1. You Can Legally Marry a Dead Person
I can imagine your reactions already:
Wait, what?!
Um, gross...
That's... I... but... why?
Score! Time to move to France.
Okay, not so much the last one. But it's true! It is legal to marry a dead person in France. But they have some stipulations, of course! The couple has to have been engaged prior to the person's death, with obvious intent to go through with the wedding.
At least the corpse isn't getting married against his/her will, right?
2. No Jerry Lewis Masks For You
If you're planning a big Jerry Lewis-themed masquerade ball in Cannes, France, you might want to find a new theme!
Don't you know that wearing Jerry Lewis masks is illegal there? I know how common these parties are, but unless you want to pay a large fine, either cancel the shindig or find another location. Don't say we didn't warn you!
3. Hey There, Dollface
In France, it is illegal to sell dolls without human faces. That means your E.T. doll is illegal, my friend! Come on, though. Let's be serious. Do any dolls actually look human?
4. Onions Get the Right of Way
If you're walking along the street in Paris and you come upon a man carrying onions, get out of the way!
Onion-carrying garçons always get the right of way!
So I guess if you really want to get somewhere in a hurry, grab a pile of onions to speed up your trip!
5. Illegal For Women To Wear Trousers
In these modern times, you might think that most progressive societies have accepted that women like to wear pants. But in Paris, it is still illegal for women to wear trousers!
They have a few exceptions, like:
- When a woman is riding a horse
- When a woman is riding a bike
6. Illegal To Kiss on Railways
You know those adorable photos of people kissing on railroad tracks?
Well, you shouldn't try to have that photo shoot in France!
It is illegal to kiss on railways there.
This actually seems like a pretty practical law.
Would you want to be run over by a train because you were too busy sucking face to pay attention?
I think not!
7. Illegal To Take Photos of Police Officers
In Antibes, it is 100% illegal to take pictures of police officers or their vehicles.
If you're the type of person who hates to be photographed, this could be a strategic career move! It would be pretty cool to arrest people for going against your wishes, eh?
8. Pigs Named Napoleon
If you decide to live in France and buy a pet pig, make sure to abide by this important law:
Whatever you do, don't name it Napoleon!
If you do, you'll be breaking the law.
Why not stick with a more traditional name, like Gordy or Babe?
9. French Music on the Radio
If you're listening to the radio in France between the hours of 8am-8pm, don't expect to hear very much American music.
Why?
Because according to law, 70% of music played on the radio during those hours has to be performed by French artists.
10. Breathalyzer Tests
If you thought American DUI laws were harsh, just wait until you hear about this French law!
In France, every car must have a breathalyzer kit in the glove compartment at all times.
If a driver is found to not have one, he or she will get a fine of 11 euros!
Courtesy of chacha.com
I'm still stuck on the first one. Marry a dead person? Umm, I can't even come up with a whitty comment. Why? That all I muster. Why would you do that and why is it a law. Just too weird! Clara
ReplyDeleteLOL Clara...still haven't figured that one out...must have something to do with inheritance and possibly legitimacy is my guess. ;)
DeleteBlessings...
Cat
Hmph. I guess amish dolls would be illegal.
ReplyDeleteYou're right Rose...they definitely would be.
DeleteHugs and Blessings...
Cat
So...hmmmmm....just thinking...trousers are illegal? Interesting since I bought pants in France! LOLOLOL!
ReplyDeleteLOL Minelle...didn't say it was illegal to buy/sell them...just illegal to wear them unless you are riding a bike or a horse. ;) Okay...will stop there! LOL
DeleteHugs and Blessings...
Cat
Interesting laws Cat, scratching my head on the first one too ... why would you?? What is it with faces? No Jerry Lewis masks and dolls must have human faces? LoL
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Roz
Would really love to know the back stories on these laws Roz! ;)
DeleteHugs and Blessings...
Cat
Hi Cat, Oh for goodness sake, who the heck would marry a dead person anyway? Are the French people bonkers? I thought that was just us dd'ers lol
ReplyDeletelove Jan.xx
LOL Jan...yup...think the French are definitely bonkers...just think...if you're a French DDer, you are double bonkers! ;)
DeleteHugs and Blessings...
Cat
Some of these laws are as strange as ours. Hard to believe, I thought we had the corner on the market. lol
ReplyDeleteLOL Sunny...I thought we did also! ;)
DeleteHugs and Blessings...
Cat
Some of those are just plain weird, others I assume are just old laws that never got updated to reflect the times like the pants thing. That breathalyzer thing would be good if people used it and did not drive drunk. I would have to drink to drive drunk... unless soda counts. :)
ReplyDeleteYou know I once read about this guy (true story) who was in love with this much younger girl. She died of something and he just happened to be a furneral director or mortician... something like that. Anyway, he made her up real special and secretly kept her for his own for like 10 years more maybe? I forget. When he was caught with her he wasn't prosecuted either. People are so strange.
DeleteYou're right Sara...I am assuming (I know...gets me into trouble) that some of these laws just haven't been updated but some...haven't got a clue as to the back story.
DeleteWow...I am surprised that guy wasn't prosecuted for something...that's just creepy!
Hugs and Blessings...
Cat