There are a lot of guides about how to travel. You should read them ... if you have the time. But reading and doing are not the same. So these are my rules - not fool proof, mind you - for a hassle free (almost) adventure. Guys - pay attention.
Credit Cards: Most restaurants and hotels - even small ones accept Mastercard and Visa. Your credit card bank gives you a better exchange rate than the restaurant will, so take advantage. The toll roads - and there are many - also take credit cards. Plan ahead as you approach, because not all lanes accept credit cards ... and you don't want to try to back up. Gas stations will accept your card if there is an attendant, but the "pay at the pump" will not. The French cards have embedded circuits in them; the pumps will not recognize a card without it. Don't wait till after dark to try to fill up.
Cash: The best rate for switching dollars to Euros is still your local ATM. Most Banks have them. Pull out 200 Euros or so at a time; your bank has an arrangement with a corresponding bank so you will get close to the interbank rate for the conversion, less 3% or so. You can also ask your bank before you go to be sure of how they will make the conversion. But plan ahead so you don't run out (because some restaurants don't take cards). There are very few major events where you actually need cash - but have some, anyway. The morning café and croissant usually call for cash. It's a lot less hassle.
Travelers Checks: We used to get some. We rarely cashed them. Carol looked at it as found money when we returned, but if you're friends with your bank, the Travelers checks are free, and it helps to have a backup plan. Most exchange places give you a slightly poorer rate of exchange - an extra fee for cashing the check - but it's a backup, so don't worry about it. But take a debit card or two, as well.
US Dollars: I usually travel with US dollars tucked away somewhere. There are some places that accept no cards, no Travelers Checks, and if you ignored my advice about planning ahead and getting Euros, US Dollars may be the only currency that's recognizable - can you imagine walking into MacDonalds and trying to pay with Euros or Pounds? The French aren't much different, but in a pinch - card got lost or stripe doesn't work - you should be able to find somebody - a street "Change" booth - that will take them. Rate will not be very good, but your trying to have a good time - make the trade and take my advice - plan ahead, next time.
Special Situations:
Those are the basics. The key ... plan ahead. Know the exchange. You'll do just fine.
If you travel to France often or need to have marger than normal amounts of euros, consider using a Forex company. Here's what I've learned: Forex.
Bonne Chance