I assume you have a contract with them like a 'Bail' etc ?
Get in touch with the notaire to ask his advice and take it legally from there.
The Mairie can have a big influence, you need to speak with them too.
Not as yet Wendy, but will be going over later this month and will possibly email him. Do you have any idea what he might be able to do?
Very clever of them to stop paying in the winter when they know they can't be evicted! How frustrating for you! Sorry I can't offer any words of wisdom or knowledge. Just good luck and hope that you can get it sorted soon. Have you had a word with the mairie?