Hi. Need details of long-stay renewal procedure

Hi Ao,
You go online to get your renewal appointment (depending on your préfecture, but I think they all do this now). You need to start looking for the appointment 3 months before your visa expires, and have the appointment well before your visa expires (aim for 1-2 months before). At your appointment, you will get a récépissé, which will, combined with your expired visa, allow you to do everything as if you have an unexpired visa.
Have you already completed your OFII appointment and requirements? I was told all this at my OFII appointment.
You can read about my experience in renewing, but much of it will not apply to you, as our circumstances are likely very different: http://slowtravelin.blogspot.com/2017/1 … -card.html
Julie

Julie, thank you. Your comment helps me put my thoughts in order, as it can be difficult to find the correct information and what you have provided puts the sometimes seemingly arbitrary proceedures in more of a concrete form!

I am still in the States,  but will set up my OFII appointment when I get to France in  a few weeks and find out more.

Edit: I just read your blog and loved reading the details. Wishing you all the best.

A quick caution - timing can change, depending on your location. I've heard of some préfectures that are difficult to get appointments, and some that require appointments 5 months in advance - definitely ask about this at your OFII appointment. (Which might also take longer...)
Julie

Thanks for the warning.  I understand what you mean, having negotiated other procédures there : )
Even my USA consulate had it's quirks. They moved the visa office, but the new address was not on the website, except in very fine print buried in the paperwork. I arrived at the wrong end of Atlanta for my appointment, and brought cash, which they no longer take, but I did not see mentioned anywhere. C'est normal, I suppose.
But no  complaints,  I love my adopted country.