Barriers et al

Hi Val

So there are different points of view here. Not sure what a 'colloquial' mairie is! Unless it is informal! I think 'local' marie is what was meant. Also here in France there are 'departements' not 'counties'. The Prefecture in Montauban would not be at all happy for the Tarn et Garonne to be referred to as 'virtually unknown'.

The maire is doing what he can to ensure the safety of tourists and the local population. Yes, barriers my not be any good against a determined 'attentat', but at least they are trying. Similarly, all the palaver at airport security may not, in the end, prevent a catastrophe, but the effort is there. We would rather things were different, but they aren't.

I know from French friends that the gendarmerie are watching a certain individual in Septfonds. You can't be alarmist, but you do have to be aware that, sadly, life has changed. We don't want daily to fear a knife attack, being bombed, or simply being run down....but these things have happened. A priest had his throat cut while at prayer in a church in Rouen.....France is very nervous, and with good reason. 

I agree with Sam that the parking on market days is a nightmare. If the main street were to be pedestrianised instead of this one way system on market day, I suppose traffic could be directed via the road before the Brasserie, as cars need access to Caylus. This barrier solution is not the best, but I'd rather live in 'LaLa' land than complain when the gendarmerie and maire are simply trying to protect us. 

And we can still enjoy that morning coffee or apero at the Gazpacho! In fact, it's quieter!

Ann
Val says
I worry Ann that your French neighbour has so much private knowledge about terrorist individuals at Septfonds. Surely this information should be kept secret, as part of an on going surveillance rather than shared with all and sundry in a scare campaign. I would think very carefully about anything your French neighbour tells you. Ask him if he is a member of the local National  Front? I bet he is.