Turn Please

This is a mechnical door bell.

Do not turn the small handle unless you want someone to answer the door. I learnt the hard way.

Surprisingly difficult knowing what to say in an unfamiliar language to a confused soul having just accidentially rung their door bell.

It is only on closer inspection of this photo that I notice the words “Tournez SVP” embossed on the plate; this translates to “turn please”.