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C'est un bel établissement somptueux, n'est-ce pas ?

C'est un bel établissement somptueux, n'est-ce pas ?
It is a beautiful sumptuous establishment, isn't it?
From Lesson 423:Adjective mutations before vowels (bel, nouvel, vieil)·French

Questions & Answers about C'est un bel établissement somptueux, n'est-ce pas ?

Why is bel used here instead of beau?
Bel is a special masculine singular form of beau (beautiful). You must use it because the very next word, établissement, starts with a vowel. This change is called vocalic mutation, and it prevents the clashing vowel sounds that you would get from trying to say beau établissement.
Why does bel go before the noun while somptueux goes after?
Most French adjectives, like somptueux (sumptuous), naturally follow the noun. However, a small set of very common adjectives comes before the noun, often remembered by the acronym BANGS (Beauty, Age, Number, Goodness, Size). Because beau falls under Beauty, its mutated form bel precedes établissement.
How do you pronounce the connection between bel and établissement?
You pronounce the consonant L at the end of bel directly into the é of établissement, making it sound almost like a single word. The entire reason the form bel exists is to provide this consonant bridge for a smoother flow.
If there were multiple establishments, would I use bels?
No, the plural form of both beau and bel is just beaux. In the plural, you would say de beaux établissements, making a Z-sounding liaison between the X in beaux and the é in établissements.

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