Plan to go to France long term - What do I need to do??

I plan on travelling to France long term
I currently live in Alberta
I know I have to get a long term Visa

But I would like to know if anybody has any
experience travelling abroad long term and
could give me some tips, advice, general help

Thanks,

- J

Hi Everyone! I am new to this forum so any help would be awesome!
My husband (37) and I (27) along with our 2 boys(ages 2 & 8 mths) have made the decision to relocate to France (Mont Pellier or surrounding area) permanently.
My husbands current employer will transfer him so he will be able to legally work on France, but how do I go about working as well? I will not have a job before I get there. I can speak and understand French plus I am taking a French Language course before leaving.
What do I need to do for our children to be able to live there as well?
Also, will I be able to enrol our children in community activities? I would like this transition to be as easy as possible for them and it will give us the chance to become involved in the community and meet people.
Any information as to what our first to last steps should be would be greatly appreciated!!
Thanks!

Dear Katie

Have you figured out what's need to be done. Sorry I can't help you but I am also considering moving to France long term (1 year) and I was wondering what you will doing about your kids schooling. I have a 9 year old and I am not sure how to go about finding a good school for him....any suggestions/lessons learned yet.

Thanks
Anne

Hi Katie,
I've been in Montpellier for about a year now (me and the fam including kids aged 6, 4, 1).
Not sure about you getting a working Visa, but your husband's company should be able to help you out with Visa's for you and the kids. Of course this depends on the company. It can take forever so just be prepared for that.
There are lots of programs you can enrol your kids in. PIG in Montpellier is a great one for their ages. Check out this blog as well (sorry, they won't let me post a link so just do a search for kids and montpellier)
Not sure when you're coming, but the big association sign up is next week...
If you have any other questions, feel free to ask.
Karen