Top 5 tips to live in France

1.  Language: As others have said, learning the language is going to be number one.  You don't have to be fluent.  Especially in the countryside, they will appreciate all attempts that you make even if it is just Please, Thank You and Sorry.

2.  Bonjour: this won't apply so much in big cities, but elsewhere say Bonjour to anyone you pass in the street, when you go into a shop, when you go into a waiting room.... pretty much everywhere.  This is an old courteous custom that used to be widespread in other countries but unfortunately no longer so.  However, in France it is basic manners, usually followed with Monsieur, Madame or their plurals.

3.  Expect to be ribbed:  this applies to anyone moving to any different country - people who don't know you and want to find a common point of conversation will sometimes use stereotypes, including their own - e.g. joking about what you eat, joking about what you think of what they eat, etc, etc.  Take it good naturedly - it's only trying to find a way to connect with you, it's not trying to make a statement about your country or compatriots.

4.  Do your research before arriving: the health system, utility suppliers, banks, savings systems, tax, etc, all operate differently to your home country, including if that's within the EU.  There are plenty of online resources that can help, many in English, so prepare yourself and arrange or print out what you can before arriving (especially if your internet won't be up for a few weeks after arrival), and it will seem less of a challenge.   

5.  This rather follows on from point 4 - you may be frustrated or not like that things operate differently to how you are used to, but don't be that person who complains to them about how it works better in your country - even if it does.  Although usually it's not better or worse, just different.