I’m still looking at heating/cooling solutions, gathering information and trying to understand the different solutions, so bear with me if I sound like a techophobe - I am 
Can someone tell me what is the difference in how thes two systems work: the first seems to be an internal unit and the second seems to have parts that are mounted externally as well as internally within the house.
The brico offer is for only half the system. i.e. you still need to buy the exterior unit.
See here for the complete system:
Mike, if you do a web search on ‘how does a split a/c work’ you will find something that will help.
We have 2 Mitsubishi air to air heaters. That is how they were described to us when we bought the first one for the living room. Only found out later by accident that they can be reversed and become climas for cooling as well.
Both are excellent which is why we bought the second one for the kitchen, I have forgotten the name of the supplier in Limoges but it doesn’t matter because I wouldn’t recommend them anyway, but the units are good.
I am no expert Mike so experts on here may well need to correct me.
I think both your links refer to the same type of product. The adverts are not very clear but I think they are showing an internal unit that is part of an air air split system. I believe they will both need an external inverter. (as others have already pointed out)
We have the Daikin type shown in the Amazon advert. We have one external inverter and three internal units in different rooms. They are connected by pipework which runs through the attic and then comes down to the units.
I would rate them in “the best thing since sliced bread” category. They are almost maintenance free. Can be controlled and/or programmed using your ‘phone and are surprisingly cost effective.
In very cold weather it is best to have an auxiliary form of heating. We kept our log fire but have only needed to use it two or three times a year. In the current hot spell they are a life saver.
I would recommend having it installed professionally if you can, There are lots of things to be aware of which were explained during installation but went straight over my head.
Hope this helps?
Mike, I found these links (I’ve been asking myself the same question)
I imagine getting a reversible system will save a bit of money, especially if you were already thinking of getting a heat pump. Mark’s system - real fire of some sort plus reversible clim’ - sounds perfect for France.
We’re in the Lot Valley and have four Daikins that came with the house - they’re superb. We’ve been using them for thirteen years without any problems (apart from my wife somehow putting two of the controllers in the washing machine - replacement generic ones are just a couple euros)
They have four modes: heating, fan only, dehumidifier and a/c. The fan has five speeds and is silent. In this mediaeval stone house the fan is usually sufficient below C40°, hotter than that we’ve found the dehumidifier better than the a/c -this cools the air rather than chilling it and is also more economical
The heating function is OK unless it’s freezing, but it’s a convenient supplement and warms a room quickly.
They are fully programmable, but we don’t use that option.
She was obviously just trying to comply with Clean Air regulations… 
I hope your Daikins have Crit’Air stickers.
As already said - the technology is the best thing since sliced bread, and, I agree, talk to a well recommended professional installer.
There are two fundemental types - interior units with combined pump that does not need an exterior box and fan, but must be mounted on an outwardly facing wall - mainly sold by bricos I think.
The more solid ones have an external pump and large fan, with pipes into the house - either to cassettes in each room, or to a central distribution unit that is then ducted into each room. A professional will advise which is best for you.
Where are these stuck…?
An excellent question… may I refer the gentleman to this useful, informative and entertaining thread?
https://www.survivefrance.com/t/uk-cars-where-to-put-your-critair-sticker/
We have two Viessman air to air reversable heat / aircon units, one upstairs, one downstairs. There is a unit outside. We had it professionally installed by a heating engineer and get it serviced once a year. It works very well.
Was that Harry Tuttle ?
Just a quick ‘thank you’ to everyone who replied 