"What's in a (French) sign?"

To stay with the theme of driving, I thought I would highlight some of the different road signs here in France.  Growing up in the U.S., I have been programmed to associate certain sign shapes and colors with specific meanings.  For example, warning signs for crosswalks, sharp turns, and farm equipment are typically yellow and diamond shaped.  Mandatory signs usually have red in them like stop, yield, and do not enter signs.  Those assumptions do not always apply here in France.

How ‘bout a little multiple guess quiz?  To test your intuition and memory if you’ve ever been to France, I thought I would post a few pictures of French road signs to see if you can figure out what they communicate. 

Question 1:
a)      Speed bumps warning

b)      Special L’Ehn bacon store ahead

c)       L’Ehn River

d)      Grated bridge ahead

Question 2:

a)      Divided highway ends ahead

b)      Do not enter

c)      Not a thru street

d)      No passing zone

Question 3:

a)      Pedestrians not permitted

b)      School children crossing road

c)      Caution pedestrian Bermuda triangle ahead

d)      Raised pedestrian crosswalk ahead

e)      Moving walkway warning sign

Question 4:

a)      No turns at intersection

b)      Wrong way

c)      No parking

d)      Hospital

Question 5:

a)      Caution trucks entering highway in 3.5 meters

b)      Tunnel ahead and 3.5 meter vehicle height limit

c)       Bridge ahead and 3.5 metric ton vehicle weight

d)      Intersection ahead and 3.5 meter narrow road ahead

Question 6:

a)      Railroad crossing with gate

b)      Security gate ahead

c)      D-fense against high beams

d)      Automatic drawbridge ahead

Question 7:

a)      Caution tornado alley

b)      Caution roundabout ahead

c)      Speed enforced by helicopter

d)      Road slippery when wet

 So how did you do?  If you got all seven correct, you’re ready to hit the French streets.  I am guessing that there is at least one that may have not been so obvious.  Even if the conventions for color and shape are different, most signs are self-explanatory.  That is really the idea of road signs is to communicate an idea quickly and without words if possible.  

Couple sign songs for ya:

The folksie "Signs" by Five Man Electrical Band

A little Pop with “Warning Sign”, by Cold Play 

80th Throwback “The Sign” by Ace of Base