France in Focus

What a relief! Back in a village with just one roundabout. Last week, on my way here from Normandy, I completely lost count. What on earth has happened here over the past 40 years? Has road safety suddenly improved dramatically? Is it a case of cutting costs on traffic lights and their maintenance? Or has what was once recommended in some scientific (?) study been declared official policy? Let’s spare a thought for the once-iconic French yellow headlights, and the Gauls who would drive into the ditch in near-panic at the sight of white headlights. Or is this yet another example of successful collaboration between administrative bodies and the road construction industry, with the accompanying argument that it’s good for employment? Or a way for a local authority to present itself as forward-thinking and attentive to the welfare of its citizens and their road safety?

Well, I’d of course seen the sign ‘Vous n’avez pas la priorité’ before, back in the 1960s. In my 2CV, the whole landscape of road signs would glide past in slow motion anyway – no problem at all. And now the friendly lady from Waze, hidden away in my smartphone, is perfectly capable of telling me which turn I need to take next.

But still, the question remains for me: where on earth does this miraculous proliferation come from? In Ouest-France a summary of the history, watershed in 1983.

The next village to us has a hexagonal raised thing in the middle of a 5 road junction.
Does this still qualify as a Roundabout?

There are 2 types of roundabout in France : A Rond Point and a Carrefour à Sens Giratoire.
The difference ?
Giratoire - the big roundabouts : priority is given to vehicles already on the roundabout. There are Cedez le Passage panels.
https://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/codes/ar ... 0006842250

A rond point - those smaller, sometimes pimple-like things you see in towns and villages : Priority is given to vehicles coming onto the roundabout, i.e. back to the old priorité à droite. There are no give way signs indicating this (unlike the giratoires) and drivers are often confused as to who has right of way - I've seen it in our village when a new one popped up.

It is not always about the size of the roundabout. In the nearest big city there is one of the mini roundabouts but it is give way on all approach roads - not that that stops some drivers shooting out in front of you.

We actually have very few roundabouts locally, in fact I cannot think of a single one in a 30km radius.

Further, the roads department has installed give way signs on all of the rural side roads to the departemental roads; so ending priorté à droite. That changes once you enter a town, so the possibility of confusion continues.

exile wrote: ↑Fri Jul 10, 2026 3:00 pm It is not always about the size of the roundabout

Indeed ! Size isn't everything ! The key is whether it is indicated that drivers on the approach roads give way or not.