🇫🇷 Vive La France 🥇 Jeux olympiques d'été de 2024
- Simon O'Donovan
- Jul 19, 2024
- 9 min read
Updated: Jul 21, 2024
“I do not believe there is another city on earth so beautiful as Paris nor another people with such an appreciation of the beautiful as the French...” Edward Hopper
Here is an updated CST activities page to help celebrate the Paris Olympic Games, which starts on 26th July, and all things French.
We asked members to come to the session wearing berets and carrying French flags, if they had them, and introducing themselves by saying something in French.
Next, we asked them to say what they most liked about France or French people, their food and culture. "Ooo la la!"
PARDON MY FRENCH
We asked members to give the meanings of these French sayings that have become embedded in the English language.
Oo la la - SURPRISE
C'est la vie - THAT'S LIFE
Double entendre - DOUBLE MEANING / RUDE CONNOTATION
Avant garde - NEW OR EXPERIMENTAL IDEAS / RISQUE
Carte blanche - FREEDOM TO ACT AS ONE WISHES
Deja vu - A FEELING OF HAVING ALREADY EXPERIENCED SOMETHING
Faux pas - AN EMBARRASSING OR TACTLESS ACT OR REMARK
Cliche - STEREOTYPE / AN OVERUSED PHRASE WHICH BETRAYS A LACK OF ORIGINAL THOUGHT
Creme de la creme - BEST OF THE BEST
Cul de sac - DEAD END ROAD
Je ne sais quoi - A CERTAIN SOMETHING
Raison d'etre - REASON FOR BEING
Hors d'oeuvre - APPETISER
Vis a vis - IN RELATION TO
Tete a tete - HEAD TO HEAD
Et voila - THERE YOU HAVE IT
Tour de force - A PERFORMANCE OR ACHIEVEMENT ACCOMPLISHED WITH GREAT SKILL
Pied a terre - SECOND HOME
Art deco - DECORATVE STYLE OF 1920s and 30s
En suite - BATHROOM
Femme fatale - A SEDUCTIVE WOMAN WHO WILL CAUSE HARM TO HER LOVER
Sacre bleu - EXPRESSION OF EXASPERATION
Laissez faire - ANYTHING GOES
Joie de vivre - JOY OF LIFE
Nom de plume - ALIAS OR PEN NAME
RSVP - Respondex sil vous plait - PLEASE RESPOND
Fait accompli - FOREGONE CONCLUSION
Aide memoire - MEMORY AID
Vive la difference - CELEBRATE DIFFERENCE & GENDER EQUALITY
Reminiscence
We then asked members to sing these well known song from childhood together ...
Frère Jacques, Frère Jacques,
Dormez-vous? Dormez-vous?
Sonnez les matines! Sonnez les matines!
Din, din, don. Din, din, don.
Are you sleeping? Are you sleeping?
Brother John, Brother John,
Morning bells are ringing! Morning bells are ringing!
Ding, dang, dong. Ding, dang, dong.
Frère Jacques, Frère Jacques,
Dormez-vous? Dormez-vous?
Sonnez les matines! Sonnez les matines!
Din, din, don. Din, din, don.
Sur le Pont d'Avignon
L'on y danse, l'on y danse
Sur le Pont d'Avignon
L'on y danse tous en rond.
On the bridge in Avignon
They are dancing there, They are dancing there
On the bridge in Avignon
They all dance in circles there.
Sur le Pont d'Avignon
L'on y danse, l'on y danse
Sur le Pont d'Avignon
L'on y danse tous en rond.
We then moved on to the picture and music quiz. Here are the images, songs and questions we used.
Round 1. La Histoire
What is the name of the French flag?
Which Beatles song begins with the French national anthem? Here it is - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RJi4iDdxY5M
The French revolution 1789-99 motto was "Liberté, Egalité, Fraternité". What do those words mean?
Which French queen (the last one), when she heard her subjects had no bread in 1789, said "Let them eat cake!"
How tall was Napoleon Bonaparte (nearest guess)? Who defeated him at the 'Battle Of Trafalgar' in 1805?
Which saint, known as the 'Maid Of Orleans', was burnt at the stake in 1431 aged 19?
Who composed 'Claire De Lune' in 1905? Here it is - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WNcsUNKlAKw
Which artist was known as the founder of impressionism painting (he died in 1926)? Below are some of his more famous paintings?
Which scientist conducted pioneering research on radioactivity and its potential health benefits (she died of radiation poisoning in 1934)? Which flower is used as the emblem of a cancer charity established in her name?
Which singer was known as 'Little Bird'? Here 1960 recording of 'Non, je ne regrette rien' was an international hit in 1960. Here it is - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SjYd36FJGr8
Which President led the Free French Forces against Nazi Germany in the World War 11?
In which year did the last execution by guillotine take place?
Which animal is the French emblem, e.g. for their national rugby team?
What did the French currency used to be called & in which year was the Euro fully introduced?
In which year did the Channel Tunnel, connecting Folkestone with Calais, open?
