Hi Ian

Don't know if this helps as it might be a little late, but Credit Agricole Normandie run Britline an English speaking phone banking service, I've had an account for about 6 years now and have always had good service from them,
heres the link for anyone that needs it,
http://www.britline.com/ 

and you can use this site for spelling all your cheques its easy and free

www.euro-cheque.com

Good luck