I'm of the opinion that carrots should never, ever, ever be cooked. If something is excellent raw, why cook it?
By the way, I've been to France several times. I grew up in New Orleans thinking that I was enjoying real French food, and I loved it. I have never been so underwhelmed by a country's true cuisine. Real French food kind of sucks. Heck, they even ruin sandwiches there. Believe it or not, I found better food in Ireland of all places. I didn't just slum around at cafe's and brasseries either. I hit some really well known restaurants. Everthing needed Tony Chachere's, which I was smart enough to have with me. Never go overseas without Tony's.
For a country so well known for it's food, France is a real disappointment. Kind of like reading about Napoleon and then looking at France's military "accomplishments" (Read constant surrender) since Waterloo.
When in doubt, just order more escargot. You can't go wrong with that.