...and the AP guy couldn't speak English so he put me through to central reservations?! This guy obviously wasn't clued up on APs and he left me waiting a long time, bless him he was really nice though, but he put me on hold and must've called APB and asked for me, then he came back saying only residents in France are allowed to apply by post, which seems strange, I don't see why it would make such huge difference

postal cost perhaps.
Anyway, so unless I try calling again and perhaps speaking to someone else in my broken french, it looks like APs at the gate it is!
oh, darn, i was really hoping to get the free AP, never mind 10% off is better than 0%
Thanks for hoping along with me, if I do call again I'll let you know!