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The Google Translate has a live translation feature that uses your phone’s camera. It’s great for translating lots of text at once without having to type it in (e.g. restaurant menus, museum display texts).
There’s a website that locals use called Le Bon Coin where you can find nearly anything, including bikes, kitchen utensils, & plants. It’s France’s version of America’s Craigslist.
Here are some useful English speaking helpline numbers in France that you may find handy to have from time to time.
This universal number can be used in France (or anywhere in the EU). 112 calls can be made from a land line, pay phone or mobile and 112 operators speak English – phone this number for a police, ambulance or fire emergency.
If you have an issue with your service, bill or just need help from with your phone or internet service from France Telecom/Orange, the company has a very helpful, well-staffed English speaking service.
If you have questions about your electricity service, bill, problems with electricity, want to increase the tariff etc, EDF have a helpful English speaking service. They do get quite busy at certain times and you may get a recorded “lines are busy call back” message. Persevere if you need help in English – staff are limited but generally extremely helpful.
More on EDF
CPAM, the administration offices of the French National Health service arm that includes expats has an English speaking helpline and they may be able to help you if you have difficulties or questions: