lot's of people like French food and perhaps think that it's sophisticated or something and therefore appealing :-) just went to the south of France and must say that it was all very nice; can we have the weather too please hee hee!
Rats do live in nice big lush spaces too and Dulwich park is one such place...shouldn't be a problem unless there are too many one day. Just part of life and nothing to worry about.
I see that the Dulwich arts festival is starting tomorrow. Last year I went round the "open houses" where artists show case their work. Some of it was really interesting and to be recommended. Worth checking out the programme.