Which era of French naval history is Dr. Clarke's favorite?

What is Dr. Clarke's favorite era of French naval history?

The age of sail, when the French Navy accomplished many remarkable things.

The French Navy in the age of sail is the preferred period because its fleets, officers, and shipbuilders achieved remarkable things across repeated wars. The choice points beyond the interwar cruiser topic toward a much longer French maritime tradition. It also identifies the sailing era as a particularly rewarding entry point into that history. This preference reflects personal interest rather than a ranking of French naval effectiveness by period.