French language on MacOS ?

[#1]

This may be easy or a long-shot, I really have no idea.
I need to type French on this machine (MacOSX).
If I have a French document it will automatically do a spell-check for French correctly.
But, I need to type stuff from scratch. All the accents, etc. are really difficult and slow.
Is there some language switcher whereby I can type quickly and easily?
Or something?
Obviously need to switch back again... Anyone familiar with this situation?
edit - I did google but I'm now beguiled as a result!!

[#2]

For quick typing,  and some details on the keyboard,  this should help http://kb.iu.edu/data/anhf.html
For spell checking,  you'll need to install a french dictionary,  this might help  http://hints.macworld.com/article.php?story=20100809085441916

[#3]

Yay! Nice find, that's just what I needed!
Brilliant, thanks    you're a wonder
Spellcheck is fine, seems to be already installed.
Couldn't find anything on the Apple site... but then I never can.

[#4]

If you're running Mac OS X 10.7 (Lion) or later then just press and hold on a key that has accents available, and a little pop-up overlay appears showing all the accents for that letter.
You can use the curser to select the one you want, or hit the number key on your keyboard that matches the accent (see underneath in grey).
This is dead handy, and a tip that not many people seem to know about!

[#5]

That looks neat. Wasn't aware of it.
Using the alt key is actually quicker tho.
But I'm still getting used to the keystrokes req to touchtype the accents, etc!