As the author of your linked article says...

The French know better than silly Americans what life is really about. It is about pleasant thoughts and sipping Courvoisier...everyone enjoys five weeks or more of paid vacation — and 22 paid holidays on top of that!...I have sat for hours at sidewalk cafes sipping cafe au lait (that’s milk and coffee, you uncultured Americans) and nodding approvingly as pretty women stroll by.

I understand the argument he's making by using humor. And I'm certainly not endorsing an opposing view. But to be honest, he's not very convincing. Maybe a better question in considering the French might be, what's wrong with the French lifestyle?