Interactive quiz: 20 questions on France
Which landmark was meant to be dismantled after 20 years? What do the letters S.A.R.L stand for? – How many can you get right?
1. A person who is a hopeless romantic is said to have
A. ”un coeur d’artichaut”
B. “un coeur de pomme de terre”
C. “un coeur de chou-fleur”?
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A. An artichoke's heart: the edible flower of the artichoke consists of many “leaves” (actually bracts) symbolising the many lovers of someone who falls in love often and easily.
2. By 50 BCE, which famous historical figure had conquered the area today known as France?
A. Attila the Hun
B. Alexander the Great
C. Julius Caesar
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C. Julius Caesar campaigned in Gaul (ancient France) from 58 to 50 BC ostensibly to make Rome safe from barbarian invasions. Later Gaul became a Roman province.
3. Which of these French landmarks was designed to be taken down after 20 years?
A. The Obelisk
B. The Eiffel Tower
C. The Arc de Triomphe
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B. The Eiffel Tower was constructed for the International Exhibition of 1889. Paris gave Gustave Eiffel use of the land the tower was built on for 20 years. It was supposed to be dismantled in 1909 but it was so useful as a radio antenna it was allowed to stand.
4. Which city is the capital of the French island of Corsica?
A. Propriano
B. Bastia
C. Ajaccio
5. The emperor Napoleon I was given which of the following nicknames?
A. The Massive Marshal
B. The Considerable Captain
C. The Little Corporal
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C. “The Little Corporal” (Le Petit Caporal) is thought to have been a term of affection used by his soldiers, not a reflection of his stature.
6. What’s the forename missing in the lyrics of this popular French song: “Au clair de la lune, mon ami………. prête-moi ta plume, pour écrire un mot.”
A. Jeannot
B. Pierrot
C. Charlot
7. Which three French departments carry the adjective “Maritime” in their names?
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Seine-Maritime, Charente-Maritime and Alpes-Maritimes
8. Charles Dickens’ favourite place to visit in Paris was a bizarre tourist attraction on the bank of the Seine nicknamed “the best free theatre in the city.” What was it?
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The morgue. A viewing window was provided for the convenience of people looking for missing loved ones who might have drowned in the Seine but it was frequently used by ghoulish sightseers.
9. What is “la syllogomanie”?
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Known in English as the hoarding disorder, or Plyushkin's disorder, it is characterised by a persistent difficulty in parting with possessions that are no longer needed or for which no space is available.
10. Which French writer provided the source material for some of Disney’s filmed fairy tales including Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty?
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Charles Perrault (1628-1703), collector of fairy tales.
11. What do “Le Harem” and “Les Demoiselles d’Avignon” have in common?
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They are both paintings by Picasso.
12. Which headpiece was officially adopted by revolutionaries in the 1790s and is now one of the symbols of the French Republic?
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The Phrygian cap (“Le bonnet phrygien”) dates back to Antiquity but it became famous during the Roman Empire as a sign of the emancipation of a slave.
13. Cava is the Spanish equivalent of which French wine?
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Champagne. Cava is made in the Catalan region and is arguably just as good as the famous French stuff!
14. In which French city can you walk along the Esplanade des Quinconces?
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Bordeaux.
15. “La poutargue” is a delicacy beloved of gourmets. What kind of creature provides it?
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A fish. It is the salted, cured roe of the grey mullet. In English it is known by its Italian name, bottarga.
16. S.A.R.L forms a part of the name of many companies in France. What do the letters stand for?
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Société à responsabilité limitée – in other words, they indicate a limited company.
17. 2024 saw exhibitions at art galleries and museums across France celebrating the 150th anniversary of which famous artistic movement?
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Impressionism. The first exhibition featuring artists who would later be described as Impressionists opened in Paris on 15 April 1874.
18. Emmanuel Macron's wife Brigitte had a cameo role in which American TV series in 2024?
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Emily in Paris, in an episode of season four.
19. In 2024 Gisèle Pelicot, aged 72, went from an unknown French grandmother to being a global feminist icon who featured in the BBC's list of 100 of the most influential women of the year. Why did she rise to such prominence?
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Sadly, she was the victim in one of the most disturbing criminal trials in modern history. For almost a decade, her husband of 50 years repeatedly drugged her and invited strangers to come to their home and rape her. She insisted on a public trial so that France would be forced to have a conversation about sexual violence and consent. “The shame must change sides,” she announced.
20. France learned in 2024 that its bid to hold another major sporting event in 2030 has been successful. Which event?
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The Winter Olympics. They will take place in two locations: the Alps for ski events and Nice for indoor events such as ice skating.
