A lack of regard for bicycles as transport

This sign was outside Intermarche supermarket in Tarbes. Was there ANYWHERE for cyclists to lock their bikes? Er, no... Though there were seven bikes left against walls, poles etc..

Animal welfare

Fois gras? Very popular, particularly in the South West of France. Lots of happy ducks quack quacking around? Er, no. There are moves to ban the practice but it won't happen here for a long time.

Poor quality milk

It is possible to buy reasonable milk in France - after all it was Monsieur Pasteur who invented the technique. But sadly the majority of French people, if they buy milk at all, buy a carton, or plastic bottle, of U.H.T. Interesting, on the bottle in the picture the word 'milk' only appears in the list of ingredients.

Dodgy phone companies

"Mobicarte Compte Principal. Attention, il ne vous reste plus qu'une semaine pour utiliser votre credit de 9.97 EUR." which means "You have one week to use your credit of 9.97 euros."

Dodgy phone companies III

If you have a spare ten hours, ask me about the troubles I had with France Telecom and Wanadoo, the main French ISP. There are now some more, but each have their own horror stories. Que faire? as they say in France.

French drivers and speed

There are many birds of prey in France but now there is one less. If French drivers were to slow down a little, a large number of animals, as well as 8,000 people every year, might do better than this young buzzard.

French toilets

Not as common as they used to be but still around. A perfect way for losing your keys or wallet down an unpleasant hole. For some reason the French call them 'Turkish toilets'. How do you say 'passing the buck' in French?

Some cycling in France?

Col du Tourmalet

3 days in Western Pyrenees

South West France Coast cycle

Col du Portalet and Spain

Lourdes to Gavarnie

Or other things about France?

A 2 day hike in the Pyrenees

French food

Hiking in the Pyrenees

Parce Que Je T'aime

L'amour par internet