Can anyone advise whether the Gendarmes take in lost property here as they do in the UK? My elderly mother has lost a necklace of great sentimental value & is quite upset about it. I've asked at the supermarket (we only visited one place) but had no luck. Any advice would be welcome. Thanks, Lemu.

Try the nearest Marie to the place you lost the necklace. I lost a pair of spectacles walking round a lake and ask in the nearest Marie and some kind sole had handed them in. I also dropped a box with chanel sunglasses in on the square in front of the Marie in Confolens and these were also handed to the Marie.

The Confoletais newspaper used to have a section where the Maries used to put items lost and found I don't know if this happens in your area.

In Parthenay it's the Police Municipale who deal with lost property.... but their opening hours are somewhat problematic.......

Many thanks for the replies. I'll certainly try the suggestions. Thanks again. Lemu