To all: Good question, and one that has been the most serious of issues surrounding JAR-FCL implementation in the JAA States. All States commit themselves to a mutual recognition clause (basically means we will accept a JAR licence issued by another State that has fully implemented JAR-FCL and has passed its JAA inspection visit). Unfortunately we all know that DGAC France don't play ball. In fact they blame it on an old French rule, which in the French legal system is considered higher in status than JAR-FCL rules. They say that they are required to 'validate' all foreign licences (including JAR ones) under EC Directive 91/670/EEC but that is rubbish because what they are really saying is stay away because we are protectionist!
You will most definitely find it almost impossible to get a UK JAR-FCL licence 'recognised' because (a) they don't trust the British, and (b) they are very suspect of any training that might have been performed outside the JAA community, i.e. US. What they don't tell you is that Air France trained its cadets for a long time at Delta in the 90s and under the old French system!!
Most of the countries use the JAR mutual recognition clause in the spirit that it is intended, that is no validation necessary in the interests of minimum regulatory burden. What is the point of JOINT regulations otherwise?
I wish you succes.
To winch launch - it's not a question of French companies recognising JAR licences - that has nothing to do with them. That job lies with DGAC - they are just telling you that to get rid of you quickly!