A French-language kids' television show that pairs up grandparents with their grandkids on a treasure hunt was filmed in Sudbury on Aug. 10.
Les Jumelles — which means twins in French — is hosted by identical twin sisters Julie and Catherine Séguin, and airs on TFO. The show's 13-episode fourth season, being filmed in Francophone communities across the province this summer, will air on the channel in 2017.
Despite the show's name, the kids on the show aren't usually twins. But the Sudbury taping featured 11-year-old identical twin sisters Ariane and Noémie Cousineau, along with their grandparents, Claudette and Raymond Lemire.
The show's producers joked that in six or seven years, Ariane and Noémie, who are entering Grade 6 at École Ste-Thérèse in the fall, could go on to host “Les Jumelles” themselves.
The family members were split into two teams as they searched for treasure in iconic locations such as the Grace Hartman Amphitheatre and the Grotto.
The Cousineau twins don't speak much English, but their grandmother said they learned about the show through their school, and decided to apply.
“I'm very excited, and very proud, too,” Claudette said.
“Les Jumelles” used to feature teens aged 13-15, but it was changed to include younger kids aged 10-13 with their grandparents.
“We see the love bond that they have together, and the grandparent helping out the child, but not necessarily giving him the answer,” said the show's production co-ordinator, Alain Lauzon.
“That dynamic is different. It's very fun to watch.”
The show has taped across the province in various Francophone communities. It's also taping in Sturgeon Falls Aug. 11. Sudbury, Rayside-Balfour and Noelville have all been featured on the show in previous seasons.
The hosts of “Les Jumelles” said they enjoyed this week's taping, as they'd never visited the amphitheatre or the Grotto before, both picturesque locations.
“It's the second time we're doing an episode here, but everything's new to me,” said Julie. “It's like rediscovering Sudbury.”
