Historically this matchup is a bit scary in the early parts of the feudal age for the Ottomans and then it gets progressively easier as they set up military schools and begin pumping Sipahi and spears to counter the French's knights and archers. It becomes very difficult for the French from a unit control perspective because Mehter alongside the Sipahi and spearman makes such a fearful composition. On a map with less room for archers to kite and easier choke points, it can be even scarier.

Sipahis deal with knights okay when the numbers are low, especially when mixed in with a handful of spears.

Janissaries deal well with knights, but need numbers to be effective.

French and Ottomans (and JD) are the only civilizations with access to a cannon ship in the Castle Age. The French Galleass will tear through any ship the Ottoman can make.

Ottomans love staying in Feudal Age. With Imams and Mehters, they can fight evenly against knight civilizations like French.