European breakdown advice - we’re stuck in Calais

[Strangerdanger1]

Posting in AIBU for traffic

We’ve driven to Calais and broken down. The auxiliary belt and a pulley have failed. The van is now impounded awaiting a garage on Monday - if the AA can find one.

Has anyone got any advice with dealing with the AA / what we should expect? We were left for 15 hrs in the heat with the vehicle yesterday. No one gives the same advice to us, they keep suggesting different options, failing to find accommodation locally and generally messing us around currently…

Just to add to the issues, my son has learning needs; he is attached to the van and some of the sports equipment inside.

France is on holiday until the 3rd weekend of August! Saturday and Sunday are generally not worked. Supermarkets sometimes close earlier on a Saturday and are only open until about 12.30 on Sundays (if you can find one open). Little local supermarkets near the Church open until half hour after the Mass probably. Bread shops the same.