That takes it! The French are just wierd.
It ain't just the French.
When I was in school in Philadelphia, there was a Greek-style statue of a woman with a drape over one shoulder, with one breast exposed. There was a tradition among the young men that if one went up to the statue before a big date and (respectfully of course) rubbed the exposed breast, it would increase one's chances of "scoring" on the date.
Can't say as I tried that myself, but the tradition was fairly common knowledge, and one thing is for sure -- that exposed breast was the best-polished piece of brass anywhere in the city.
Maybe they're just looking to rub up against a Frenchman who doesn't smell bad?
It isn't working for fertility.
French are becoming fewer and fewer.
Next thing you are going to tell me is that the sky is blue.