Andrew, I will be very interested to hear all about your trip (on your return) as I am planning on going their next year for our 30th wedding anniversary. Planning to sail from Portsmouth to Santander and then drive up through France stopping in various places and Angouleme was on my list. Then on up to our house in Pays de la Loire and then Cherbourg - Poole.
I would also be interested in your last trip to South of France for any tips for what spares to take, places to visit etc..