Yes, it seems like the cheaper the French bike is, the more guarantee that it will be a very good riding bike.
Take my lowly Peugeot PH10s that I owned in the 80's, made with Peugeot's Carbolite 103 tubing. Lugless construction with stamped dropouts and stem shifters, basic model Simplex derailleur and rat trap pedals.
I did mod it up with better wheels and components, but it was the frame that provided the magic on that bike. It remains one of the best riding bikes I ever owned. Even compared to the top of the line bikes I now have. Sure it did not handle like a criterium or stage race bike, but there was just something about how it "sings" under you, when you are motoring at speed on the road. And you feel a nice twang from the frame when you put the hammer down that felt really good plus it tracked laser straight and quiet. It also had a satisfying "whoosh" to it when you stand on the pedals and accellerate.
Should have never sold that bike!
I hope it's still alive out there bringing smiles to its owner everytime it is taken out for rides.