Mobile Phones in France

Hello all,
I will be travelling to France at the end of the week and have a question
regarding "pre-paid" cards for mobile phones.
In Australia I can purchase a "Red" Vodafone card which is pre paid and can
be toped up allowing me to either make or receive national or international
calls.

Is this the case in France? I have tried their website, but alas it's in
French LOL, funny that.

Anyway I have a "unlocked phone" and will be using the phone very little.
I am not keen on using Global roaming with my own carrier as a friend
recently returned from France having done the same thing and had many
problems.

Thanks In advance

Paul