France

The following sites contain interesting information, and are also suitable for children.

http://www.franceguide.com/gb/regions/index.cfm
- loads of information on the different regions of France

http://www.info-france-usa.org/kids/index.html
- kids’ guides to all things French

http://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinations/europe/france/index.htm
- information on France’s history and culture, and what it’s like to visit

http://www.ontheline.co.uk/explore/journey/france/frindex.htm
- a guide to everyday life in France

http://www.paris-france.org/Parisweb/EN/TOURIST_INFO/
- a complete guide to the sights and attractions of the French capital Paris

http://www.zipzapfrance.com/anglais/index2.html
- not quite finished yet, but still a great kids’ guide to France

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Questions before watching the programme:
How many things can the children think of that are "typically French"?

Questions during viewing:
Even though Thibault and Samir want to be professional footballers, it is still important for them to work hard at school. Why is this?
What are the names of the two biggest cities in France?

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After watching the programme:

STUDENT WORKSHEET

The pupils can answer some of the questions after watching the TV programme, while others need to be researched using an atlas, encyclopædia, text book, the ‘We are from’ website or other internet sites. Some questions can be filled in on the worksheet, but most will require a separate answer sheet.

Answers to the assignments

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Capital:	Paris
Population:	60,400,000
Area:	51,000 sq km
People per sq km:	107
Language:	French
Currency:	French franc, Euro

Answers to viewing questions

1. The north of France has a similar climate to Britain. Although coastal areas such as Brittany and Normandy are very beautiful, Thibault lives near Lens, one of the many old industrial areas in the north. In his town most people live in houses rather than flats. There is clear evidence of the area’s industry in the slag heaps that stand out in the countryside.
   
   
2. The main difference between the south and the north of France is the climate: the south is much hotter and sunnier. Samir lives in Marseille, the second biggest city in France. It has a beach and a large port. Many people live in tower blocks, and there many different nationalities living there.
   
   
3. Thibault was a bit shocked by where Samir lives because he comes from a small town in the country, while Marseille is a very large city. In particular, he was surprised by the large, crowded tower blocks and the amount of people and noise there.

Answers to optional assignments

1. The French often stay in France for their holidays because it is a big country with many different areas and activities to enjoy. The south is hot and sunny in the summer, and beach holidays are very popular. In the winter, skiing in the Alps or the Pyrenees is great fun. No matter where you live in France, there is always somewhere different to go on holiday. It is traditional for the French to go on holiday in France for four weeks in July or August.
   
   
2. The channel tunnel is a good idea because it links Britain not only to France, but to the rest of continental Europe. The tunnel has caused a closer relationship between the French and British: each is now only a one hour drive from the other, making it possible to cheaply and easily cross the English Channel on holiday.
   
   
3. Opinion question. Pupils should be aware of both the health and social benefits of eating a proper meal with their family. It’s a chance to catch up on what everyone has been doing all day, while a balanced diet is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle.
   
   
4. Opinion question.

Internet Assignment

The Hundred Years War started in 1337 and ended in 1453. This means it lasted for 116 years.