The agreement allows successful visa applicants to move freely between the Schengen states on a short-term visa for tourism or business with duration of up to 90 days.

As a member of the European Union, French immigration also permits other EU citizens to visit France for up to three months without the need to apply for a French visa.

This courtesy is also extended to nationals of a range of other countries, however for nationals of countries not included this visa waiver, an application will need to be made. Depending on how long you wish to stay in France, you will need to obtain a short-stay visa for 3 months maximum.

The embassy is your link with your country. You can obtain advice and assistance in case of difficulty, replace lost documents, and get help for certain procedures.
Embassies and consulates are often only open in the morning. Always call to check before going in person.

List of French Embassies and Consulates:
http://www.expatries.diplomatie.gouv.fr/default.aspx?SID=12291

Types of Visa for France
Short-term French visas for tourism and business excursions, though not for employment, are issued as Schengen visas.

Though still described variously as a tourist visa, travel visa, visit visa or business visa, a Schengen visa is uniformly issued for short visits. These visas for France allow their
holders to visit the country for a period of no longer than 3 months in total.

They can be granted as a single, double or multiple entry visa however, the duration limit remains at three months regardless of whether this is fulfilled in a single visit or
over the course of several visits.

In France, visas for short periods cannot be extended and a new visa application must be submitted as required.