Expect French negotiation to proceed from general to specific. Before addressing particular terms, French negotiators often want to establish shared frameworks and principles: What are we trying to accomplish? What considerations apply?
How should we think about this situation? This intellectual groundwork may seem abstract, but it serves important functions. If parties agree on principles, specific terms become matters of application rather than arbitrary bargaining.
This approach front-loads conceptual discussion but can speed progress on specifics once frameworks are established. Do not mistake this conceptual discussion for avoidance of real negotiation. Engage seriously with the framework discussion; the principles you establish will shape what specific terms seem appropriate.
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