The French have a special affection for the Olympics. The Olympic movement was founded by the aristocrat, Pierre de Coubertin, who was a great admirer of the English public school system with its emphasis on sports, and of Tom Brown's Schooldays. Due to his efforts, France was one of the founding members of the games themselves.
But not all is going so well for the French at the moment. By today, Monday, France has 25 medals. Of the 8 golds, there are 2 in the canoe slalom, 2 in judo and 4 in swimming with some exciting new swimmers including Yannick Agnel who is a great new star.
They have 8 silver medals as well, 1 in athletics, 2 in track cycling and 1 in rowing, 1 in shooting and 2 for swimming.
They hold 9 bronze medals - 5 in judo, 1 in sailing, 1 in shooting and 1 in swimming.
There has been quite a spat going on between France and England with insults being traded, and it won't get any better as the Brits continue to storm ahead. And that is before events they are traditionally good come up this week. Currently Britain is third in the medal table with 16 gold, 11 silver and 10 bronze, a total of 37. France is 5th.
Of course, nobody can beat the achievement of Michael Phelps from the USA with 4 gold and 2 silver, making him the greatest Olympian. Nor can you deny the hugeexcitement of the Games so far, when the extraordinary Usain Bolt hurtled to victory again in the Men's 100 meter final on Sunday night. The People's Republic of China continue to dominate with 30 gold, 17 silver and 61 bronze, making it a real contest with the USA, who are second in the medal table with 28 gold, 14 silver and 18 bronze.
Image: Mahdiedine Mekhissi-Benabbad with his silver medal for the Mens 3000 meter Steeplechase final © Phil Walter/Getty Images Sport