Je m'baladais sur l'avenue

Jacob C.A2Kwiziq community member

Je m'baladais sur l'avenue

In the song "Aux Champs-Élysées" the first line is "Je m'baladais sur l'avenue".

Is this a specific exception where you can use "sur" instead of "dans"?

This question relates to:French lesson "Differences between French and English usages - Using "dans" with streets and means of transportation (French Prepositions of Location)"

Asked 3 years ago

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Alan G.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor Correct answer

In fact, it all depends on the type of road. If it's an enclosed space like a street, you have to use dans. If it's wide open, like a boulevard or square, you should use sur. In the case of an avenue you can use either.

According to Grevisse (Le Bon Usage):

Le français régulier distingue, d’une part, dans la rue (les maisons qui la bordent formant un volume) et sur le chemin, sur la route, sur l’avenue (ou dans l’avenue), sur la place, sur le boulevard, ainsi que sur le quai.

Like43 years ago

Jacob C. asked: