But does France have a right of self defense like we do?
Anywhere but America, using a gun to defend yourself is highly illegal and self defense is not a valid reason for obtaining a gun license.
You mentioned shotguns. Isn’t that about the only firearm one can own in France with minimum hassle and no autoloaders, please?
I have owned shotguns and rifles in France with no hassles. Although I have a CCP in America and often carry when I am away from home, in France I have always enjoyed a particular freedom. Example:A number of years ago a law was passed making pump shotguns “Semi-automatic_weapons.” I am known through the Limousin area and elsewhere as a dangerous competitor in Trap and accomplished hunter. One of my favorite guns is my old Model !2 Winchester. One day a year or so after the law was passed, a Gendarme I knew asked me when I was going to “register” my Model 12. I told him “Never.” He laughed and said, “I don’t blame you.” I have never registered it.
Also a few years ago, the houses on each side of mine, the house across the street, the butcher and baker down the street a bit and one other were all robbed. My house was not touched. Perhaps you might wonder why...............
The smart people in France own guns. Nobody is going to hassle you if you have a hunting license.