French expression · updated August 7, 2026

carrefour

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

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

Sketch illustrating the French expression carrefour

Where you'll hear it

Maxime

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

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

Laura

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

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

Maxime

D'accord, et après ?

Okay, and then?

Laura

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

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

Read the full dialogue in the lesson

How it shows up

  1. Tournez à gauche au carrefour.

    Turn left at the intersection.

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

    There's a traffic light at the next crossroads.

  3. Je suis à un carrefour de ma carrière.

    I'm at a crossroads in my career.

Join 33,000+ readers learning French in months not years 🚀

Get a new real French dialogue every week. It's free and you can unsubscribe any time 👇

*Not suitable for absolute beginners

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.