There is also the resentment of some of Chiracs previously unwilling supporters, at the last general election they were forced to vote for him in order to make sure that Jean-Marie Le Pen wouldn't get in, although they didn't really want Chirac either, and this time they were free to vote against him.
As for the UK referendum don't hold your breath as it's now unlikely that it will happen, Tony Blair must by jumping for joy at the outcome of the French vote, as it means that Chirac gets the embarassing outcome rather than him.
Giok