While the FAA deals with it explicity, so do Canadian authorities, although in an opposite way.
Jeppesen Airway Manual, Air Traffic Control, State Rules and Procedures, Canada
clearance for an approach may not include any intermediate
altitude restrictions. The pilot may receive this clearance while the aircraft is still a considerable distance from the airport, in either a radar or non-radar environment. In these cases, the pilot may descend, at his/her convenience, to whichever is the lowest of the following IFR altitudes applicable to the position of the aircraft:
a) minimum en route altitude (MEA);
(b) published transition or feeder route altitude; or
(c) minimum sector altitude (MSA) specified on the appropriate instrument approach chart.
emphasis mine.
spud3... that is correct. I know Transport Canada has their AIM posted on the website. I'm guessing that the French aviation authority would have some site and possibly it's regulations posted there as well.
I fly in Canada and can confirm that Jeppesen quote. Intruder is incorrect, I've never heard of the MSA only being used for emergency. You're required to follow all altitudes on your charts appropriate for your flight (including the MSA) unless on radar vectors where you might be taken lower than the lowest published altitude.