Six places in France to think twice about selfies

Taking a selfie has proved to be more deadly than being attacked by a shark in 2015, according to new figures.

But while the obsession with selfies shows no sign of dying out, here's a look at few places in France where it might be safer to just keep your phone in your pocket.

1.       The Tour de France

Clearly way out there in front is the Tour de France. This year’s race saw numerous close scrapes between selfie hunters and cyclists and the problem really began back in 2014 when there were several incidents. And it's not just cyclists you should be aware of. Check out the video clip below.

It’s not sure who would come off worse if there was ever a really serious collision, but it feels like it’s only a matter of time before it happens. Best just watch the race or take a selfie from in front of the television.

2.       The Bayonne "bull run"

When the bulls (actually they are cows with horns) are released at the annual Bayonne festival the natural temptation is to get your phone out.

But clearly whenever there are bulls around or even cows then all eyes should be on the beasts and not on the camera button of your phone.

Just check out the video and see how one festival goer came a cropper trying to take a selfie.

3.       The cliffs of Etretat

The stunning cliffs above Etretat offer visitors some fantastic photo opportunities, in fact it was described on travel sit as being one of “the most scenic selfie locations in the world”.

But the cliffs, some of which stand over 110 metres high, also offer the chance to dare-devil selfie enthusiasts to get far too close to the edge, as anyone who has visited will have noticed.

In September 2013 one woman died after she slipped and fell 70 metres to the beach below. It is not known whether she was taking a selfie, but it highlights the danger nevertheless.

4.       The rough Atlantic coast

Another place that combines stunning beauty with great photo opportunities is France’s Atlantic coast.

The waves, especially when seas are rough or there are storms, often take people by surprise, as the videos below show.

Numerous walkers or bystanders have been swept to their deaths over the years.

If you happen to by by the sea on a rough day then its best just to look after yourself and forget about a selfie.

5. Skiing, anywhere in France

Skiing can be a risky enough sport - you can even get hit by a plane in France - without getting the selfie and stick involved. In February this year one boy is reported to have fallen 500 metres off a cliff in an Alpine resort after a selfie-shot went wrong.

There have also been numerous other incidents reported at mountain resorts around the world. Perhaps it’s best just to buy a go-pro.

 

6. In front of the Mona Lisa

 

The usual scrum in front of the Mona Lisa at the famous Louvre art gallery has become even more unbearable in recent years due to the rise of the selfie. It got to the point where the museum's chiefs were forced to impose a ban on selfie sticks, because people were getting whacked in the head.

 

But as the photo shows, people will do almost anything to get a selfie in front of La Jaconde. It probably won't be long before the Louvre bans ladders, or stilts, or better still just mobile phones.

 

In fact the same can go for most museums in Paris, with the Palace of Versailles and the Musée d'Orsay also bringing bans on selfie sticks. 

 

(Photo: Brian Fitzharris/Flickr)

 

Keep your clothes on

 

Finally just a word of warning, if you are going are insistent on getting that all important selfie in France, then just think twice about taking your clothes off.

 

You're likely to end up in a police cell as the artist below found out.