Many banks in France have regional English language websites with English speaking staff.  Banking services and facilities in English may also be found at some branches.  Doy you need a French Bank Account? Read French Bank Account

Opening an Account

A foreigner may open a bank account if they are (or are going to be) resident in France for at least three months.

The following documents are required to open an account:

• EU citizens: Proof of identification (a valid passport or ID card)
• Non-EU citizens: Proof of residence (Carte de séjour)
• Proof of a French address: a utility bill (Electricity, Telephone etc.), rental agreement or property deeds
• Proof of earnings or status: Contract of employment or proof of earnings or proof of status (e.g a student card)
• Reference from another bank where accounts are held (this is usually only required when applying for loans and overdrafts)
• In some instances, a birth certificate.

Opening an account can be done in a day and means of making payments (cash cards and cheque book) will normally arrive within a week, or so, of the account being opened.

French bank Societe Generale has seen net profits crash by 84% for the third quarter, hit by the credit crisis.

Net profits in the 3 months to the end of September fell to €183m  ($235m; £145m) from €1.12bn  in the same period last year.

The bank has been hit hard by the chaos in the finance sector with the collapse of Lehman Brothers alone prompting a €447m write down.

Despite the results the bank said it was positioned to deal with the downturn.

Do you really need a French bank account , especially if you’re only buying a holiday home and not moving to France permanently?

Well, it is certainly preferable to have a bank account in France, especially for those looking to move abroad and work, in order to have their salary paid. You also need a French account if you have a French loan or mortgage so that the repayments can be made to your provider.