I actually love visiting France. A beautiful country with a beautiful history and people who are, for the most part, friendly (especially if you talk to them in French first). Unfortunately, it's been downhill starting with the Revolution (nasty little event that was, though perhaps a necessary event handled unnecessarily).
You might find Brittany more your speed. They've got a very strong Celtic heritage there. Pipes, fiddles, reels, and the whole 9 yards. Most religiously observant part of the country, as well.
Sorry, I really can't explain my Francophilia. I despise the nihilism, socialism, amoral (really anti-moral) and anti-American culture that has arisen there. But you can't be a medievalist and not love France. And Paris really is one of the most beautiful cities on earth. With everything to hate about the place, I still love it.
And French accents... hotness.
"But you can't be a medievalist and not love France. And Paris really is one of the most beautiful cities on earth. With everything to hate about the place, I still love it."
Being part French, I still have feelings for the beauty and history of France, in spite of my being real annoyed at their political stance on so many issues and their rampant socialism. France had a great and glorious past; and perhaps, if they are lucky they can retrieve their future if they wise up. Maybe after Chirac goes. But they better move fast now, as there is not much time left before they are dhimmi's in Eurabia. It's sad to see a once proud and great Empire with its enormous cultural and scientific contributions, come to such an ignoble state of being. Paris is beautiful, the palaces, art, music, its entire great cultural heritage, the lovely coastal parts of France, and the wine country are all exquisite. I loved France when I visited it, but it has sunk so low of late. I hate feeling rotten about the French part of me where once there was great pride. Come on France, heal thyself.