Flirting with the Flics!

[Bayleaf]

Is that recommended? Or not so much?!

First time in a while got waved into a Gendarme check point - always by our old PO, at a multi-junction (I can't call it a round-about, it really isn't!)

It felt good to be able to hand over a French Driving Licence - which shows it's been several years since the last time this happened. Then I panicked, as I was driving the works van, and couldn't remember where the Carte Grise lived, and it's in OH's name. So, started some random conversation in French with Mr Flic, while I suddenly spotted the CG wallet. He then noticed I was British (can't think why! ), and proceeded to speak in English, although I still responded in French. CG checked, but old insurance slip in there, "not good", he says - so I said check the windscreen, but other Gendarme had already done that. He gave me the old slip back, saying that was for the fire! He wished me a Good Day, and I reciprocated, still in French with a Bon Continuation. He said I speak good French, so I finally responded in English saying "and you speak good English"! Big smiles and laughs all round, and off I go!!

So, is it ok to flirt with the flics?! My downfall all my life is being cheeky to those in authority, but I seem to get away with it .....

[tagh]

Yes, but gently, and dont for Bobo’s sake call the female ones Gendarmettes! The douanes are less agreeable I find.
One tip, it ever they seem grumpy, find a way of praising France ( not the politicians!), tel them what a great country they live in etc.

[Quiksilver]

I've tried it every time I've been stopped....not so much flirting as joking. Forget it! The ones round here have all the sense of humour of a three-month dead haddock, without the charm I don't even waste a smile on them any more

[Bayleaf]

Yes, but gently, and dont for Bobo’s sake call the female ones Gendarmettes! The douanes are less agreeable I find.
One tip, it ever they seem grumpy, find a way of praising France ( not the politicians!), tel them what a great country they live in etc.

Noted! Wise words!!

[Blaze]

A lot of it is down to attitude - on both sides - so best to get the business bit over with, then have a chat. We only once had a problem with a female gendarme some years ago who would not accept that that our GB card licences were valid in France, in spite of a directive from the Prefecture saying they were. We decided it was best to back off because she could have made life awkward, particularly as we were in a different department. But she was wrong and clearly didn't want to lose face in front of the young sprog with her.

Agree with @tagh about praising France - it always works

[MAD87]

Well why not? Especially when the fellas are wearing their skin-tight trews.
I've only once had one problem with a rather stupid specimen who dug himself several holes when being agressive. I reported him and had an apology from the brigade commander. Such types exist in every area, every business, every authority.

[L Austin France]

I been stopped at check points a couple of times & both times asked the flic if he knew my flic mate who lived not far from us.
They weren't to know I only knew his wife who goes horse riding with my missus

[Pathca]

Police officers are human beings wherever they are,a bit of polite chat ,showing an interest etc goes a long way. What doesn’t help is arguing for arguings sake or telling them you play golf with the Chief Constable

[Pachapapa]

A sort of inverse Pareto rule.
Gendarmes 20% population in 80% of country. Certainly the best, count yourself lucky if you live in a rural area.
The National Police are not good in general and awful in many metropolitan areas. Marseille for example.
CRS on bikes on Autoroutes can be awkward if warranted.
CRS on beaches in summer go out of their way to be friendly and helpful.
The GGs love my Identity Card given to me by General Pinochet, gets passed around, everyone gets a look.