Books to give for Christmas: our Sports, Tourism and Leisure selection

Sports

Paris 2024: The official book of the Olympic Games – Paris 2024, Mejdaline Mhiri, Damien Burnier (Hugo Sport)

Ah the medals, the records, the podiums, the cohesion triggered by sport, the Phryge… It is clear that you miss the sporting atmosphere of the Paris 2024 games, and we do too. But don't panic, Paris 2024: The official book of the Olympic Games should soothe this nostalgia. From the torch relay to the closing ceremony, through all the disciplines and events as well as their results, all punctuated with anecdotes, quotes and even statistics, find more than 400 new photos that look back on the times strong from this year's Olympics. The preface is even written by Tony Estanguet. This is the number 1 gift to keep a lasting memory of this great sporting event of 2024.

And for those who always aim for the best, in sport as elsewhere, there is also Paris 2024: The official book of the Olympic Games Special edition Fnacenriched with the official poster for the Paris 2024 Games as well as three emblematic photo prints from these Olympics.

The crazy superstitions of Champions – Christophe Duchiron, Manuel Tissier, Etienne Bonamy (Solar)

What do we find in the sports bags and locker rooms of many great tennis, football and basketball champions? A pair of lucky underwear or a pair of lucky socks of course! Yes, even the biggest names in sport have their little beliefs, and more than we think. Thanks to the book The crazy superstitions of Championsdiscover the talismans of athletes like Zidane, Nadal, LeBron James, Maradona and even Jordan. A fun book, but also very enlightening on these famous superstitions, explained by coaches and psychologists, who with their spiritual power allow great stress management. And the greatest athletes will tell you: in sport, the mind is very important!

Bike lovers dictionary – Eric Fottorino (Plon)

Bike lovers dictionary is the perfect gift for cycling enthusiasts. Written by journalist and author Éric Fottorino, himself passionate about bicycles, this work of more than 400 pages is a true cycling bible. Throughout the pages, let yourself be entertained by the anecdotes about cycling and the stories about the great names of this sport. Also get the answers to questions you have about the Tour de France, its popularity or even its champions. A lovely walk, enhanced by the poetic pen of Fottorino, and during which you don't want to see the finish line. On your marks! Ready? Read !

The French basketball team, according to TrashTalk (Marabout)

Vibrate for the same tricolor nation to the rhythm of rebounds on the floor and three-point baskets. This is exactly what the French basketball team offered us during the Paris Olympics this summer. As you might expect, this event is not the only one to mark the history of the blue, white and red selection with the orange ball. The French basketball team (according to TrashTalk) looks back on a century of adventures with the best moments of the club, but also the worst, the prosperous periods, but also those of hardship. (Re)experience the various competitions and learn more about the legendary basketball players who were among the players on the Blues team.

Becoming a horse – Yann Arthus-Bertrand (Actes sud)

The man who whispered in the ears of horses may be a film, but for Yann Arthus-Bertrand it is indeed a reality. In Become a horsea work co-written with the writer-traveler Clara Arnaud and the artist-rider Emilie Haillot, the photographer invites us to question the special and powerful relationship that unites human beings and horses. A book which brings together drawings, texts and unpublished photographs in order to capture the blurring of the boundaries between Man and equine.

Tourism

Travel, A whole world to explore – Philippe Gloaguen (Hachette Tourisme Guides)

Embark on a wonderful journey with Philippe Gloaguen, the co-founder of the Routard Guide, as your guide. Let yourself be taken on a tour of the globe through the pages of Travel, A whole world to explore. A true traveler's bible, which lists various places from the four corners of the world such as legendary roads, unmissable beaches, the most beautiful lakes, the largest national parks or even the sites at the highest altitudes… Also discover the different experiences , festivals and flavors of many countries. All this obviously supplemented by photographs, maps and planispheres. An index even helps you find your way. The only thing that will make you want to close the book will be to go and see the jewels of the planet for yourself.

And what could be better than a beautiful work to enhance already idyllic themes! This is why a Fnac special edition of Voyages, A whole world to explore is also available.

Van travel, 100 itineraries in France and Europe (Lonely Planet)

Another tourist guide, another escape proposal. This time with Lonely Planet, hit the road for exceptional Van travel – 100 itineraries in France and Europe. Ideal for planning road trips, in France and in Europe. Whether you want to travel through certain French regions in a few days or explore the Scottish Highlands in more than a week, this book will give you the keys and advice to carry out your project successfully. Between necessary times and ideal seasons, maps and local specialties, idyllic spots for photographs or picnics: you can only prepare well for your future excursions. And since seeing beautiful illustrated landscapes in your home will more quickly make you want to see them in real life, three beautiful posters in 16.5 x 23.5 format are included with the guide.

Curious museums, unusual collections from around the world – Patrick Baud (Dunod)

If you appreciate everything mysterious and extraordinary, the name Patrick Baud should not be foreign to you. This author, animator and videographer has been sharing his passion for extraordinary stories for more than fifteen years. At the end of the year, these are the Curious museums, unusual collections from around the world which he invites you to visit in paper format. The book lists 100 slightly zany museums around the world. So, which will be your favorite between the one about romantic breakups in Croatia, the one dedicated to funeral carriages in Spain or the one in the shape of a carpet in Azerbaijan?

Hobbies

Studio Ghibli + 200 questions and challenges to decide between you! (Hachette Heroes)

Are you an expert on the films of studio Ghibli ? Test yourself on the achievements of Miyazaki and Takahata thanks to the Studio Ghibli + 200 questions and challenges to decide between you! A game, illustrated by the spirits of the forest, with a very simple concept: choose a level of difficulty and advance on the board with each correct answer. But be careful, if this is not the case, you will have to back off. SO ? Too strong? A fun game to play with friends, family and even your neighbor Totoro.

One Piece: One Piece, Become the Pirate King! (Larousse)

For manga fans One Pieceit's time to let go of the screens and become a true lord of the seas. With One Piece – Become the Pirate King! attempts to take the place of Gold Roger, who left his throne vacant. To do this, you must answer questions, pass quizzes of different levels, mime, participate in duels and help each other during collective challenges. On board!

Poison Ville, The Black Series game – Nicolas Bonnefoy (Gallimard Loisirs)

In the same idea, but rather feet on land than boats at sea, here is Poison City – The Black Series game. To win, become the new gang leader in town. In order to establish your domination, you will have to accumulate characters and send them on missions into the streets so that they earn you prestige points. Between haggling and shenanigans, be careful not to get caught!

The Treasure Map – Valérie Cluzel (First)

Passionate about the heritage and cultural program which aims to introduce people to the French departments? Find The Treasure Map – Box or accessories which allow two teams to compete against each other, the blues against the reds, like on TV. Travel across France, obtain the winning cards for each category such as gastronomy or arts and personalities, then head towards Corsica. You will be able to obtain the precious Wind Rose. But not so fast, to win, answer one very last question. More than 250 puzzles to learn while having fun.

The genius of Leonardo da Vinci (Marabout)

If you are fascinated by a famous Renaissance inventor, try your hand at puzzles directly inspired by his work. With The genius of Leonardo da Vincitest your logic, your perseverance, your imagination and also your patience using 6 puzzles, 3 in wood and 3 in metal. A small book of puzzles is also provided. So, rather Vinci or defeated?