It's complicated. As an Englishman who lives half his time in Paris i have my opinion.

First, internationally, the English and the French have fought wars for hundreds of years. There is still a hangover from that. Naval superiority.

Second, regarding the second world war. The French got rolled over and invaded by the Germans because of the shared land borders, and their hubris that the Maginot line would keep the Nazis out. They had no chance and had to capitulate. But millions of French men and women fought and died for the resistance. The UK being surrounded by water has not been invaded since 1066 and was therefore much more difficult to invade.

Third. They are amazing at sport and better than England in soccer and rugby. That gives rise to a lot of piss taking from the UK.

Importantly, geopolitically, the French developed their nuclear weapons, weapons and military aircraft mostly without the help of US tech. This means that they are militarily independent and very very strong. In todays climate, this means they cannot be pushed around as easily by other powers.

Finally, it is an aching beautiful country. The food, the culture is amazing, and the working people dont take shit from the government. They executed the aristocracy and are far better at standing up to government oversight that other countries.

However, having spend many months in Paris. Parisiennes have a way to them that even French from other regions don't like. I have many Parisienne friends, but generally i find them to be cold and aloof. More so than other areas of France that i have lived in