DR400’s are very good. I have some time on the small engine ones and about 250 hours on the 160. They are faster and carry more weight than the equivalent Piper, but the 160 uses more runway when at MAUW.
The stick is, in my opinion, much nicer than a yoke and they make excellent instrument platforms. If you are in to touring France then you are much more likely to get it repaired without delay than a Piper.
Depending on the age of the aircraft you may find the layout of the switches and dials a little odd, but this comes with time. I only ever had a problem with this at night.
Get in and have a go!
Rod