Getting on at PMU return in French racing

I tried getting on Solwhit at PMU odds in the French Champion Hurdle at Auteuil last week. I went round 4 of the main UK High Street bookies and asked if they would accept a PMU bet, but in each shop was told they didn't. I also tried numerous online bookies & found no facility to take the PMU return, the only options being the current show or the SP. I'm sure it used to be a straightforward matter to get on at PMU in French racing. Anyone any thoughts/ideas?