Interesting article. I've lived in France for eight years and can't imagine living elsewhere. I agree with much of what you write--however that myth about French women not getting fat? Merde! Possibly true in Paris and large metropolitan areas--much as it is in New York and LA--but head out to rural and small town France and discover the truth. Shop in a provincial supermarket and see the physical results of the convenience foods piled in shopping trolleys. I walk with a French friend in my village whose conversation the entire time I've known her is on how she's finally going to lose the extra pounds she regained after her previous diet.