I just thought I would do post in case anyone is looking at driving in or through France this year, it looks like you will now need to have a breathalyzer in your car as well as the other bits you need. http://www.thelocal.fr/1920/20111201/ Im guessing that they might target cars with GB plates as they could be an easy target.
I guess they'll probably enforce it if you are caught over the limit or had a drink. Probably just another counter measure to combat the once rife drink drive craze. Although, it is still common. I lived there for 3 years and i dont think we ever had a late night lift from a sober french man or woman. In fact i always remember the drivers to be the life of the party, lol.
I worked seasonally between march and october for 3 years, so not permanent locations throughout, but year 1 was in Benodet, which is south of Quimper in north west, near to Brest if that helps. Year 2 was in Fouesnant, same area as year 1 Year 3 was in a place called Marigny in the Jura region near to Lons Le Saunier. Came back because i was just floating really, and felt like i needed to get a career under my belt, which i now have. My parents have bought a place in a town called Le Pas near Gorron in Mayenne region which is Pays de la Loire if im correct, and i am there as often as i can in the year. I love france it is awesome and a real breath of fresh air for me. I always tried to speak french as best as i can and i was pretty fluent but is sort of diminishes as time passes when you aren't immmersed. So ivegot a fair bit of experience for a 27 year old.