cheminot , hi! we had the same hassle.took possession of our house in POINTRIEUX - brittany on 15/12/ 05 and stayed 5 days . received a bill for 50 euros +- sent cash as we had no french bank a/c which they received..we were over for easter 10 days went to see them + they demanded 216 euros asap which we paid.we trust sanity will prevail after the next meter reading. also our house had been empty for 7months prior to us buying.not as bad as your bill but interesting! sid