Paul,
Can we ship you install disks? Where are yours? Do you have the bandwidth/time to pick up entire disk images online? This may be the fastest way to get them across the Atlantic. Is there a local Mac reseller/user group that can help you with an install disk (even if it is French or OS9)?
The monitor dongle is a special part for all iBook (Dual USB) and PG G4 12". I'm surprised you didn't bring it with you. You can prolly find them at a local reseller like Fry's. I'm concerned with how primative France is as far as computer stuff goes. Is there a French Fry's?
(No pun intended, that was really how it came out of my head..)