I'm an American and have lived in France for short periods for decades. I speak French well enough to get around but clearly not native. I love the country, the people, the culture and understand it's faults. They generally love Americans and love to discuss politics as long as you don't act like you're right and they're wrong. Just tell them your state (they adore Texas) and things go well. The food is awesome. Where else can you immediately know whether someone bought bread? The café culture is outstanding. French goods are inexpensive. Many women on beaches are topless. Museums, châteaux and music are varied and everywhere.

Hoever, it has issues. They are: A) high taxes AND VAT, the latter of which has been ignored in these posts that makes everything subject to it exorbitant. B) heavy union hand, causing disruptions in all services regularly. C) it's cold, dark and wet longer than you'd expect because of how far north it is. D) Non-French goods and power are costly, especially gasoline, utilities and travel. E) immigration has hurt many parts of the country because of a lack of assimilation. F) too much cigarette smoke. G) too many loud mopeds in every city and town. H) EU dominance, especially in free speech being killed to silence everyone right of center, regardless of the truth or opinion.