France Prepares for the Olympics

As only they can! WRITTEN & ILLUSTRATED by PETER MOORE

AS OF JULY 26, ALL EYES TURN TO FRANCE for the Olympic Games. Or Les Jeux Olympiques, as they would say in France, complete with the italics and raised eyebrows. Calling them that makes the games sound a little effete—like ice dancing, but spread across the entire summer-sports landscape. But as we know from the New York Times, the French are working hard at getting it just right. Which is why the skills of a cartoonist are called for right now: France + Monumental effort = hilarity. I mean, isn’t this a country that prioritizes vacation over all else? One whose primary contribution to world culture is the croissant? OK, the ones with chocolate in them are indeed amazing. But it’s not like they invented democracy or put a man on the moon for cripesakes.

Still, if they take my advice, these games will be success.

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That’s the can-can do attitude we need!

First up, all eyes will be on the opening ceremony, which will perhaps be a blouse-opening ceremony once Marianne—the French embodiment of Liberté, Egalité, and Lingerie—becomes involved.

That other famous French pastry may become important as well.

Why is it that, for so many French accomplishments, a baker did the heavy lifting?

No worries about the Olympic athletes. They’ll be well fed. If they like cruciferous vegetables.

It’s not all about the food, of course. The French also have a hoops phenom on their side. Dunque-toi, Victor Wembayana!

And the games will provide employment for lots of people, maybe even that street urchin from Les Miserables.

Do you hear the people sing?

“Never doubt the courage of the French. They were the ones who discovered that snails are edible.” ~ Doug Larson

Cliquez-vous “aimez,” and I’ll aimez vous right back.