I am thinking the US France tax treaty information discussion was started by my comment? Sorry, I will clarify. We filed and paid US taxes, and my spouse works for an international scientific organization which is (somehow) exempt from French taxation. This doesnt mean we don't file the french tax paperwork though. I can't speak for other expats living here, but I know the taxation issue was a pretty big consideration when planning our move here, we just lucked out I guess. Sorry for the confusion and thanks for the advice and information!