How to Pronounce Boulevard Haussmann - French Pronunciation Guide

Boulevard Haussmann is one of Paris's most famous streets, but many visitors struggle with the correct French pronunciation. Don't worry—with our complete guide, you'll be saying it like a Parisian in no time!

The Correct Pronunciation

Boulevard Haussmann is pronounced: "Boo-luh-VAR oh-ss-MAHN"

Breaking it down:

Boulevard: "Boo-luh-VAR" (emphasis on the final syllable)
Haussmann: "oh-ss-MAHN" (the "H" is silent, emphasis on "MAHN")

Common Pronunciation Mistakes

The Silent "H": The most common error English speakers make is pronouncing the "H" in Haussmann. In French, the "H" is completely silent, so it sounds like "Aussmann" not "Haussmann."

The Double "S": The double "ss" in Haussmann creates a sharp "s" sound, not a "z" sound. Think of the "ss" in "class" rather than the softer "s" in "rose."

The Final "N": The final "n" in Haussmann is nasal—your tongue doesn't touch the roof of your mouth. It's similar to the "an" in the English word "want."

Phonetic Guide for English Speakers

International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA): /bu.lə.vaʁ os.man/

Simple English Phonetics: "boo-luh-VAR oh-ss-MAHN"

Memory Aid: Think "oh-some-AHN" for Haussmann—the "H" is silent, and it rhymes with "awesome" but ends with "AHN."

Practice Tips for Perfect Pronunciation

Step 1: Practice the silent "H" by saying "awesome" but dropping the "w" sound: "ah-some"

Step 2: Add the nasal "n" ending: "oh-ss-MAHN"

Step 3: Combine with Boulevard: "Boo-luh-VAR oh-ss-MAHN"

Pro Tip: Listen to French speakers at metro stations—the announcements for "Havre-Caumartin" and "Chaussée d'Antin-La Fayette" stations will help you hear authentic pronunciation.

Related French Pronunciation Tips

While you're learning Boulevard Haussmann, here are other essential Paris pronunciations:

Galeries Lafayette: "gah-luh-REE lah-fah-YETT"
Printemps: "pran-TAHN" (the "s" is silent)
Opéra Garnier: "oh-pay-RAH gar-nee-AY"
Champs-Élysées: "shahn-zay-lee-ZAY"
Louvre: "LOO-vruh" (not "LOO-ver")

Cultural Context and History

Understanding the pronunciation also helps appreciate the history. Baron Georges Eugène Haussmann (1809-1891) was the urban planner who transformed Paris under Napoleon III. His German-sounding surname reflects the Alsatian origins of his family, but by his time, the French pronunciation was firmly established.

The boulevard bearing his name was completed during his tenure as Préfet de la Seine (1853-1870) and represents his vision of wide, tree-lined avenues that would improve traffic flow and create space for the grand department stores that made the street famous worldwide.

Asking for Directions in French

Now that you can pronounce it correctly, here are useful phrases for getting to Boulevard Haussmann:

"Où est Boulevard Haussmann?" (oo ay boo-luh-VAR oh-ss-MAHN) - "Where is Boulevard Haussmann?"
"Comment aller à Boulevard Haussmann?" (koh-mahn tah-lay ah boo-luh-VAR oh-ss-MAHN) - "How do I get to Boulevard Haussmann?"
"Boulevard Haussmann, s'il vous plaît" (boo-luh-VAR oh-ss-MAHN see voo play) - "Boulevard Haussmann, please" (for taxi drivers)

Metro Station Pronunciation

The main metro stations serving Boulevard Haussmann also have specific pronunciations:

Havre-Caumartin: "AH-vruh koh-mar-TAN"
Chaussée d'Antin: "shoh-SAY dahn-TAN"
Richelieu-Drouot: "ree-shuh-LYEU droo-OH"

Historic Boulevard Haussmann Paris kiosk from Jean Béraud painting

Confidence Tips for Speaking French

Don't Be Perfect: Parisians appreciate the effort more than perfect pronunciation. A sincere attempt at French will always be welcomed warmly.

Practice with Confidence: The more you use the correct pronunciation, the more natural it becomes. Practice saying "Boulevard Haussmann" several times before your trip.

Use Context Clues: If pronunciation fails, showing your destination on a map or phone screen always works. Most locals in the Boulevard Haussmann area speak some English due to the high tourist traffic.

Learning More French for Your Trip

Mastering Boulevard Haussmann pronunciation is a great start! Consider learning basic shopping phrases since you'll likely be visiting the department stores:

"Combien ça coûte?" (kohn-bee-an sah koot) - "How much does it cost?"
"Où sont les toilettes?" (oo sohn lay twah-LETT) - "Where are the bathrooms?"
"Parlez-vous anglais?" (par-lay voo ahn-GLAY) - "Do you speak English?"

Perfect pronunciation of Boulevard Haussmann will not only help you navigate Paris confidently but also show respect for French culture and language. Bon voyage and bonne pronunciation!

Continue Learning: Explore our history guide to learn more about Baron Haussmann and his transformative work, or visit our transportation guide for detailed directions to Boulevard Haussmann.