Renting your main home is very common in France
Stage 1. Find your property.
So, you've decided where - maybe a region, town or village - now you have to find that property. There are a number of sources you can use:
Estate Agents (Immobiliers) will often deal in rented property.
Local Newspapers carry adverts.
Notaires offices may have information
The village mairie, particularly in rural areas, may have details of properties, or be able to point you towards people who rent property.
And, of course, the medium you are using now - the internet. Best results will probably be obtained if you search in French - the following may help:
Search terms you could use : maison/appartement/studio + location/louer + name of town/village/area/département. Be prepared for a long trawl!
If using google, use www.google.fr and check the option "Pages : France"
When viewing, bear in mind that it is not uncommon for rental properties to be completely unequipped, with no appliances or possibly no kitchen furniture other than sink and taps. You may need to put in light fittings throughout.
Stage 2. Sign Up.
This is usually very simple. You have agreed the rental with the proprietor and/or the agent.
There will probably be a contract for you to sign (you are entitled to ask for a written agreement), usually for a fixed period, and a deposit to pay. Once that is done the rental starts on the date specified in the agreement. Make sure you understand what is specified in the agreement, particularly with regard to responsibility for maintenance and repair of the property, and fixtures and fittings. A minimum level of property insurance is usually compulsory.