This is the 88th most frequent French word.
côté
"Side."
The word 'côté' in this sentence refers to a physical side or part of something, specifically the left side of a house.
Le côté gauche de la maison est plus ensoleillé.
The left side of the house is sunnier.
Here, 'côtés' is used to express proximity to someone or something, indicating closeness or accompaniment (by my sides).
Il aime rester à mes côtés pendant les promenades.
He likes to stay by my side during walks.
In this context, 'côté' indicates a geographic direction or area related to a specific location, here referring to the area near Paris.