One of the driving forces in culture and philosophical ideas, France has been one of the stronger havens for progressive thought. France is especially strong when it comes to environmental regulations and LGTBQ rights - although it has so far failed to permit adoption by same sex couples.
Interestingly, a number of the Consumer Products companies in the US that still manufacture in the U.S., and haven't moved production to China, like Kitchen Aid and All Clad, are owned by French companies.