In answer to the original question: in comparison with other 1970s factory-manufactured steel frame bicycles, the French frames seem to be lighter and their bicycles have a more pleasing road feel for many aficionados. The mid-range offerings were superior values in their performance-to-cost ratio.

Replacement parts in French thread (headset, bottom bracket, French hub cones) are relatively less common and can be more expensive than their BSC counterparts. Stems are less common, smaller outside diameter on the quill, and you can easily sand a 22.2 diameter aluminum alloy stem to fit correctly in a 22.0 French steerer.

If you are curious about vintage French bikes, I hope you will try one.