Yes, renting can be an issue in France.
If you have the opportunity, an interim solution prior to purchase or lease will be a good help (family, friends ... but do not abuse). The easiest is to find a short-term housing. You can visit sites offering furnished apartments and short-term accommodation:

http://www.seloger.fr
http://www.abritel.fr
http://www.appart-in-france.com

The main problem with renting is that the real estate agent will often ask a number of papers you have to provide (3 last pay slips, the last tax, a certificate of the company that certifies that you're not on probation or in notice period).

If you do not have all these papers, you may resort to the guarantee of parents or family (or deposit), or try to use LOCA-PASS ® (organisation managing the 1% accommodation tax on business and can act as a guarant).

The payment of several months' rent in advance is not legal in France (the deposit must be limited to one month).

 

Indeed, I forgot about that. For furnished accommodation, the deposit is decided freely by the landlord. It is generally 2 months but can be more.