What about your cell phone in France (Europe)?

Cell phones are called mobiles in Europe and they broadcast on different bands from the USA so unless you have a tri or quad band cell phone, it won't work in Europe. The next trick is to be sure it is unlocked. Most phones are locked and many can't be unlocked until you've had them for six months. If you are shopping for a new phone, be sure it is unlocked. I had no trouble finding one at Best Buy and I'm sure there are many other places that will sell them.

In France in the past I have purchased a SIM card from the Orange company. It would be long distance for callers from the USA but that may not be too bad depending on the plans your callers have on their phones. Our daughter had no problem texting (not talking) because her plan allowed texting anywhere for a very low cost, something like 20 cents US.

Update: LeFrench Mobile went out of business after many wonderful years so I had to search for a new SIM. After much looking, I got an Orange Travel SIM and have used that on the last couple trips. They have a phone app so you can keep it up to date from anywhere. This past Christmas I got a new phone and it will take an eSIM. This is a big advantage because now I can switch back and forth between the French and USA SIM card on the eSIM app on my phone. I don't have to change the physical card in the phone and considering the fact that if something can be dropped, I will drop it, this is a big advantage . . . and one less thing to think about when getting ready for a trip.

I removed the LeFrench Mobile information here because it is no longer available.

Another option may be the National Geographic Cellular Abroad program that gives you both a US and a UK phone number. Their rates are a bit higher but it might be cheaper for your callers.

Here are web sites for the plans I checked. You can look at all of them and see if any will serve your purpose. You can easily contact friends and family free through Facebook Messenger. Most carriers will not let you keep your number so you will have to get a new number each time you return to Europe. I have been using the Orange Travel SIM for several years and have no trouble renewing and keeping my phone number.

Here are web sites for several plans. Compare to see what suits you.
Orange Mobile web site
Cellular Abroad web site
Vodafone Mobile web site
La Poste Mobile Service web site (probably best for those who speak fluent French)
Boingo Mobile web site
LeBara Mobile web site
Lyca Mobile web site

If you don't have an unlocked phone, either get yours unlocked or purchase one when you get the SIM card and you'll have a European phone for travel. I usually switch my SIM card while waiting to board the plane. It's very easy. If you don't know how, ask at any phone store.

If you are Verizon, you can rent a phone inexpensively from Verizon for your trip and then return it. We know people who have done this and loved the program. We also have friends with iPhones who purchased the European option for the time they were in Europe, cancelled it when they got home and they found that worked well for them.

You should set up a Skype account too. It's free to other Skypers. We've got our family on it now so calls are free. Of course you need the computer to do this. I take mine for many reasons but it's very convenient for keeping in touch with family and friends. You can also set up Skype on your smart phone and that may be easier if you don't carry a computer or tablet.