Thanks anway, Porco. I've just arived in Nice, staying for the first few days in a hotel, and wish now that I had concentrated more on my schoolboy French lessons which I took at school! It doubles the problems with accommodation, when it's so difficult to communicate, I'm ashamed to say.
With my flying duties, it's difficult to know where to start looking, especially with no car. So any input will be most gratefully received! Look forward to hearing from you again.