giron et contremarche
Page approvedn. m. · going (UK) · tread depth (US) · contremarche (n. f.): riser
Definition
Le giron est la profondeur horizontale d'une marche, celle où l'on pose le pied. La contremarche est la face verticale entre deux marches ; sa hauteur donne la hauteur de marche. Giron et hauteur de marche déterminent le confort de l'escalier.
The giron is the horizontal depth of a step, where you put your foot. The contremarche is the vertical face between two steps; its height gives the step height. Together, the giron and the step height determine how comfortable a stair is.
Diagram
Example sentences
Written (email, official document)
FRLe giron est de 28 cm et la hauteur de marche de 17 cm, ce qui donne un escalier confortable.
ENThe going is 28 cm and the riser height 17 cm, which makes a comfortable stair.
Spoken (standard)
FRTon giron est trop court, on va trébucher dans cet escalier.
ENYour going is too short, we'll trip on this stair.
Spoken (informal)
FRLes escaliers sans contremarche font joli, mais on a toujours peur d'y perdre une chaussure.
ENStairs without risers look nice, but you're always afraid of losing a shoe.
Nuances and pitfalls
Marche, giron (n. m.), contremarche (n. f.). The marche (n. f.) is the whole step; the giron is its useful horizontal dimension; the contremarche is its vertical face. The nez de marche (n. m.) is the projecting edge (nosing).
Blondel's formula. For a stair to be comfortable, you look for a giron and a step height that satisfy Blondel's formula: twice the height plus the giron gives about 60 to 65 cm.
Related terms
trémiegarde-corpsnuRegulatory and standard references
Legislation in force may differ from what is shown here.
Validation
- French term, register, FR sentences : ✓ validated
- US/UK equivalents and EN sentences : ✓ validated
- Diagram : ✓ validated
Reviewed by Raphaël B. · 8 Oct 2026
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