How poorly considered are top US universities in France?

It is just jealousy. If you are accepted to Harvard and MIT and can handle it, by all means go. Top US university have, in general, good reputation in France, except among problematic people that anyway you would want to avoid. For lower level American university, the choice becomes more complicate of course and one might prefer European style top education. Whatever your choice, remember that even if you are graduate from a top university this only helps you get started. Harvard / MIT diploma does not equal success.

nicely put some perspective on your terrified question. US universities are very highly considered in France. The author probably picked Harvard and MIT because they are among the most famous and desired among the French (Harvard because Harvard, MIT because of its engineering strength which the French respect). The man is advocating a different kind of teaching. Chill out, and if you went to one of those top schools be assured your degree is worthwhile in the eyes of most French people. If you didn't what the hell do you care?

As others have mentioned, the article you refer to does not address that issue. Graduate programs from US Universities are considered very well, and under-grad considered good. I make the distinction because I have met quite a few Harvard, Stanford, MIT, etc. under-grads and have been relatively un-impressed. They were fin, young and smart people but nothing extraordinary at all. Harvard churns thousands of under-grads each year -- and event their MBA class flirts with the thousands graduates. The aura of exclusivity runs thin. Give me a CalTech engineer or a Berkeley History PhD anytime...