I'm seconding rickolis. I used my card throughout the Netherlands last month. Any place there was no attendant, it worked as a chip & PIN--yes, I had to punch in my PIN number, even if the transaction was for a small amount. Any place there was an attendant/shop keeper, it reverted to a chip & signature card.

Sorry to hear that it didn't work in France for you, svft. I'll be in the UK later this year, and look forward to trying it there, too.