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@hippy
Again, depending on what you need to carry, you could get away without panniers and use one of those seatpost-mounted racks+bags or perhaps handlebar bag + rear carradice bag.. something like this setup:
http://www2.arnes.si/~ikovse/weight.htm
It's referred to as "credit card touring".
Be careful buying a new bike. You'll want to give a new bike a VERY GOOD test ride before purchasing and then you'll need a lot of miles on it before using it for touring.. unless you want the trip to suck because you're in a world of pain.
I don't remember having any trouble in France with cars. They were much nicer towards cyclists than Australian drivers or UK drivers.
You don't need bibs w/ pads but I'd certainly suggest some form of proper padded cycling shorts.
These are the best (and prob. most expensive) shorts you can get:
http://www.awcycles.co.uk/brands/Assos/FI.%20Mille%20Shorts/7410/index.aspx
Ribble do a cheap winter/audax frame which I used as my only road bike until I bought the S-Works. Slacker than race geometry, guards will fit, rack mounts, cheap, heavy. Basically it works but it ain't flash:
http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/bikes/mountain/product/7005-wintertraineraudax-11764