They agreed that 2 utility bills and my address their is enough,but wont confirm in writing... I can get a "Justacatif de domicile" from my notaire, which is all that France requires to switch on all my utilities etc etc...

Main point is how long it will take to get your goods from the US to your French place. You do NOT want to be waiting 3-4 months in a hotel. Cheaper to wait in US if long lead time for shipment to be delivered and unloaded at new place in France.

1. Do you know the exact address? Or are you needing to find a place first?
2. If you already have a place reserved/available, much easier.
3. Go to France and get the "Justacatif de domicile" from your notary for the address (#2).
4. Then see what else needs to begin (phone, gas, elec, water, sewer, bank--whatever).
5. How long to get stuff (#4) installed and working? Those give you paperwork + address.
6. Sign up for French health insurance if needed, etc--more proof of residency/address.

Above takes maybe 2-3 wks (guess)? Renovations start as you have time for it to be done? You need their paperwork so you can make and give copies to others, so it takes *some* time to get it.

Back to US to hand the batch of bureaucracy paperwork to the movers and copies to whoever needs it. Give copies of the info to the consular office and ask for their determination in writing.

Then it "really" begins? Ask the consulate. They will have the paperwork they said was needed.