Assuming its accurate, the following is a summary of how they classify firearms:
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gun_politics_in_France
Its my understanding that its not a difficult or lengthy process to acquire a category 5 firearm in France. The problem is, all handguns are apparently classified as category 4, which is harder to acquire. And, of course, although I haven’t come across any info on it, I’d be stunned if France actually allows anything resembling concealed carry.
Worse than California but not as bad as the UK.
Of course, the terrorists don’t seem to have a problem getting all kinds of weapons.