Hi edarth. To respond to your questions,
1) Yes this is true. Because the WHV will be a sticker that they put in your passport.
2) France requires 3 months validity beyond your working holiday, for your WHV application.
I would personally recommend that your renew your passport before applying for your WHV. Whether you do that before or after your July vacation is up to you and passport processing times, which is beyond our expertise.
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