Jeff Steiner's Americans in France.
Resource for people that would like to live or travel in France.

Americans in France

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Narrative

SignalizationPoles and Other Non-Signs

Normal Curves

White poles generally line a curve to help you see where it is going. In regions with lots of snow, the top of the poles could be red.

Dangerous Curves

Blue/white chevrons pointed in the direction of the turn usually indicate a dangerous curve. Could also indicate that a lane is disappearing and you need to merge immediately. Curve is 'virage' in French.

Delineators

White poles with diagonal black stripes and a reflector might be placed alongside the road to show you where the edge of the road is. They will be placed some distance off the road, and not right next to it.

Intersections

Intersections might be marked with a white pole with a red stripe. This makes them more visible from a distance, especially when they occur on curves (where there will be other white poles).

Train Crossings

In addition to any other signs, train crossings might be marked with a series of white poles with 1, 2 or 3 red stripes. They count down from 3 stripes to 1 as you approach the crossing to give you some warning. See the section on TRAIN CROSSING SIGNS for more info.

Traffic Islands

Small traffic islands will be marked with a square blue sign with a white arrow indicating which direction to go to avoid the island.

Divergence of Lanes

When lanes diverge, there should be a green signs with white arrows telling you to go one way or the other (i.e., not down the center). Generally, this is seen on highways and autoroutes at exits.

Windsocks

In areas where strong winds can occur, there may be a windsock to tell you the strength and direction of the wind. A windsock is called "manche à air" in French.

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