Beware the Pitfalls!
The basic banking system in France is not dissimilar to UK banking, but there are a number of "peculiarities" that you will need to get used to. More of that later.
Opening an Account.
You can open an account before you leave the UK at a UK branch of the French bank.
Otherwise, open the account once you are based in France. You will need the following (if available):
Proof of address - a bill from France Telecom or Electricité de France.
Proof of Identity - Passport and/or Carte de Séjour
Rental agreement or Property purchase documents
Contract of Employment or recent salary slip, or Company formation/registration documents if self employed
Recent tax return
Reference from UK bank - preferably in French.
Types of Account
French banks offer pretty much the same types of accounts as in the UK. A Current Account is known as a compte de chèque, a Deposit Account is a compte sur livret. No interest is payable on current accounts, by law. TESSA equivalents are also available.
Cheques take a bit longer to clear into your account and must be signed on the back before paying in. Failure to do so will result in the cheque being returned to you. Post dating cheques is not permitted - the cheque will be considerd valid from date of receipt.
It is a serious offence in France to write a cheque without having sufficient funds to meet it. You will be allowed 30 days to put thigs in order, or your account will be blocked and your name put on the Banque de France list, and you will be unable to open another account. It pays to talk to your bank!
You cannot stop a cheque in France without a lot of expense and trouble - and you may get sued as a result!