Rules of the road: Zebra crossings and Parking

Well this is the last installment of 'rules of the road', there will be something new next week!

Zebra Crossings: well, they exist, but that’s pretty much all they have in common with England. Traffic sometimes stops, but doesn’t have to and most French people you see will just walk across without really looking. Some of the zebra crossings come with a green man (no button to press though, you just have to wait) and some have no lights at all. They’re both as terrifying as each other. Even though most cars have a red light telling them to stop while the green man flashes up for you, cars coming round corners don’t have that all-important red light and will often just slam on the brakes inches away from you. I’m so used to it now I’ve stopped flinching. When attempting the crossing with no green man however, please check that there are no buses on the way first. They stop for no man.

Parking: Basically anywhere. I’m sure the pavements in France have been widened specifically for car users. No space to park on the side of the road? Park on the pavement if it’s wide enough! If not, use your imagination, traffic islands and roundabouts are often perfect spots and with the added bonus that you won’t forget where you left the car.