How to prepare a successful Master's or Doctoral thesis in France

In France, you are now permitted to write a Master or PhD dissertation in English. This practical guide, based on long experience of teaching and accompanying foreign students aims to answer the main questions they ask: what exactly is expected when we talk about "Research"? According to what criteria are they going to be evaluated? How do you find relevant documents, choose a methodology, validate, write and, present a defense? What plan should I adopt? Which timetable should I follow to finish in time?