38% + about 1 month of net income to pay each year as income tax.
There's absolutely no visibility on retirement plan. You just know that you earn "points", with no idea what they're worth.
Also, when you rent in France you have to pay a tax (similar to property tax) which, depending on the city, can be quite high (~1 month of rent/year).
VAT is 22% on most products. Gas is expensive (highways too!!!). Train (TGV) is ridiculously expensive.