Cross-channel advice

[QDMQDMQDM]

Planning to go to Normandy in June. If the weather is good we'd like to cross our fingers and toes and go direct Portland Bill to Cherbourg, otherwise it'll be the short crossing. Anyway, what is the situation with the danger areas south of Portland and R156 A/B at Cap de la Hague. Who do you talk to on the way over? And what about all that ludicrous Class A airspace around the Channel Islands which requires an SVFR clearance and a transponder.

Any advice or sources of info gratefully received.

Thanks,

QDM