It can refer to:
* The act of returning: "Le retour du printemps" (The return of spring)
* Something that has returned: "Le retour de la mode des années 80" (The return of 80s fashion)
* A comeback: "Le retour de l'acteur après une longue absence" (The actor's comeback after a long absence)
It's important to consider the context to understand the specific meaning of "le retour."