Hi ATC Watcher,
Helicopter rescue is not free in France. back in 2008 my brother had a crash in the french alps during a mountain flying training flight at valloires, col du galibier. 2 fatalities.
Helicopter rescue was called in as my brother was sitill alive, unfortunately he died while on the way to the hospital.
We got an invoice for 6'500 euros for the helicopter services, fortunately it was covered by insurance we had in switzerland.