If you're going to be making local calls in France, you'll need a phone card. French public telephones accept only cards, not coins. (See how to use an American calling card below.)
These can be purchased at a Tabac shop at varying prices and for various numbers of call units.
A few key words: décrochez (lift the receiver), raccrochez (hang up), and patienter (be patient.)
Calling back to the states from Europe has never been easier or cheaper!
To begin, check the web pages or call your long-distance service provider. Find out: 1) how to obtain a calling card (which they are only too happy to give you) and 2) the international access numbers for the countries you plan to visit. In many instances, you can print a sheet of international access numbers directly off of their websites.
When in France, go into any phone booth and dial the international access number for France. You won't need to deposit any money, as these are essentially 800 numbers.
Then, follow the directions (which are in English) and use your card just like you would use it in the U.S.
The beauty of this system is this: You are charged as if you were placing a long-distance call within the U.S.