RCB

My curiosity has been piqued by the french word bis, as used in an address, such as 231 bis, rue xxxx. My handy French/English dictionary says that as a noun it means brown, tawny, swarthy. As an adverb, twice. Neither definition makes sense to me in the context of an address. While this is certainly not crucial to my well-being and future happiness, I have an inquiring mind and want to know! Thanks.

John

In an address, I think it just means 231B

Randall Smith

Hello RCB,<BR><BR>The designation bis is use in an address when a building or establishment share the same street number. That is, there are two places with the same steet address. The Bis is also usually posted and is part of the address.<BR><BR>I think that it occurs in an area where origionally there was one address and they add a second separate establishment of residence at the same location and of coarse they can't re-number the whole street. <BR><BR>Street numbers tend to be low in Paris and usually start out at the Seine and increase as one gets further away.<BR><BR>I hope that this makes sense!!<BR><BR>RJS

Rex

I agree with the explanation provided by RJS - - I always thought of it as having the same meaning as some American cities that will occasionally use a street address like 231 "and 1/2".<BR><BR>Best wishes,<BR><BR>Rex<BR>

BTilke

My experience with addresses like 123bis rue ABC is that the bis part is usually around the side, a few steps down, etc. So if you have to go someplace with a bis address and can't find it, search around the building carefully. It should be there, if somewhat hidden.<BR>

Christina

ditto, it's just an address next to the one without bis--in US, for example, it might be numbered 20 and 20A. It is used in music, also, as an encore or extra ending or addendum, I have some old French piano scores with that on it. Just don't confuse it with bises.....

Florence

All your explanations are correct:<BR><BR>Street numbers in France (and Switzerland) are attributed starting from a pivotal location, that can be either a central plaza, a river, or a monument. A number is attributed usually every 10 meters. When there are two different places, businesses, house entry within those 10 meters, they will share the number with a "bis" (meaning "second"), and even sometimes "ter" ("third"). This bis or ter number can sometimes be around the corner when the space between two houses doesn't lead far enough or is not large enough to get its own street or passage name.

Florence

Christina,<BR><BR>please don't confuse people with French words ;-)<BR><BR>bis = encore, seconds.<BR>bises = kisses (on the cheek).<BR>bise = a nasty cold wind that's presently freezing us in Geneva.<BR>bisse = a small man-made water canal in the Swiss Valais Alps.

RCB

Wow! I knew Fodorites have a breadth and depth of knowledge about most everything travel related, but you have exceeded my expectations. Thanks to all who responded...this will really come in handy on our trip next spring if we're trying to find a "bis" address.