Perhaps I'm older than you.
But when I was a kid they would sell alcohol and porn (not sure about the shuriken) to kids no questions asked. Admittedly I only know this from my brothers, and some other people, who went on French exchange but I've heard enough stories and seen enough of the porn to know it's not all made up. Actually, don't they still allow anyone who can reach the bar to drink in France, or has the EU put a stop to it now?
(Me, I'm not... in any way intoxicated, Wed 18 Jan 2012, 19:31, 1 reply)

All I heard
is that France is some sort of lawless wasteland. I've never been there unaccompanied by parents, so never had the chance to find out if it's true. All I ever saw were some risque postcards, and the occassional nudie playing card deck.
Shurikens were obviously too risky to bring through customs, and alcohol probably didn't stand much chance of making to the border. Someone did come back with a penknife, but it was hadly the flick-knife of rumour (besides which, I already owned a much larger one, obtained within England's shores).
( monster munch person, man, woman... camera... TV?, Wed 18 Jan 2012, 19:50, closed)

I remember all the French exchange kids smoked.
We were only about 13 at the time too. My brother told me of nights spent at the bar drinking cider and smoking. The porn I saw was the result of a classmate going on holiday though because my brother and his mates were too embarrased to buy it.
I think you probably could buy flick-knives and I've certainly read stories about people hiding the. In busses and the like.
(Me, I'm not... in any way intoxicated, Wed 18 Jan 2012, 20:00, closed)

Well, you've convinced me.
What about KITT? *crosses fingers*
( monster munch person, man, woman... camera... TV?, Wed 18 Jan 2012, 23:38, closed)

Sadly not :(
Though whilst on holiday in Florida I did get a lift home from a drunken 17 year old girl in a Trans-Am and at the time it seemed like the car was driving itself.
(Me, I'm not... in any way intoxicated, Thu 19 Jan 2012, 17:59, closed)