I am thinking about getting a little runabout or something like a Citroën Picasso diesel to take over every spring and bring back every autumn for hauling stuf to and from and about when I am there.
Vehicle will be taxed and tested in the uk for convenience and my insurance covers unlimited European travel.
Question is does that get me away from needing a CT and French insurance for the car?
Plan is to sorn it over the winter.
Ta
Andy Mine was a blue one!

Yes it does

I used to do the same thing with a Jeep Wrangler

As long as it's fully legal in the UK then you're covered.

Just make sure your insurance is properly unlimited - some say that but have a 28 day trip maximum - you can travel as often as you like, but only for 28 days at a time

The RAC say it's OK for 6 months -

http://www.rac.co.uk/travel/driving-abroad/countries/france

Thought it would be.
My insurance is unlimited European cover all year.
Ta Mine was a blue one!

As said, as long as it conforms to the requirements of the country in which it is registered (plated), it can be used legally in France. No learner drivers though.

If you are travelling back and forth regularly and using autoroutes then you might consider getting a tag for the toll booths.

https://www.alis-sa.com/index-gb.php
or
https://www.bipandgo.com/en/

Saves hassle, especially trying to find change and pass it from a RHD vehicle if you are unaccompanied, You can also feel very smug sailing through the reserved tollbooth whilst the speed merchants who passed you several kms down the road are waiting in the queue.

They are usable on all motorways in France and some car parks. Not through some of the Alpine tunnels though John
2008 Stornoway Grey 3.6 Tdv8 Vogue
2005 TD6 Java Black Vogue - Written off!!
GAP iiD BT
2003 Discovery TD5 Auto, Nanocom Evolution - gone to a new home!
MasseyFerguson 152 - No electronics!! - Sold

Looked into it John butif I am in the FF with something on the roof rack I am to high for the tag gates Mine was a blue one!

Most of the gates are 2m - but some are 3m and some are open.

However, you can also use the tag at any gate with t symbol - so you still get some benefit of speed by not needing to even open a window.

Another advantage I found when I was towing & overheight is that the tag worked fine when you needed to get a ticket, but rejected me at the payment end - I pressed the intercom, they looked at me on the CCTV & let me through as class 2 anyway - I guess it was just easier for them

^^^  John
2008 Stornoway Grey 3.6 Tdv8 Vogue
2005 TD6 Java Black Vogue - Written off!!
GAP iiD BT
2003 Discovery TD5 Auto, Nanocom Evolution - gone to a new home!
MasseyFerguson 152 - No electronics!! - Sold