French version doesn't work either

I see. Somewhat disappointing. I tried several combinations with the German version and there wasn't a single result...

try these – you get different languages

http://local.google.com/lochp?hl=uk
http://local.google.com/lochp?hl=sa
http://local.google.com/lochp?hl=no
http://local.google.com/lochp?hl=ru

Here is a search for coffee shops in palo alto in German – "&hl=de" – change the "de" to get different languages.

http://local.google.com/local?sc=2&hl=de&q=coffee+shops&near=palo+alto&btnG=Google+Search&sl=1

ok...it's for foreigners who are able to go in USA (aka english speaking people) but need Google Local in French
That's .... a lot of people ;-D