Dedicated long-stay visitor route exists; not a work route.
Route overview
Typical timeline / duration: Long-stay visa duration between 3 months and 1 year; extension beyond validity requires residence permit application.
Important notes
France-Visas says for tourist stay of more than 3 months you must apply for a long-stay 'visitor' visa and will be issued with a VLS-TS, subject to online validation after arrival.
The visitor visa does not permit work; supporting documents are set by the visa assistant and normally include resources, accommodation and medical insurance.
Needs applicant-country-specific checklist from France-Visas wizard before quoting exact resource level.