In reply to sethmford:
depending on what touring bindings you buy yes your downhill boots will fit - you need Diamir Fritschi freerides, Marker Dukes or similar not Dynafit ones. however it'll probably end up mor expensive doing it that was rather than getting hold of a 2nd hand set up thats ready to go.
I used my downhill boots for quite a while and they were fine, but then i am used to spending lots of time in them and my feet being sore. Its important whatever boots you use that you do actually do them up esp when travelling uphill and that they fit really well else you'll end up with blisters.
To attach different bindings to your skis you'd need to take the regular ones off and redrill the skis so its not a good idea really.
Skis wise, if you will be around France for a while go to Emmaus which is a kind of 2nd hand shop crossed with a charity shop that sells everything, and has loads of skis/skins etc. You can get some pretty decent stuff there and won't cost a fortune, and if you will be there for 5 weeks and are keen to get out skinning it'll definately be worth it. you could always sell it all again after but I don't think you will!
http://www.emmaus-france.org
You also need to have basic avalanche kit of transciever, shovel and probe, and its always good to have some duck tape, cable ties/ shoelaces etc when you're touring to fix bits of binding etc or attach skins that have lost their stick.
Enjoy!