Proud, even arrogant as we are often described, we have a natural tendency not to appreciate criticism too much, especially when it's not really justified. We don't give anyone the privilege of shooting ourselves in the foot - we're very good at doing it ourselves. Without getting too paranoid, can you hear, as I can, the music being played abroad? France shaken by insecurity; France infested by parasites; France no longer such a good place to live?
It's more than just a rumour, since international comedians are making a fuss about our bedbug-inhabited mattresses, the strikes that are paralysing us, the social gloom that is sweeping through us, and the insecurity that is making itself felt. The Germans have - used to - say "Happy as God in France" to describe a state bordering on supreme happiness. Today, they are not the last to decry us, encouraged by the Anglo-Saxons, which is more natural. But what have we done to them?
Behind this irritating smoke that is spreading insidiously, what is the smouldering fire? Have we ended up triggering a perceptible irritation among our neighbours and competitors?
Whatever people say, and certainly whatever the cost, France and its economic players have come through the crisis better overall than our major neighbours. We will undoubtedly pay for it in one way or another, but the rebound has been possible because the vital forces have remained in working order. What is true for the economy as a whole is also particularly true for our tourism sector.
Successive geopolitical crises, shortages caused by conflict and rising inflation are absorbed with pain, but always with a safety net to cushion the fall. The choices we have made in the past are proving to be judicious in limiting our energy dependence and the cost of our energy bills.
Revenge travel in favour of France by international customers, the hosting of the Rugby World Cup and the preparations for the next Olympic and Paralympic Games are like an alignment of stars favourable to the tourist industry, which has not hesitated to take advantage of them. So it's bound to be annoying...
This is one of the explanations for the rise in "French bashing" that observers are beginning to pick up on. People like to pick on the good student. And when it's France that's crying foul, it's even more tempting.
We could be amused by this and look on from a distance at the headlines in certain newspapers and the reports on foreign television. But the consequences are beginning to be felt in international hotel and airline bookings. An unnatural downturn, and embarrassed explanations that would suggest that a stay in France is being spoiled by bedbugs, bad weather or violence.
As undisciplined and quarrelsome Gauls, we are not the last to argue and inveigh against each other. But for once, it would be a good idea to form a sort of united front, not to give in to jealousy or denigration. Our country is not doing so badly, and that's a good thing. Our tourism industry is in pretty good shape, and that's a trump card we can use against the competition. Somewhat surprisingly, it's the same people who criticise us who are looking for development opportunities in France. There must be an objective reason for this.
Mind you, Spain is not taking too much part in the chorus of criticism. Its serenity is justified by figures that are improving every month, in terms of international visitor numbers and tourism revenues. It is quite prepared to reap the rewards of the French bashing that is allegedly diverting some of the world's tourism flows to its own benefit.
Let the dogs bark, and let them take the bedbugs they see everywhere with them, but let's not let the criticism get us down. The service, the welcome and the quality of French hospitality are beyond reproach. It would be appropriate to demonstrate and promote this collectively.