I'd simply say that all the territories in Europe which have been disputed between France and the neighbouring powers (east with Germany during most of the millenium, west and north with Britain mostly-but not only- during the 100 years war, south-west with Spain during the Renaissance and later the classic age, and south-east with Italy during the middle ages, the Renaissance, and the 19th and 20th century) have ended up under French control, which is the reason why France is western Europe's largest country. The only exceptions are the temporary conquests of the revolutionary/Napoleonic wars.
Not bad for a country that supposedly kept on surrendering.
Not bad for a country that supposedly kept on surrendering.
Well thats the point the French keep surrendering and losing wars!!!
Oh and to add they were worse before Napolean too they lost Canada and India; massive territories, therefore massive defeats!!!