For instance, you can take a picture of the Eiffel tower in the daytime but not at nighttime. Thing is since it was built so long ago, it's now public domain. But at night it's a whole other story. Thing is the guy who designed the lighting scheme for it has rights on his creation. So, taking a photo at night would simply equal copying his concept and thus is copyright infringement...
Not exactly. You are certainly allowed to take a photo of the Eiffel Tower, any time of day or night, weather the lights are on or not... The complication comes when trying to
sell the image. Uses for personal or editorial purposes hold no implied liability in either case. However, the copyright infringement comes in when an image taken during the light show (which is a copyrighted work of 'art' - call it what you will) is sold for
commercial purposes (eg: advertisement, etc.) in which case a property release would be necessary. The Sydney Opera House is a similar example: fine for editorial or personal use, art, etc., but no commercial sales.
Urban- I live back and forth between Germany and France when I am on the continent, and have never had any problems taking photos in public in either place. In France, I do tend to do a lot of urban exploration, and at worst the Gendarmes will simply ask you to leave if you happen to be on private property (only in urban areas) and they feel like 'working', but I have never been asked questions as to my activities when they see the camera in my hand. On the contrary, it's usually a great conversation starter, especially when they realize they are dealing with a foreigner with a funny accent who has a camera older than they are.
I'm from the States, so French police are quite cheery and friendly in comparison!
As for developing film, most large supermarchés will have film developing services. Can't vouch for the quality, but they are usually cheap. In Grenoble you will certainly find many higher quality possibilites as well, and even very small towns will usually have at least one dedicated 'camera shop' which is more of a place where you can develop, print, buy (sometimes) 35mm film, and cheap digital gear. More professional services are harder to come by (I live in a tiny village in Limousin, if that gives you an idea!) and I save up my film and bring it back to Germany or the States when I go and develop there.
Have fun,
Jason