What is the name of the current President? He married his teacher ... What is their age gap?
Here they are ...
Which actress/singer and animal rights activist was the song 'Je T'Aime' written about?
Here it is - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GlpDf6XX_j0
Round 2. La Place
Name the place. A bonus point for each one you have visited.
Here are some additional questions ...
How many steps are there to the top (nearest guess)?
Which river does it sit on & when did it catch fire?
In which district would you find this Catholic cathedral?
Which island in the UK is this paired with?
Name the road leading up to the arch & who is buried here?
Which battle in 1066 does this tapestry depict?
In the 2006 movie 'The Da Vinci Code', who lies underneath this pyramid?
Who sang a song about this painting in 1950? Here it is - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HdBsu7jiYTU
Which dance is associated with this place? Here's a clip - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rVSFe--rTC4
In which mountain region would you find this place?
Which race takes place here every year?
Which saint is associated with this place?
Which king built this palace in 1661?
Which annual event takes place here every year?
What do Parisians call their underground?
The post-impressionist artist Vincent Van Gogh, although Dutch, spent much of his career in France. Perhaps most notably painting 'The Starry Night' in Saint Paul asylum in Remy.
Here is a wonderful video clip from 'Dr. Who' of Van Gogh being made to realise just how important his contribution to the world was - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ubTJI_UphPk
The song 'Vincent' by Don McLean is in the playlist below.
And just for fun (I hope this doesn't offend), here is a Van Gogh esque painting of Donald Trump after his assassination attempt last week.
Round 3. La Bouffe
How many of these French foods and drinks can you name?
More to the point, how many of them have you eaten?
Who invented Champagne?
Who invented French Fancies?
Name the maitre'd & the chef?
Name some French cheeses & wines?
Maybe have a tasting round ...
Round 4. Le cinéma
See how many of these movies and TV shows you can name?
Here are some additional questions and song links ...
Name the character?
Name his friend?
Name his dog?
How is he so strong?
What song comes after the line "Play it Sam!" - Here it is https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Do2olZ49M54
Who composed the theme music? - Here it is https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HhHwnrlZRus
Name the detective & the author?
Name the three of them & their protege?
Name the wealthy eccentric Englishman & his valet?
Which painting were they hiding (see below)?
Name the actors/singers? - Here is their song - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LNrkY8X8qyE
Who wrote the book? Remember Susan Boyle singing 'I Dreamed A Dream' in 2009 (she came second to 'Diversity') - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxPZh4AnWyk&t=1s
Who is wearing the French beret?
Which Harry Potter actor is pictured?
Name the actor?
Who wrote the book?
Name the submarine?
What part of his anatomy was excessive in size?
Name the actors/singers? Here is their song - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2lGP78ckF_Q
Factoid. 'The Fallen Madonna With The Big Boobies' by fictional artist Van Clomp, sold at auction (for real) in 2018 for £15,000.
Round 5. Activité physique
For a physical activity, why not have a game of Pétanque or Boules?
Or, you could make some Olympic Games bunting ... https://www.thepurplepumpkinblog.co.uk/free-printable-olympics-bunting-flags-summer-games/
Maybe whilst playing or making, you could paly some music?
Round 6. La Musique
Which year did 'ABBA' win 'The Eurovision Song Contest' with 'Waterloo'?
Here is your 'Spotify' playlist ... https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2txFt0dLFRqGepw4VtaAkr?si=8e0a3ed86406467f
There are some great extras in here ...
Round 1. La Histoire
What is the name of the French flag? TRICOLORE
Which Beatles song begins with the French national anthem? ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE
The French revolution 1789-99 motto was "Liberté, Egalité, Fraternité". What do those words mean? LIBERTY, FREEDOM, BROTHERHOOD
Which French queen (the last one), when she heard her subjects had no bread in 1789, said "Let them eat cake!" MARIE ANTOINETTE
How tall was Napoleon Bonaparte (nearest guess)? Who defeated him at the 'Battle Of Trafalgar' in 1805? HIS TRUE HIEGHT WAS 5'7". HE WAS 5'2" IN FRENCH INCHES / HORATIO NELSON
