Is there a way to avoid the french exchange by playing it in a different order?

Oh ok thanks prfen I wasn't aware of that line.

Why would you want to avoid the exchange? It justs gifts black more or less complete equality.

wasnt the french defense exchange variation the topic ? if it was what does those other openings have to do with it?

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. 

A naive answer: Because the French is the French, and the Caro-Kann is the Caro-Kann.

Satisfied? No? Why?

Add to that the fact the Winawer French is probably the sharpest of all replies to 1.e4. I would never classify it as "solid".

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.