Thanks to Exile for bringing some reality into the topic of snakes in France but as Lori says, if you have been fearful of them all your life it is hard to let the truth overcome the fear.
Living in deep rural France for so long I have seen a few snakes (mostly vipers) and every one was on its way to escape. Yes, it is still a fright but knowing they would rather go than stick around and fight calms the nerves a bit.
On my headstone it will say: Please switch off mobile phones. I'm trying to get some sleep.