Try Troyes (LFQB) then Villefranche Tarare (LFHV) which is North West of Lyon. Aparantly a great chateau there with top lunch and bloke called Patrick (I think) who is a heli nut and will sort you out with all the stuff you need.
Other than that Macon, Grenoble or Valence are also considerations.
After there, pick your way through/over the Alps to DGN (loads of gliders at Sisteron) but mind the Natural Park and the bombing range between DGN and Cannes!
Enjoy, its a great trip once you get south of Troyes.