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My mum had a Merckx "cyclotouriste" bike with the exact same decals. Not a fake Merckx , but a supermarket bought gas pipe one. Some French manufacturer (it was French made) must have negotiated a license to make these budget bikes at some point. Your one looks better made (nicer lugs, cast fork crown, and possible dropouts too... Doesn't look as gas-pipe-y either) but doesn't feature the pantos normally found on "proper" Merckx frames, as others have pointed out; and you'd expect brazed on shifter bosses also. The groupset looks like a later addition.
Looks good as a fine beater (as you say) if price is low enough.
veLLo
Been offered this old Merckx for a cheap price, thinking it could be a fine beater. Anyone recognise the model? It has a biopace crankset.