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Falling rocks in France

The most common kind

Falling Rock Signs in France come in three classes.

Let's look first at the most common sign found throughout the country. It is a modern design with angular boulders. Four of the boulders are in the air and three pieces are resting on the ground, a feature which is rather unusual. On one occasion we've found a road sign where the boulders have smoother edges. In this drawing one of the rocks lies on its shortest side. I think that's a trifle improbable.

VIII.1997; pict. A. Guët C. Pourtalet, V.1994
 

The most variable kind

II.1999; pict. A. Guët VIII.1997; pict. A. Guët VIII.1997; pict. A. Guët VI.1998; pict. A. Guët
The second group is an older design rapidly giving way to the modern panels but still present at quite many locations. Road signs of this group count five stones and are further characterized by irregularly shaped boulders, speed indicating stripes and a corrugated cliff. There is a wide range of variations in the shape of the rocks, the position of the rocks, the number and length of the stripes - in one find they are omitted - and the shape of the wall. We've also one mirrored specimen carrying an extra boulder.
(More about speed and impact in: Norway, Pakistan, Turkey, Romania or Spain - where we've found a panel enhanced with modern conveniences.)
VII.2007; pict. A. Guët II.2000; pict. A. Guët V.1995
 

The most rare kind

The third class is very different and up until now only found in the Pyrenees. On both sides of the range. Which means that the design could come from Spain. The drawing is characterized by smoother lines in general and six boulders like rain-drops.
C. Pourtalet, V.1994

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More signs from France: Men at work - Children's crossing