I'm with HSBC, who have a branch here in Rennes, but having researched apparently "a charge of 2.75% is added to the foreign currency exchange rate the bank receives" despite advertising free cash withdrawals.

I could open a French bank account but when I'm only here for the year would want/need to close it down in less than 10 months...

Have just investigated the Post Office's "Travel Money Card" but again they charge transaction fees and withdrawal fees.

Anyone got any advice on which is best to do?!