I know
I don't get why you would want to avoid it.
It leads to perfect equality for both sides.
Well, why not play the caro-kann? It's very solid like the French and unlike the french, the c8-bishop is active.
The french defense is somewhat like a sicilian. There will be chances for black to counter attack whereas in the caro kann all black has to do is to exchange off everything with little play.
I know