French Code of civil procedure

In addition to the information prescribed by articles 54 and 56, the surname, first names and address of the person with whom the claimant elects domicile in France if he or she resides abroad. The document instituting proceedings shall also mention the conditions under which the defendant may or must be assisted or represented, where applicable, the name of the claimant’s representative and, where it contains a claim for payment,…

The summons must be issued at least fifteen days before the date of the hearing.

The matter is referred to the court, at the request of either party, by delivering a copy of the summons to the court registry. This remittance must take place no later than eight days before the date of the hearing, failing which the summons will lapse automatically by order, as the case may be, of the president or of the judge hearing the case, or, failing this, at the request…

In urgent cases, the time limits for appearance and delivery of the summons may be reduced by authorisation of the president of the court. In maritime and aviation matters, the summons may be given, even from hour to hour, without authorisation of the president, where there are non-domiciled parties or where urgent and provisional matters are involved.