Which saint, known as the 'Maid Of Orleans', was burnt at the stake in 1431 aged 19? JOAN OF ARC
Who composed 'Claire De Lune' in 1905? CLAUDE DEBUSSY
Which artist was known as the founder of impressionism painting (he died in 1926)? CLAUDE MONET
Which scientist conducted pioneering research on radioactivity and its potential health benefits (she died of radiation poisoning in 1934)? Which flower is used as the emblem of a cancer charity established in her name? MARIE CURIE / DAFFODIL
Which singer was known as 'Little Bird'? EDITH PIAF
Which President led the Free French Forces against Nazi Germany in the World War 11? CHARLES DE GAULLE
In which year did the last execution by guillotine take place? 10TH SEPTEMBER 1977
Which animal is the French emblem, e.g. for their national rugby team? COCKEREL
What did the French currency used to be called & in which year was the Euro fully introduced? FRENCH FRANC / 2002
In which year did the Channel Tunnel, connecting Folkestone with Calais, open? 6TH MAY 1994
What is the name of the current President? He married his teacher ... What is their age gap? EMMANUEL MACRON / 24 YEARS AGE GAP
Which actress/singer and animal rights activist was the song 'Je T'Aime' written about? BRIGITTE BARDOT
Round 2. La Place
How many steps are there to the top (nearest guess)? EIFFEL TOWER / 1,655
Which river does it sit on & when did it catch fire? NOTRE DAME / SEINE / 15TH APRIL 2019
In which district would you find this Catholic cathedral? SACRÉ-COEUR / MONTMARTRE
Which island in the UK is this paired with? MONT SAINT-MICHEL / ST MICHAEL'S MOUNT IN CORNWALL
Name the road leading up to the arch & who is buried here? ARC DE TRIOMPHE / TOMB OF THE UNKNOWN SOLDIER
Which battle in 1066 does this tapestry depict? BAYEUX TAPESTRY / BATTLE OF HASTINGS
In the 2006 movie 'The Da Vinci Code', who lies underneath this pyramid? LOUVRE MUSEUM / MARY MAGDALENE
Who sang a song about this painting in 1950? MONA LISA / NAT KING COLE
Which dance is associated with this place? MOULIN ROUGE / CAN CAN
In which mountain region would you find this place? MONT BLANC / FRENCH ALPS
Which race takes place here every year? MONACO / GRAND PRIX
Which saint is associated with this place? LOURDES / SAINT BERNADETTE
Which king built this palace in 1661? PALACE OF VERSAILLES / KING LOUIS X1V
Which annual event takes place here every year? CANNES / FILM FESTIVAL
What do Parisians call their underground? PARIS METRO
Round 3. La Bouffe
CROISSANT
BOUILLABAISSE (FISH STEW)
L'ESCAGOT (SNAILS)
BAGUETTE
COQ AU VIN (CHICKEN IN RED WINE)
CAFÉ AU LAIT (COFFEE WITH MILK). NB. A COFFEE SERVER IS A BARISTA
DES CUISSES DE GRENOUILLE (FROGS LEGS)
QUICHE LORRAINE
TARTE TATIN
BEEF BOURGUIGNON
CREPE
FRENCH ONION SOUP
CRÈME DE MENTHE
RATATOUILLE
PROFITEROLES
VIANDE CHEVALINE (HORSE MEAT)
CRÈME BRÛLÉE
PASTIS (ANISEED FLAVOUR)
DOM PERIGNON INVENTED CHAMPAGNE IN 1693
MR KIPLING (HE MAKES EXCEEDINGLY GOOD CAKES)
FRED SIRIEIX & RAYMOND BLANC
FRENCH CHEESES - BRIE, CAMEMBERT, ROQUEFORT, BOURSIN, PORT SALUT & EMMENTAL ETC
FRENCH WINES - CHARDONNAY, BORDEAUX, SAUVIGNON, CHENIN BLANC, GRENACHE, MUSCADET & PINOT NOIR ETC
Round 4. Le cinéma
Name the character? HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME / QUASIMODO
Name his friend? ROBINSON CRUSOE / MAN FRIDAY
Name his dog? HERGES ADVENTURES OF TINTIN / SNOWY
How is he so strong? ASTERIX DE GAULLE / MAGIC POTION
What song comes after the line "Play it Sam!" - CASABLANCA / AS TIME GOES BY
Who composed the theme music? PINK PANTHER / HENRY MANCINI
Name the detective & the author? MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS / HERCULE POIROT / AGATHA CHRISTIE
Name the three of them & their protege? THE THREE MUSKETEERS / ARAMIS, PORTHOS & ATHOS / D'ARTAGNAN
Name the wealthy eccentric Englishman & his valet? AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS / PHILEAS FOGG & PASSEPARTOUT
Which painting were they hiding (see below)? ALLO ALLO / THE FALLEN MADONNA WITH THE BIG BOOBIES
Name the actors/singers? PHANTOM OF THE OPERA / MICHAEL CRAWFORD & SARAH BRIGHTMAN
Who wrote the book? LES MISERABLES / VICTOR HUGO
Who is wearing the French beret? SOME MOTHERS DO 'AVE 'EM / FRANK SPENCER ("OO BETTY!")
Which Harry Potter actor is pictured? BEAUTY AND THE BEAST / EMMA WATSON
Name the actor? THE FRENCH CONNECTION / GENE HACKMAN
Who wrote the book? JOURNEY TO THE CENTRE OF THE EARTH / JULES VERNE
Name the submarine? TWENT THOUSAND LEAGUES UNDER THE SEA / NAUTILUS
What part of his anatomy was excessive in size? CYRANO DE BERGERAC / HIS NOSE
Name the actors/singers? MOULIN ROUGE / EWAN MCGREGOR & NICOLE KIDMAN
WATERLOO WON EUROVISION IN 1974
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