We found the French application system pretty straight forward. You fill in the dets online, and you get an appointment time.
You turn up at alloted time, 30-45mins later all done, then you return in 2 weeks to collect your visa (or get it posted to you).
Granted we live near London, so for us no problems with travelling, time off etc etc.
Why not go to Morocco ?
No visa required
http://www.moroccanembassylondon.org.uk/en/viisa.html
RyanAir doing some flights in April for under £80 return
