Say what you will about French people and French culture, but France is the natural hegemon of Western Europe. At least from a geostrategic point of view. It is the only Western European country with a 100M+ carrying capacity and dual access to the Atlantic and Mediterranean. It occupies a central location with power projecting capability into Spain, Italy, Britain, and Germany.

By comparison, Britain has a smaller carrying capacity and no coastline on the Mediterranean. Spain has a smaller carrying capacity and is isolated from the rest of Europe. Germany has a good carrying capacity and central location, but no access to the Atlantic or Mediterranean. Italy has a smaller carrying capacity, is locked in the Mediterranean, and is on the periphery of Europe like Spain.

Only France has all three: large carrying capacity, excellent naval projection, and a central location.