Signs of Life (in Paris)

No matter where in the world you go, there are signs offering advice, directions and admonitions.  Paris is no different although some of the signs may be difficult at times to understand.  Here is a series of pictures of signs snapped at random in the streets of the city.  Can you tell what they are about? To enlarge a picture just click on it. Don't check the list below until you have had a go!

Sign No. 1

Sign No. 2

Sign No. 3

Sign No. 4

Sign No. 5

Sign No. 6

Sign No. 7

Sign No. 8

Sign No. 9

Sign No. 10

Sign No. 11

Sometimes the very lack of signs can be confusing.  Looking out of our window the other morning we saw first the police and then a truck onto which were loaded about ten motorcycles which had parked in the little cul-de-sac in front of our apartment building.  Nowhere did we see any signs forbidding parking.  Indeed, we thought it quite reasonable that people parked their scooters and motorcycles here.  Apparently this was against the rules.  However it provided an interesting spectator sport as the cycles were loaded onto a truck and a few owners pleaded for remission (not granted).  As we understand it the bikes are taken to a depot from which they can be reclaimed on the payment of a substantial fine which rises each time it is imposed.  And, of course, there is always the inconvenience of not having your transportation.

Loading the cycles

Fastening the cycles down

A full load

SIGNS:

1. Give Way.
2. (No Access) Day or Night.
3.  No Parking except for disabled.
4. Please wipe your feet.
5. Please hold the hand rail (on escalators)
6. This does not mean that you can pick up some of the fruit and just walk off.  It means "self services". Also used in cafeterias and laundromats.
7. Road reserved for cyclists and pedestrians from 10am to 2pm.
8. Parking for two-wheeled vehicles.
9. Private Parking, standing forbidden.
10. No smoking.
11. Attention stairs.  Common in Montmartre where a street may end with a staircase before resuming on a lower or upper level.