There are several software companies here in San Diego that allow you to take unpaid time off. I’d recommend you take a job with one of them.

You wouldn’t get paid for those weeks obviously, but it sounds as if quality of life is more important to you than maximizing income.

I know several people who supplement their company supplied 3-4 weeks off with 2 or more unpaid weeks off a year. They are happy as clams.

We love France by the way. We go every chance we get.