We eat more spicy than not spicy. The French as far as I can tell don't much. 2-3 hour drive for a spice shop, although local market has had a spice stall.
Does garlic count as a spice or a flavouring? With limited experience of French cuisine ie nothing beyond horse or petit poids I have no idea just what would constitute a normal meal.
Not no expert but I believe its more several small courses(can be a single food item) rather than our slap it all on the plate. Garlic Being in same family group as onions I'd say its a veg, now eat up it good for you.