France took rather longer than Britain to standardise its road signs. Before the state took over, Michelin did a great deal to help the motorist - and to advertise its products.Michelin began providing signs in 1910. Although it gave them freely to local authorities, the company was careful to include its own name. Among other organisations providing signs were the Touring-Club de France and Michelin's competitor, Dunlop.
However, in 1946, government regulations finally brought standardisation and sponsored signage came to an end. Nonetheless, some examples remain, such as this one in the picturesque Breton town of Jugon Les Lacs.
4 comments:
I read something about these Michelin signposts recently and how they are now being listed as heritage items in France. The question they were asking was whether a signpost can be an item of shared heritage. I guess you like them!
Perhaps the government or local authorities could offer sponsorship of roadsigns, lampposts etc in return for free advertising to raise finance in these times of economic hardship. Just think if Orange were to sponsor lampposts they could emblazon them with ' The futures bright, the futures Orange'
I have never noticed them - for shame. So thank you for the illustrated information.
I love these sturdy, chunky signposts, there's often something a little frail and slightly apologetic about some of the English-style country signposts.
I do like these signposts, and they have a very sturdy, reliable look to them (somewhat misleading as many of the road numbers are now incorrect!).
accountant, you're right - I'm amazed this hasn't been done yet! Perhaps Guinness could do traffic lights - 'good things come to those who wait'.
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