They went that-a-way

These directional signs are ubiquitous in France. They point the way to destinations all over the nation, both in cities and out in the countryside. You won't find many roadside directional signs with street names or route numbers on them. The way to navigate is to look for your destination, or a destination that's on the way to where you're going, and follow the arrows that point the way.

Directional signs in Paris.

For us Americans, who are used to following route numbers and the compass directions (our signs will typically say something like "US 101 North" or "I-90 East"), getting used to the destination system can take a little time. But once you've got it, it's pretty easy. Especially now that so many intersections have been turned into traffic circles. If you miss your turn, you just go around the circle again; no having to find a place to turn around farther down the road. Of course, it's still possible to get lost or to take a wrong turn. I've done it many times. But when that happens, you just drive until you find more signs. There's always one that points you in the right direction!