Are those the same people that tell me to move out of the city into a bigger place and commute in? They seem pretty smug about their choice, “you paid how much for your tiny little house? You could buy a mansion for that here”
Well this is why those people are wrong.
As the parent comment mentioned, they're also the ones that didn't appreciate in the 2010s (after crazy appreciation in the 90s/00s): https://www.meilleursagents.com/prix-immobilier/ile-de-franc...
Note that it depends on the locality though, some places manage to find the sweet spot - not too far and still not that expensive. In some cities this doesn't exist.
Here in the UK the AA come out every time theres a budget, asking for lower fuel duty for "hard pressed motorists".
The reality is fuel isn't that expensive, as evidenced by the fact that large 4x4s are getting increasingly popular, and people are happy to drive the half mile to the local shop to buy a pint of milk.
Edit: Plus EVs are a thing now, if fuel prices really were that bad.
[1] - https://www.theglobaleconomy.com/France/oil_consumption/
In the UK you get into the centre of London from many places outside, on public transport, faster than you can cross London. And buy the much bigger property.