BackPacker, I don't think that would work.
You are still using a UK licence in France (unless you have a French issued licence), and so the UK ANO would still be applicable. Where there are conflicts between the UK ANO (for flight crew licensing) and French ANO (for aircraft, airspace, rules of the air etc), the more restrictive apply. If the UK ANO says the IMC rating is not valid abroad then you can't get any more restrictive than that.
I don't believe there is a French equivalent of the IMCr, so even under French privileges you would need a full IR to fly IMC.
BTW It would be useful if the OP can confirm what type of licence he/she holds. I suspect an EASA/JAR licence.
Last edited by wb9999; 4th Jul 2013 at 13:42.