If you are flying in 2011 as you stated, you only have about 10 weeks of travel time available to leave & return in this calendar year...as you will need prior immunization & blood tested proof of such you should get on the ball and talk to your vet, asap.
You will need to have your pet microchipped with a 15 digit ISO compliant chip first, and then vaccinated at least 30 days prior to travel, but not more than 1 year prior to travel. Within 21 days of travel, your veterinarian will complete the EU Form 998 for France and attach the rabies certificate to be sent to the USDA for certification. When this form is returned to you, treat it like pure gold, cos you cannot enter the country without it. I've flown alot into France and then taken the ferry over to England as dogs are NOT allowed to fly in cabin with you into the UK. I know DEFRA rules are changing for the UK as of the 1st of 2012, but I'm not sure about the rest of Europe. If by chance you don't leave the States until after the new year, I'd contact French immigration. I love Air France and they are my first choice when flying to Europe with a pup. They allow a dog under 6kg or 13lbs to fly in cabin with you 