French Phrase

Les vues étaient à couper le souffle.

/le vɥi etɛt‿a ku.peʁ lə su.fl/

Meaning"The views were breathtaking."

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Meaning

The sentence means 'The views were breathtaking.' It uses the idiomatic expression à couper le souffle to convey that the scenery was so beautiful it literally took one's breath away.

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When to use

Use this phrase when describing spectacular landscapes, cityscapes, or any visual experience that left you amazed—especially after a hike, a visit to a viewpoint, or while traveling.

✦Grammar Breakdown

Lesvuesétaientàcouperlesouffle.

Les (definite article, plural)

Used before a plural noun to indicate specific items; agrees in gender and number with the noun.

vues (noun, feminine plural)

Means 'views' or 'scenes'; feminine plural, so it takes the article 'les' and the verb agreement 'étaient'.

étaient (imparfait of être)

Imparfait form used for a past state or description; matches the plural subject 'les vues'.

à couper le souffle (idiom)

Literally 'to cut the breath', used to describe something breathtaking or awe‑inspiring.

🗨In Conversation

Les vues étaient à couper le souffle.

The views were breathtaking.

Vraiment ? Il faut que j’y aille la prochaine fois.

Really? I have to go there next time.

✕Common Mistakes

Les vues était à couper le souffle.
The verb must agree with the plural subject 'les vues'. Use 'étaient' instead of singular 'était'.
Les vues étaient à coupé le souffle.
The idiom uses the infinitive 'couper', not the past participle 'coupé'.
Le vues étaient à couper le souffle.
The article must match the gender and number of the noun: 'les vues', not 'le vues'.

↔Alternatives

Les panoramas étaient époustouflants.
The panoramas were stunning.
Le paysage était magnifique.
The landscape was magnificent.
On était émerveillés par la vue.
We were amazed by the view.

Cultural Tip

The expression à couper le souffle is informal but widely accepted in both spoken and written French. It works well in travel blogs, casual conversation, and even in some journalistic descriptions. Avoid using it in very formal speeches where a more neutral adjective like 'magnifique' might be preferred.