Languages:

French is the primary language (86% of population), however there are over 75 regional languages (including those spoken in overseas areas of the French Republic in the Caribbean, Indian Ocean, Pacific Ocean and South America) and cross-border languages (for example, Basque, Catalan, Norman, and

others), some of which enjoy a recognized or official status in the respective neighboring state or territory.

Cost of living:

France is considered to be more expensive than the United States, but less expensive than the United Kingdom. Prices are noticeably higher in Paris which is the 12th most expensive city in the world.

Visa and Work Permits:

You must obtain a visa if you plan on staying more than 90 days. The best outlook for work in France is with a professional position. To get a work permit, you first must obtain a job offer from a French company or from an international company operating in France. If you arrange your own job or internship, there are some organizations like  AIPT can help you arrange for you work permit.
            If you are not interested in a professional or technical position, the best bet for employment in France is as an au pair.

Job Searching:

France has one of the highest unemployment rates (23%) in the European Union amongst 18 to 25-year-olds, so if you are in this age group realize that the job market may be tighter to get into.

            Some random idiosyncrasies to keep in mind: France is very big on using graphology as a recruitment tool. That is to say, you will more often than not be asked to fill out an application by hand. 80% of all French employers still request a handwritten application and 50% of all French firms use this in making hiring decisions. Thus your handwriting matters!

            Also of interest: a French CV is in reverse chronological order. You may wish to visit the National Employment Agency (Agence Nationale pour l’Emploi- http://www.anpe.fr/) and Michael Page
(http://www.michaelpage.fr/) both of which are recruitment agencies

Cultural Differences in the Workplace:

The French tend to dress more formally and fashionably in the workplace, so be sure to match your attire to that of the company.

            Relationships are also more formal, and managers do not typically have close personal friendships with their employees. It is important to understand the significance of hierarchy— positions and the corresponding power are clearly defined.

            Most communication lies underneath the surface and is a complex network of personal ties and alliances that helps people to accomplish matters.

            You may also find that there is more of a focus on individual achievement rather than teamwork.

Money, Banking & Insurance:

Most places in France accept all major credit cards as payment. However, you will need a bank to deposit payments, rent a home, etc. The major banks in France are Le Credit Agricole, La BNP Paribas, Le Credit Lyonnais, La Societe Generale, La Caisse d’Epargne and La Poste. La Poste is actually the post office, but offers many of the same services as a bank (the only thing they can’t do is wire money from overseas).

            To open an account with a bank, you will need a passport, proof of your French address (take a bill or lease), and written proof of income.

            Insurance is required for vehicles, homes, civil liability and school-age children. If you have a job, ask your HR department if the company has any agreements with any carriers.

Security/Safety:  

The website http://www.worldworx.tv/safety/europe/france/ has a comprehensive listing of safety information for France.