Here are some possible interpretations and how you could rephrase them:
1. The problems were caused by French people:
* "The problems in the village were caused by the French."
* "French people were responsible for the problems in the village."
2. The problems were similar to those experienced in France:
* "The problems in the village were similar to those faced in France."
* "The village was experiencing issues typical of French communities."
3. The problems were discussed in French:
* "The problems in the village were discussed in French."
* "The villagers spoke about their problems in French."
4. The problems were described in French:
* "The problems in the village were described in French documents."
* "The French language was used to document the problems in the village."
Please provide more context about what you're trying to say, and I can give you a more accurate and natural-sounding sentence.