confused With

volets vs rideaux

Rideaux are fabric curtains inside; volets are rigid panels outside.

volets vs stores

Stores are blinds (Venetian or roller), usually lighter than volets.

volets vs violet

Violet is a color/flower; volet is a shutter. Pronunciation is different.

Idioms & Expressions

"Tirer les volets"

— Literally to pull the shutters, but often used to mean 'ending the day' or 'closing up'.

À 20h, le commerçant tire les volets.

neutral

"Vivre les volets fermés"

— To live a very private, almost hidden life.

Elle est très discrète, elle vit les volets fermés.

informal

"Ouvrir un nouveau volet"

— To start a new phase or section of a project.

Nous ouvrons aujourd'hui un nouveau volet de notre recherche.

formal

"Un volet de la discorde"

— A part of a plan that causes disagreement.

Le volet financier est le volet de la discorde.

journalistic

"Frapper aux volets"

— To try to get someone's attention from outside their house.

Il a frappé aux volets pour me réveiller.

neutral

"Le volet de trop"

— The part or installment that makes something too long or redundant.

Ce troisième film était le volet de trop.

informal

"Un volet d'ombre"

— A dark or mysterious part of someone's life/story.

Il reste un volet d'ombre dans son passé.

literary

"Fermer le volet"

— To finish discussing a specific topic.

Fermons le volet sur ce sujet et passons à autre chose.

formal

"Derrière le volet"

— In a hidden manner.

Tout se décide derrière le volet.

informal

"Un volet de fer"

— A very strong or rigid part of a policy.

Le volet de fer de cette politique est la sécurité.

journalistic

Easily Confused

volets vs volet

Double meaning.

One is a physical window covering; the other is a metaphorical part of a plan.

Il ferme le volet (shutter) / Le volet social (section).

volets vs volant

Similar sound and root.

Volant means 'steering wheel' or 'flying'.

Le volant de la voiture.

volets vs valet

Similar sound.

A valet is a servant or a card (Jack).

Le valet de trèfle.

volets vs voile

Starts with 'voi-'.

Voile means 'veil' or 'sail'.

La voile du bateau.

volets vs vallée

Visual similarity.

Vallée means 'valley'.

Une belle vallée.

Sentence Patterns

J'ai des volets [Color].

J'ai des volets verts.

Il faut [Verb] les volets.

Il faut fermer les volets.

C'est le volet [Adjective] du projet.

C'est le volet financier du projet.

Le plan se compose de [Number] volets.

Le plan se compose de deux volets.

À travers les volets [Adjective], on voit...

À travers les volets entrebâillés, on voit la mer.

L'hermétisme des volets évoque...

L'hermétisme des volets évoque le secret.

Les volets permettent de [Infinitive].

Les volets permettent de garder la fraîcheur.

Mes volets sont en [Material].

Mes volets sont en bois.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Very common in both spoken and written French.

Common Mistakes

Using 'rideaux' for exterior shutters. → volets
Rideaux are curtains (fabric, inside).
Pronouncing the 't' in volet. → /vɔ.lɛ/
The 't' is silent.
Saying 'la volet'. → le volet
The word is masculine.
Using 'volet' for a camera shutter. → obturateur
'Volet' is for windows or parts of a plan.
Forgetting to pluralize the adjective. → des volets bleus
Adjectives must agree with the plural noun.

Tips

The Morning Ritual

Opening the shutters is the first thing French people do. It signals to the neighbors that you are up.

Abstract Usage

When reading the news, 'volet' almost always means 'part' or 'aspect'. Look for adjectives like 'social' or 'fiscal'.

Silent Letters

Ignore the 't' and 's'. Think of the English word 'relay' but start with a 'v'.

Regional Colors

In the Basque country, volets are usually red or green. In Provence, they are lavender or light blue.

Peindre les volets

Painting shutters is a common summer chore in France. Use the verb 'peindre'.

Plurality

Since windows usually have two panels, 'volets' is much more common in the plural.

Security

Closing shutters is considered a primary security measure when leaving the house.

Heat Control

In summer, close the shutters during the day to keep the house cool without air conditioning.

Hardware Store

In a DIY store (magasin de bricolage), look for the 'Menuiserie' section to find volets.

Aesthetic

Volets are a favorite subject for travel photographers in France because of their textures and colors.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'Volley' of wind hitting your 'Volets'. When the wind 'flies' (voler), the 'volets' swing.

Visual Association

Imagine a beautiful French cottage with lavender-colored wooden shutters (volets) being opened to let in the sun.

Word Web

Fenêtre Bois Maison Fermer Ouvrir Nuit Lumière Protection

Challenge

Try to describe the shutters on three different houses in your neighborhood using French colors and materials.

Word Origin

Derived from the Old French verb 'voler', which means 'to fly'. This is because shutters were originally light wooden panels that could 'fly' or swing open like wings.

Original meaning: A moving part or a wing-like panel.

Romance (Latin root 'volare').

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities, though in some very poor areas, broken or missing volets can be a sign of urban decay.

In the UK and US, shutters are often just decorative and non-functional. In France, they are essential tools for security and temperature control.

The movie 'Amélie' features scenes with traditional Parisian shutters. Van Gogh's paintings of houses in Arles often showcase the distinct yellow or blue volets of the South. French literature frequently uses 'volets clos' to symbolize mystery or mourning.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At Home

Ferme les volets
Ouvrir les volets
Le volet est bloqué
Baisser le volet

Real Estate

Volets électriques
Volets en bois
Double vitrage et volets
Réfection des volets

Politics/News

Le volet social
Le volet économique
Un plan en trois volets
Le volet environnemental

Architecture

Volets battants
Volets roulants
Persiennes en métal
Style des volets

Weather

Attacher les volets
Le vent bat les volets
Protéger par les volets
Fermer les volets contre la grêle

Conversation Starters

"Préfères-tu les volets traditionnels en bois ou les volets roulants électriques ?"

"De quelle couleur sont les volets de ta maison idéale ?"

"Est-ce qu'on utilise beaucoup de volets dans ton pays d'origine ?"

"À quelle heure ouvres-tu les volets le matin ?"

"Penses-tu que les volets sont importants pour la sécurité d'une maison ?"

Journal Prompts

Décrivez la vue depuis votre fenêtre quand vous ouvrez les volets le matin.

Imaginez une histoire qui se passe derrière des volets toujours clos.

Expliquez les avantages et les inconvénients des volets en bois par rapport au PVC.

Écrivez sur un projet personnel en le divisant en trois 'volets' différents.

Comment la lumière change-t-elle dans votre chambre quand les volets sont entrebâillés ?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

They are designed to protect the glass from wind, hail, and sun, and to provide a thermal buffer before the heat or cold hits the windowpane. In the past, they also provided security against intruders.

No, 'shutter' is not used. You must use 'volet'. For a camera shutter, the word is 'obturateur'.

Not exactly. All persiennes are volets, but not all volets are persiennes. Persiennes have slats (lames) that allow air and light through, whereas standard volets are often solid panels.

You say 'remonter les volets' or 'lever les volets'.

It is a roller shutter that consists of many small horizontal slats that roll into a box above the window.

Yes, it can be used for parts of a literary series, though 'tome' or 'volume' is more common for the physical books themselves.

It means to live with the shutters closed, often implying a reclusive or secretive lifestyle.

It is masculine: un volet, le volet.

In photography, it is 'vitesse d'obturation', not 'vitesse de volet'.

Almost all traditional and modern French houses have them. It is very rare to see a French home without some form of volet.