On 6 Jul, 21:42, Stewart Robert Hinsley
wrote:
You probably don't need a photo - that sounds like a mullein. In the UK
it would mostly likely be Verbascum thapsus, but perhaps things are
different in Normandy.

My thought entirely! I grew one once but not twice. I didn't like it
at all. Slugs loved it too. My father in law help in the autumn to
rake some leaves and raked it with great vigour. Bless him ;o)