This study tested different aspects of the (near-nativelike) second language French proficiency of a group of adult anglophone learners. Data were also compiled from participants as regards their attitudes, motivation and fluency before arrival in France. Those who already then attained native scores on all tasks, seem more influenced by affective variables than by maturational factors in their high achievement. The potential role of such affective variables in explaining native-like proficiency in a L2 is more closely explored.