Consult web sites and online Guides
You will find a detailed description of administrative formalities and practical information at two websites designed for scientists and lecturer-researchers coming to France: post-docs, guest lecturers, associate lecturers, persons on sabbaticals, etc.

Guide for foreign scientists coming to France
The Kastler Foundation’s purpose is to facilitate the visits of foreign scientists to France, and to maintain contact with them after they return to their countries.
Kastler Foundation:  http://www.cnrs.fr/fnak/sommvisa.html

CAMPUS FRANCE :
an agency to facilitate the reception of foreign students and researchers - List of Centres for studies in France (CEF) in each country, useful information for the preparation of students or researchers stay in France

Campus France Web Site (in french) >>

Applications for visas
Applications for visas (except for EU nationals and nationals of certain other countries) should be made at a French consulate. Two types of visa exist:
. short stay: less than three months
. long stay: more than three months.
You can also apply for a multi-entry visa.

The 'protocole d'accueil' certificate
This document is to be obtained from your host establishment in France. Presented to the consulate, it makes the formalities easier and leads to the issuing of a 'scientific' visa for the whole family. On your arrival in France, hand the original to the prefecture when you apply for a residence permit.

Finding a host laboratory or funding
France Contact provides the addresses of bodies that may host your research stay or provide funding. Access by scientific discipline or geographic zone.
 

France-Contact: http://www.francecontact.net

A description of the French social welfare system will show you how the various insurance systems work: obligatory health insurance, complementary insurance, civil liability insurance. A list of the various countries that have agreements with France is also available at :
 

Kastler Foundation:  http://www.fnak.fr/test/dn_Assurancesante/

Information about customs formalities for goods and products subject to control, the entry and departure of pets, foreign currency and vehicles can be obtained from:
 

Kastler Foundation:  http://www.cnrs.fr/fnak/edouanea.html
Ministry of Finance: http://www.finances.gouv.fr/douane/C/211.htm

The website of the French Government - history, institutions, the Europeans
http://www.europe.gouv.fr   (in French)

Gateway to the European Union - institutions, travelling, studying, working
in the EU
http://www.europa.eu.int (20 languages)
http://www.europa.eu.int/index_en.htm (English)

List of embassies and consulates

Ministry of Foreign Affairs:  http://www.expatries.diplomatie.gouv.fr/default.aspx?SID=12291 (in French)
http://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr

The addresses of Instituts Français and Alliance Française centres that provide French language classes are available from the nearest French consulate:
 

Ministry of Foreign Affairs:  http://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/annuaire/ (in French)
L'Alliance Française : http://www.alliancefr.org/html_uk/index1.htm

In addition to a passport (or identity card for EU nationals), the following documents will be useful during your stay (translated into French by a sworn translator):
. the birth certificate of each member of the family
. marriage certificate
. vaccination certificates
. school reports for the children
. diplomas
. justifications of the family income for the last tax year
. several identity photos

Money exchange : The euro is the official currency of France and 11 european countries, therefore it is recommended to bring euros and travellers cheques.

To be noted :
. 100 US Dollar bank notes cannot be changed at bank desk, a two week delay is required before payment.
. fees are charged for any money exchange.