Tweedpipe

As I'm really out of touch with French school related rules, could someone pls advise if the use of a fountain pen is still mandatory in french primary schools. Does it still form part of the school supply lists for the primaire rentrée?
This question came up today by our son (now 40+) who was taught to write here with one in primaire, and still uses one regularly today - a Namiki Pilot. He reminds me that the inkwells were still present on the desks but the use of them had been discontinued - unlike in Mme TP's school days who used the supplied 'dip' pens.
Although not exactly a fountain pen purist, I still occasionally use a wonderful little Namiki Vanishing point pen that was gifted to me.

G-J-B

My kids are young and are using fountain pens at school in France - they learn a nice cursive writing, which is something they seem to have phased out in parts of the States (speaking to a friend in Texas), however I do not think they are obligatory. A few months ago we were looking at pens and found what looked like a rollerball pen, but it took ink cartridges and functioned like a traditional fountain pen, so they have one of those too.
In the 80's my school desks had the inkwell (this is in the UK), but we had to use a fountain pen (after mastering the pencil first!). I still use dip pens and traditional ink at home on occasion.

Chatter Static

Fountain Pens are still a must, Lamy's are all the rage these days.

Tweedpipe

I couldn't agree more! Lamy's are one of the best kept secrets of classic, inexpensive, good quality fountain pens. The Lamy Safari can often be found for less than 20euros, a true bargain. Ditto the Lamy Vista transparent, very inexpensive and makes for an interesting conversation piece whenever pulled out of a jacket pocket for use.
I enjoy talking fountain pens, but am by no means a purist although do have a reasonable knowledge and a decent collection of classic fountain pens.
Not for me the likes of Mont Blanc - although admitedly they have a magical name built on truly exceptional marketing. The exceptionaly high quality pens are Pelikan, and their inks.

Chatter Static

I have a couple of Waterman Allure's and a Pilot MR Animal a Lamy will be my next purchase. All with Mont Blanc ink I also have a few Rotring pens but would like to find a precision compass that can hold a fountain pen in it for some art related stuff.

Tweedpipe

Nice.
I thought Rotring did some sort of universal compass kit including a ruling pen tip. Agreed, not the same though as attaching a real Rotring iso/rapido type graphic pen.