I'm not sure if they're better paid, but I did get the impression they were infinitely happier than their British equivalents - quality of life probably accounts for an awful lot. I don't know though, I'm basing my assumption off a few French medics I know who definitely don't make great money, but do have some pretty great quality of living - near Swiss border, one has a cabin in the woods and a fishing pond, the other paraglides seemingly non-stop. I think there's a different approach to on/off in France, and working hours are definitely far more strictly limited.