International Phone Cards
These cards can usually be purchased from newsagents or tobacconists (Tabac). You pay up front for the card which has a code that you need to punch into the phone.

Pros
Can charge as little as a few cents per minute
You simply dial a local or national toll-free number and follow the prompts
Some provide a voicemail service - handy when you're on the move

Cons
Line quality may vary by company and time of day
You may have trouble getting a line when you need it
Surcharges may apply on top of the regular rate on a pay or hotel phone

Tips
Hotels also charge premiums, even for ‘toll-free’ numbers. Use a payphone
Check the expiry date on the card
Ensure that the card you buy provides instructions in English
Don’t spend up big on one card — try a cheap card from the company for a while and make sure you’re happy with the service before buying high-value cards.
Shop around and ask other travellers

Window shop online using CartePhone.com which offers a range of French cards. Just chose the country you are calling and select the one that suits you.

France Telecom phone cards are ok for local calls but prohibitively expensive for international calls.