The reality is very easy if you have internet, and very easy (in France at least) if you have access to a telephone (wsmempson - it's the BRIA at Lille that covers Le Touquet +33 (0)3 20 16 19 65/66).
Peter (as I am sure you know), with Rocket Route or Eurofpl even IFR is easy if you have a 'phone with a 3G connection.
Ian