Fabric in France is around 16 - 20 euros per metre! I order mostly from the UK and sometimes even from the States - even with shipping it's cheaper. I've no idea why I can buy for example, a Robert Kauffman print for 9 USD per yard and have it shipped from the States for a few dollars BUT the same fabric in a shop here is 20 euros (about 28USD) per metre - presumably the shop can get better rates than me so their mark up must be horrendous!
The prices here in Ireland are similar. Some of the higher prices would be because most are imported from USA & elsewhere, and Ireland & UK charge import duty which the retailers have to pass on. That won't account for all the difference though, as I can get fabric shipped here for approx half of the cost in our local shop.