French Word of the Day: Un transat
Because whether you're soaking up the sun on a Mediterranean beach or just enjoying a lazy afternoon in a Parisian park, you might find yourself sitting in one.
What does it mean?
Transat
– roughly pronounced trahn-zat – is the French word for a deckchair or sun lounger. It's typically the folding canvas chair you'll find lined up at poolsides, beaches, and summer festivals across France.
The word is a shortened version of
chaise transatlantique
– literally 'transatlantic chair' – referring to the reclining chairs used on early 20th-century ocean liners crossing the Atlantic.
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The name stuck even after the chairs made their way to land, with the English version having the same origin as chairs that were on the deck of a ship.
What hasn't changed is that
transats
are all about relaxation. You might rent one (
louer un transat
) for a few euros at a public beach, or drag one into your garden for a dose of vitamin D.
During the summer months, French cities even set up free
transats
in public areas. Events like Paris Plages or riverside
guinguettes
often feature rows of these chairs inviting you to chill with a book or an apéro.
Use it like this
On va à la plage tôt pour réserver un transat
– We're going to the beach early to grab a deckchair.
J'ai passé toute la journée dans un transat avec un rosé bien frais
– I spent the whole day in a deckchair with a nice chilled rosé.
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Local France
a day ago
- Local France
French Word of the Day: Un transat
Why do I need to know transat? Because whether you're soaking up the sun on a Mediterranean beach or just enjoying a lazy afternoon in a Parisian park, you might find yourself sitting in one. What does it mean? Transat – roughly pronounced trahn-zat – is the French word for a deckchair or sun lounger. It's typically the folding canvas chair you'll find lined up at poolsides, beaches, and summer festivals across France. The word is a shortened version of chaise transatlantique – literally 'transatlantic chair' – referring to the reclining chairs used on early 20th-century ocean liners crossing the Atlantic. Advertisement The name stuck even after the chairs made their way to land, with the English version having the same origin as chairs that were on the deck of a ship. What hasn't changed is that transats are all about relaxation. You might rent one ( louer un transat ) for a few euros at a public beach, or drag one into your garden for a dose of vitamin D. During the summer months, French cities even set up free transats in public areas. Events like Paris Plages or riverside guinguettes often feature rows of these chairs inviting you to chill with a book or an apéro. Use it like this On va à la plage tôt pour réserver un transat – We're going to the beach early to grab a deckchair. J'ai passé toute la journée dans un transat avec un rosé bien frais – I spent the whole day in a deckchair with a nice chilled rosé.
Local France
a day ago
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Where can I find France's €1 homes?
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LeMonde
a day ago
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Seine reopens to Paris swimmers after century-long ban
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