You have more options than me since your significant other is established, but let me tel you what me and my fiancee are doing:
First off, we are both gamers also. We met playing Warcraft/Diablo about 7 years ago, and have been together for 3. He is originally from Matane, QC and I am from Illinois, USA. I am currently 18, and he is 24. I was also very reluctant to enter this relationship not because of the age difference, but because of the distance. However, I'm very glad that I did. He is the best thing that has ever happened to me.
Now, moving on!
Our original plan was for me to attend school in Montreal and have status through a student visa, but because of outrageous international student fees, lack of work permit, and health insurance issues we've decided that we are going to get married and approach status through a PR sponsorship which I will apply for outland.. We were planning on getting married in the future, we've just bumped it up a few years.
. I have no professional work background because I do not have a college degree (although, I've held down the same job for 7 years and work 30 hours a week I still don't quality for a 'workers class', especially in QC)', and am still planning on attending school in Montreal once PR is approved.
In July we will be getting married, and in August we will be applying for PR. I purchased a round-trip ticket for July/August months ago, but will be canceling my return flight once I cross the border. The plan is for me to stay in Canada with my visitor's visa, and if PR is not accepted by the time it expires I will simply apply for an extension. I'm lucky in the fact that my fiancee can afford to support the both of us while I am unable to work. However, I know that is not the case for everyone. You do not have to stay in Canada while your PR is being processed if you apply outland.
From the little that I've read in this thread, I think that a spousal sponsorship would be the way to go if you guys are willing to make the commitment of marriage
because you love each other, not just because of PR. I'm sure that you significant other could potentially get a Skilled Worker's visa based on his skills, but keep in mind that there would still be insurance issues among other things. It wouldn't be at reliable as a Permanent Residency would be. Lucky for you, Quebec really loves to accept France Citizens into the province because it perseveres the french language.
I have a large amount of information regarding the whole process of applying/sponsoring someone in Quebec, and here are some links:
To get married, you must first fill out a questionnaire (http://www.justice.gouv.qc.ca/english/formulaires/mariage/mariage-c-a.htm) and gather both of your birth certificates. For me and my fiancee, I filled it out, printed it, signed it, and then mailed it to him with my birth certificate. In Montreal, all you have to do is bring the documents to the courthouse along with a witness and two forms of I.D. to get begin the marriage process. Your future spouse doesn't even have to be there, just you and your witness! We had to pay the fees right upfront, and that was $295.
As far as sponsorship goes, here are some great lists/links that you should look at:
The Sponsor's guide: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/guides/3900ETOC.asp#3900E4
This is guide provides all of the information the sponsor needs. I've found it much more helpful than the Immigrant's guide, even though I am the immigrant.
The Sponsor's checklist: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/pdf/kits/forms/IMM5491E.pdf
The checklist of documents/Information the sponsor needs to provide.
The Immigrant's guide: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/guides/3999Etoc.asp
This guide provides the information that the Immigrant needs, but I suggest the immigrant read the sponsor's guide as well.
The Immigrant's checklist: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/pdf/kits/guides/3901e.pdf
The checklist of documents that the immigrant will need. I gave you the one for France specifically.
Quebec Sponsorship info: http://www.immigration-quebec.gouv.qc.ca/en/immigrate-settle/sponsors-sponsored/apply/sponsorship-application.html
If you plan on living in Quebec, an extra step is added to the process. Here is the information regarding that. You will start dealing with Quebec AFTER your sponsorship is approved by the CIC.
Quebec Undertaking Ap info: http://www.immigration-quebec.gouv.qc.ca/en/immigrate-settle/sponsors-sponsored/apply/undertaking-application/index.html
You will need Kit A.
The fees for sponsoring someone break down like this...
Documents Costs:
Background Check: (You'll have to check online, but I would assume it would be about $30)
Immigration Photos: roughly $20
Medical Exam: $200 (this is the cheapest I could find in Montreal. If you want the doctor(s) names, let me know!)
Total: $250
Application Costs:
Sponsorship Application: $75
Immigration/Principal Application: $475
Acquisition of Permanent Residency: $490 (you don't' have to pay this right away, but it is suggested to avoid delay. If PR get denied, this will be refunded)
Quebec Undertaking Fee: $260 (You don't pay this until you submit the Undertaking Application to Quebec)
Total: $1300, but you're only required to pay $550 up front.
Grand Total Estimate: $1550
What each of you would have to pay: $775
I am getting my immigration/medical photos done at Jean Coutu for $20, and will be getting my medical done near Outremont for $200, which is the cheapest I could find.
My scenario was very similar. We met gaming, eventually talked more and more. Then love, visits, and a Vegas wedding 
