Curious road sign makes its point

DRIVERS in France are not well up on their road signs – see July’s Connexion where 50% admit being baffled by everyday signs – but there’s little doubt that this sign warning of marmottes gets its message across.

We spotted it in the Parc National du Mercantour in Alpes-Maritimes where it warns drivers to take special care of the marmottes, which are not very road-savvy.

They are just as likely to wander across the road under your wheels as to dart off to safety – although for these large burrowing squirrels ‘dart’ is a relative word.

They are a special hazard for motorcyclists and can easily cause a crash.

But you do not have to look far in France to see where clandestine street artists have subverted road signs by using tape, pre-cut stickers, marker-pens, paint and stencils to add, for example, wings to deer, skateboarders to sleeping policemen, and turning red traffic lights into hearts.

Two of Europe's most prolific, creative and emulated are Frenchmen Jinks Kunst, who lives in Rezé (Loire-Atlantique 44) Pays-de-la-Loire, and Clet Abrahams, who lives in Florence, Italy.

Their work has inspired numerous others to follow in their footsteps, altering road signs all over France (and indeed Europe).

So have you seen any examples? If you have, please do let us know! Send your photos to news[at]connexionfrance.com