longeaient

longeaient

"Passed along" or "ran alongside."

Here, 'longeaient' (from 'longer') describes the action of walking along or beside a geographical feature (the river).

Ils longeaient la rivière pour atteindre le village.

They were walking along the river to reach the village.

In this sentence, 'longeaient' is used to describe the positioning of the trees along the road, as if bordering it.

Les arbres longeaient la route principale jusqu'au vieux pont.

The trees lined the main road all the way to the old bridge.

Here, 'longeait' again refers to the action of walking along or beside a geographic feature, emphasizing direction and proximity.

Elle longeait la plage en rêvant des jours passés.

She was walking along the beach, dreaming of days gone by.