Video | Atlantic Canada, Sable Island and Gulf of Saint Lawrence

Les Poissons: A Québécois Children's Song

Learn this fun, maritime-inspired French children’s song by Passe-Partout—a Québécois classic! Watch the video to hear the tune and use the lyrics and translation to sing along. Next thing you know, you’ll want to break out into song on your next fishing trip.

By Geneviève Côté | June 01, 2021

Related expedition: Mighty Saint Lawrence

I love singing songs and nursery rhymes with my son, Samuel, en français. It’s important to me that he is raised bilingual and knows our culture. "Les Poissons" by Passe-Partout is a Québécois classic! It's a fun, maritime-inspired children’s song.

Watch the video to hear me singing the song on one of our ice fishing trips, or read the lyrics below to sing along.

Lyrics and Translation

Les poissons barbotent,
Les poissons gigotent,
Les poissons vivent dans l’eau.

Dans le fond du lac,
Font des flique flaque,
Sur le ventre et sur le dos.

Au fond de la rivière,
Y a pas de lumière.
Les poissons voient clair dans l’eau.

Dans le fleuve immense,
Tous les poissons dansent,
Et passent sous les bateaux.

Dans la mer verte,
Font une trempette,
Oh là là comme il fait beau!


The fish wriggle,
The fish splash around.
Fish live in water.

In the bottom of the lake,
They flip back and forth,
On their stomachs and on their backs.

At the bottom of the river,
There is no light.
Fish see clearly in the water.

In the immense river,
All the fish are dancing,
And pass under the boats.

In the green sea,
They make a dip.
Oh my, how nice!

About the Author

Geneviève Côté

Geneviève Côté

Kayak Guide

Originally from Québec, Gen moved north more than a decade ago in search of great winter conditions and ended up falling in love with all northern seasons.

She possesses a versatile array of skills, from being an instructor in white-water canoeing, kayaking, and snowmobile safety to dog mushing, finishing carpentry, and event coordination for the Slave River Paddlefest.

Gen describes herself as crafty and energetic and loves bringing a flair for adventure to the Zodiacs she drives aboard expeditions.