traveling in france and trying to use a Samsung Renown phone

[nanturner]

I am in Paris.  Before leaving I called Verizon to ask how to use my phone internationally.  I purchased this phone specifically several years ago because it does work internationally and I have used in in France several times already.  I was told this time to buy a sim card when I arrive in Paris.  No mention of having to unlock the phone.  Now the phone does not work.  I really wonder why Verizon does not have live chat via internet.  I have searched and found the international contact phone number but without a working phone, have no way to use it.  Maybe this time I am irritated enough with Verizon to change carriers when I get home.......the service is horrible. 

[#2]

Does France still use public telephones? The toll free number under global support can be dialed from one of those.

You know I have not seen many public phones where I live. Maybe they are a long ago system we just don't need today.