Cornichons translates to "pickles" or "gherkins". It's a fun and somewhat quirky word that isn't typically the star of a song, making it memorable and unique to this particular track.
Nino Ferrer's song humorously revolves around a family picnic where, despite forgetting umbrellas and getting rained out, the one thing they consistently remember and eat is cornichons. The repetition of this word throughout the lyrics makes it the undeniable centerpiece and a delightful, unexpected focus for a song.
Picture a lively French family squeezing into a big car on a Saturday, the boot stuffed with baskets, bottles, packets, and—above all—jars of crunchy cornichons. Nino Ferrer’s “Les Cornichons” is a playful ode to the joyful chaos that precedes a picnic: Mum has cooked for three days straight, the radio is ready for sing-alongs, and the song’s irresistible refrain becomes a mouth-watering shopping list set to music.
The twist? After all that careful packing, the only thing they forget is umbrellas. Rain ruins the outdoor dream, everyone hauls the food back home, and the catalogue of treats is recited once more around the kitchen table. Through humor and catchy repetition, Ferrer gently reminds us that even the best-laid plans can go sideways, but good company—and a few crunchy pickles—can turn any mishap into a memorable feast.