Not sure if I have done this the right way, replying to my first post. Apologies if I have offended etiquette. We visited Calais last week. First stop was at BNP, who told us that we had to make an appointment, I offered to return later that day, the receptionist told us we would have to return later that week! Second stop was Credit Agricole, they asked if it was in connection with buying a house. I explained that we had obtained mortgage offers on a house in Brittany and needed bank details for our lender, the teller said we would have to go to Brittany. Third stop was Barclays on boulevard La Fayette who saw us without an appointment, and phoned through the details of the account later last week. All the staff speak English. They also allow you to transfer money from Barclays UK at a commercial rate. We will however be using HIFX for that, as you can buy two years in advance. The only problem is they (Barclays) require us to have 2300 minimum in the account or we have to pay 48 in charges each quarter, but hey when the heavens are opening up and everyone else is saying there's no room at the inn etc. Bearing in mind the guidance on advertising, I am merely recounting our experience, I am sure others will have their preferred options.