Here are some of the most useful links for information about living in or moving to France. Please note that these are authoritative sources - mostly government or other official sites. Feel free to suggest other sites as long as they aren't commercial sites or competing forums. (Check the forum rules for more information.)
Embassies and Consulates:
Generally, for "living in France" information you'll want to consult the Consulate rather than the Embassy for your home country. Embassies tend to deal with politicians, diplomats and businesses, whereas the Consulates handle individuals. The consulates often provide information on "living in France" for their countrymen, as well as lists of English-speaking professionals (doctors, dentists, etc.).
The British Embassy in France UK in France - see the "Help for British Nationals" link.
Citizen Services - US Consulate in Paris website - see the "Living in France" link for lists of English language professionals (including private detectives - I've always been curious about that one!)
Consular / Services to Canadians
Services for Australians - Australian Embassy
nzembassy.com - France/New Zealanders in France
Official French Websites:
Service-public.fr - This is the ultimate portal site for any question having to do with your rights and legal obligations in France. It is, however, all in French. Has links to most government websites and can usually provide a link to your local town or prefecture website.
OFII - Office Français de l’Immigration et de l’Intégration - French Office for Immigration and Integration. Some of their material is available in English, German, Spanish and Italian but the most detailed pages are in French. Generally you deal with OFII after your arrival in France.
Education:
Education Ministry website - Enrolling your child in a school, step-by-step guide
Visas:
Google "French consulate in [your country of residence]" - Each consulate may have its own requirements and for France, you must apply for a visa at the consulate covering the area in which you are currently legally resident.
Other useful sites:
A.V.F. - In many towns around France, AVF provides a “welcome service” for anyone who has moved to a new area.
EUROPA - The official website of the European Union - The EU portal for just about anything you want to know about the EU or any of the member countries.
EUROPA - EURES - Living & Working - EURES (European Employment Services - an EU agency) page for information on Living and Working in France.
ENIC-NARIC.net - Your Gateway to Recognition - Information on transfer or recognition of academic and professional credentials
Eurydice - Eurybase - Descriptions of National Education Systems and Policies | EACEA - Eurydice data base of descriptions of national educational systems. French reports available in French or English.
EUROPA - Your life in the European Union - Europa gateway to information on living and working in the EU. Primarily intended for EU nationals, there is considerable information here applicable to those from outside the EU, too.
Official telecoms consumer info - in French only. 3 sections, "Je m'informe sur..." covering mobile and broadband network providers. "Que faire en cas de ..." discusses how to change providers, what to do on moving, etc. "J'ai un problème avec ..." explains what to do in case of poor service, unresolved complaints, abusive commercial practices.
Embassies and Consulates:
Generally, for "living in France" information you'll want to consult the Consulate rather than the Embassy for your home country. Embassies tend to deal with politicians, diplomats and businesses, whereas the Consulates handle individuals. The consulates often provide information on "living in France" for their countrymen, as well as lists of English-speaking professionals (doctors, dentists, etc.).
The British Embassy in France UK in France - see the "Help for British Nationals" link.
Citizen Services - US Consulate in Paris website - see the "Living in France" link for lists of English language professionals (including private detectives - I've always been curious about that one!)
Consular / Services to Canadians
Services for Australians - Australian Embassy
nzembassy.com - France/New Zealanders in France
Official French Websites:
Service-public.fr - This is the ultimate portal site for any question having to do with your rights and legal obligations in France. It is, however, all in French. Has links to most government websites and can usually provide a link to your local town or prefecture website.
OFII - Office Français de l’Immigration et de l’Intégration - French Office for Immigration and Integration. Some of their material is available in English, German, Spanish and Italian but the most detailed pages are in French. Generally you deal with OFII after your arrival in France.
Education:
Education Ministry website - Enrolling your child in a school, step-by-step guide
Visas:
Google "French consulate in [your country of residence]" - Each consulate may have its own requirements and for France, you must apply for a visa at the consulate covering the area in which you are currently legally resident.
Other useful sites:
A.V.F. - In many towns around France, AVF provides a “welcome service” for anyone who has moved to a new area.
EUROPA - The official website of the European Union - The EU portal for just about anything you want to know about the EU or any of the member countries.
EUROPA - EURES - Living & Working - EURES (European Employment Services - an EU agency) page for information on Living and Working in France.
ENIC-NARIC.net - Your Gateway to Recognition - Information on transfer or recognition of academic and professional credentials
Eurydice - Eurybase - Descriptions of National Education Systems and Policies | EACEA - Eurydice data base of descriptions of national educational systems. French reports available in French or English.
EUROPA - Your life in the European Union - Europa gateway to information on living and working in the EU. Primarily intended for EU nationals, there is considerable information here applicable to those from outside the EU, too.
Official telecoms consumer info - in French only. 3 sections, "Je m'informe sur..." covering mobile and broadband network providers. "Que faire en cas de ..." discusses how to change providers, what to do on moving, etc. "J'ai un problème avec ..." explains what to do in case of poor service, unresolved complaints, abusive commercial practices.