The days when the glitzy Champs Elysees avenue was swarming with people wildly celebrating France's 1998 World Cup triumph are long gone and the side preparing for the June 11-July 11 finals in South Africa could be excused for feeling let down.
Two years of uninspired performances have taken their toll, not to mention an uncompromising coach revelling in controversy, a few scandals and players perceived as distant if not arrogant.
"It's been going on for two years and it's certainly not making things easier for us," forward Sidney Govou told reporters on Monday when asked what is was like to be hated.
"We have been criticised quite a lot but it's not always a good thing to listen to what's being said outside," he added. "We try to find the strength we need within ourselves."
The country's discontent with a few men in shorts was illustrated again on Sunday when sports junior minister Rama Yade said France had picked a hotel far too flashy as their World Cup base.
The news that France were staying at a secluded fortress for the rich and famous was the straw that broke the camel's back.
"The media say the supporters do not believe in us but I know they do and I also know other teams respect and fear us," Patrice Evra, the new France captain, told reporters during the team's World Cup preparations.
"Everybody seems to believe that we're going on a safari, that we are not among the favourites, but our pride can help us go places."
