We live near Bordeaux, in a town called Langoiran to be exact, South East of the city. It's very rural which I prefer for the kids, but all the work is in the city!
I found a job teaching English in a private school, they are quite desperate for native English speakers to teach over here, and I didn't have any qualifications or relevant experience either! But I only have 5 hours in one school in Bordeaux, and 3 hours in a primary school a bit closer. Not much!
Dh found it hardest to find work, he was a JCB driver in the UK, but his qualifications mean nothing over here. After a year of looking he finally found work for an agency. It's good but it's only temporary which means it can finish at any time.
They are very work-orientated, mothers tend to leave their children with childminders. Childcare is very cheap. There are also local crechés you can sign up for that are even cheaper, but you have to book in advance. I find it hard to leave ds for the hours whilst I work, I never did it with dd, but here it is the norm and indeed the only way he can mix with other children as there are no toddler groups!
CAT me if you need any further info. Where were you thinking of living and what job do you hope to do?