No problem Ken.
By insurance I meant what you call liability insurance - damage to people and property caused by a wayward shot - over here (and I'd guess your side of the water) you can get policies that do the above plus covering stolen
clubs, hole in one (i wish) drinks etc- hence "Golf Insurance".
Ringing the secretary works fine (depending on your French) for a casual round when we are in France because its no hassle taking the
clubs on the off chance - I hope it works for you.
Any idea of where you want to play? Or where you'll be? If your "guidebooks" aren't helpful I'll have look on some UK websites for some contact details if you want.
ps just read Ricky's post and yes Spain and Portugal is easy, but they - and to a certain extent France - cater for tourist golf more than I believe the Swiss do.