So to the message originator. Some questions:

- How many calls will you make?
- Will you recieve lots of calls?

Buying an unlocked phone is a good start, however buying a PrePay Phone+SIM once you are in France from Orange, SFR or Bouygues (the three licensed French GSM network operators) may not be a bad deal either. Most French network operators will allow you to unlock the phone 90 days after the first use (bar that, get a Nokia or Sony Ericsson which are DIRT easy to unlock at most non major mobile phone retailers anyway for under $20). Since you are happy with Verizon in the US this gives you a phone that can be used in Asia and Europe.

For more info on the French mobile networks (and weblinks) go to the GSM association site: http://www.gsmworld.com/roaming/gsminfo/cou_fr.shtml

The weblinks to the operators right now don't go into an "English sales site", so either practice your French or better yet just go visit one of the DIRECT retail stores from any of the networks. You will normally find one person who can speak basic english.