Going back to what Robbietunes and myself said earlier; that rear tire is nearly touching the FD, and the toes of your feet may make contact with the wheel when turned from side to side (not sure) -- definitely a racing frame.

In looking at C &V frames, also realize that some French built bicycles in particular were built as Randonneur bicycles. They were made for racing long distances unsupported; you wanted a stiff frame for maximum speed, but with enough clearance so that you could install fenders and fat tires. They also had a longer wheelbase, that along with the steering geometry made the bike stable enough to be to be handled by a fatigued rider in the middle of the night without being overly slow. Here is a good example:

http://www.heronbicycles.com/rand.html



The art of bicycle geometry can get pretty complicated.

-James