Carrefour Radio Spot: rime avec

The above audio sample and transcription is from an E.Leclerc ad spot. We do not own the content. We are not paid for this content, it is for educational purposes.

rhymes with

I was in the car the other day and an E.Leclerc ad came on, followed shortly by a Carrefour. It was a lot of numbers and a lot of speech. All in a short amount of time. Try it today.

What’s opening up for you with this clip?

The snippet in English

Find a translation of this snippet here, how much of this did you hear?

The above translation from Deepl. Source

What does “Carrefour” mean?

Carrefour is one of France’s biggest supermarket chains, found all over the country. It pioneered the hypermarché—a huge store selling food, clothes, electronics, and more. Most French people shop at Carrefour for everyday needs, from groceries to back-to-school supplies. It’s known for low prices, loyalty cards, and store-brand products. In French culture, it represents convenience, routine, and the modern consumer lifestyle.

What does “rime avec” mean?

Literally rime avec means rhymes with.

“Chat” rime avec “rat”.
(“Chat” rhymes with “rat.”)

👉 Also – A stylish, idiomatic way to say: “When one thing leads beautifully to another.”

Quand profiter de promotions rime avec soutenir une association… (When getting deals rhymes with supporting a cause…)

Here, “rime avec” doesn’t mean literal rhyming. It means the two ideas go well together, or happen at the same time, or even feel naturally linked—like a good match. As in: to be closely associated with, to align with, or to go hand in hand with

Pour eux, vacances riment avec liberté. (For them, vacation means freedom.) → Not a rhyme, but an emotional or conceptual pairing

What does “soutenir une association” mean?

Soutenir une association means to support an organization (usually non-profit, charitable, or social).

Elle soutient une association qui aide les sans-abri. (She supports an organization that helps the homeless.)

Culturally, this phrase is very common in France, where associative life (la vie associative) is highly valued. Supporting an association is seen as a civic act—part of being socially engaged and giving back.

What does “produit Materne” mean?

Materne is a well-known French brand that makes fruit-based snacks—notably compotes (fruit purées), jams, and fruit pouches for kids and adults. Exemple : J’ai acheté un produit Materne pour le goûter. (I bought a Materne product for snack time.) What they sell: – Compotes à boire (fruit pouches) – Petits pots (small fruit cups) – Confitures (jams) Culturally: Materne is associated with childhood snacks, school lunches, and healthy fruit-based treats in France. It’s considered a trusted, family-friendly brand

What does “souvenirs heureux” mean?

Souvenirs heureux means happy memories.

– Souvenirs = memories
– Heureux = happy, joyful

Elle repense souvent à ses souvenirs heureux d’enfance. (She often thinks back to her happy childhood memories.)

Culturally, the phrase souvenirs heureux is warm and nostalgic, often used when reflecting on childhood, family moments, love, or travel. You’ll see it in books, songs, and everyday speech when people evoke emotionally positive memories from the past.

What does “quartiers prioritaires” mean?

Quartiers prioritaires refers to priority neighborhoods—areas identified by the French government as needing extra social and economic support due to issues like high unemployment, poverty, or poor housing conditions. These areas fall under the official term Quartiers Prioritaires de la Politique de la Ville (QPV).

Purpose: The label allows these neighborhoods to receive: 1) extra public funding; 2) education and youth programs; 3) urban renewal efforts; and 4) tax incentives for businesses

Les quartiers prioritaires bénéficient de dispositifs spécifiques pour l’emploi et l’éducation. (Priority neighborhoods benefit from specific programs for jobs and education.)

Cultural context: In everyday conversation, quartier prioritaire can carry social and political weight. It’s meant to promote equal opportunity, but it’s also sometimes associated (fairly or unfairly) with stigmas around poverty or marginalization. Still, it plays a key role in French urban and social policy.

What does “centre de vacances” mean?

Centre de vacances means holiday center or vacation camp, typically referring to a place where children or families go during school holidays for supervised activities, lodging, and fun.

Les enfants partent une semaine en centre de vacances à la montagne. (The kids are going for a week to a holiday camp in the mountains.)

Le centre de vacances propose des activités sportives et culturelles. (The vacation center offers sports and cultural activities.)

Cultural note: In France, centres de vacances are common during school breaks. They’re often: 1) organized by municipalities, associations, or unions; 2) staffed by certified moniteurs (youth leaders); 3) affordable or subsidized for families; 4) seen as part of a child’s social development and independence

They’re similar to American summer camps, but can run year-round (especially in winter and summer) and often involve group travel to the countryside, seaside, or mountains.

What does “panachage possible” mean?

Panachage possible means mixing possible or mix and match allowed. It’s commonly used in retail, food, and promotional offers.

Lot de 6 confitures — panachage possible. (Set of 6 jams — mix and match allowed.) → You can choose different flavors rather than getting all the same.

Panachage possible entre les tailles ou les couleurs. (Mixing of sizes or colors is allowed.)

Cultural note: In France, panachage is a flexible, customer-friendly term, especially in: 1) markets or food sales (cheeses, wines, desserts); 2) bulk or bundle offers; 3) vote ballots (in politics, panachage = mixing candidates from different lists)

So when you see panachage possible, it signals customization or freedom of choice within a set deal.

What does “gras, salés, sucrés” mean?

Pour votre santé – For your health
limitez – limit (imperative form of limiter)
les aliments gras, salés, sucrés – fatty, salty, sugary foods

This phrase is mandatory in France on food advertising, especially for: snacks, soda, fast food, sweets, etc. It comes from the French national health campaign and is often read very quickly at the end of commercials, like a disclaimer.

Cultural note: It’s part of a group of official warnings like: “Pour votre santé, pratiquez une activité physique régulière.” (For your health, exercise regularly.) French consumers hear this so often that it’s become instantly recognizable—a signal of state-backed health messaging tied to food and lifestyle.

What is opening up for you?

Comment below with the words you thought you heard, where you struggled, where you surprised yourself, or what you thought about this clip. Every little bit inspires other learners, thank you for being that inspiration to others on their French fluency journey!