Best legal structure for new business in France

My partner is currently registered as an auto-entrepreneur selling goods online & as a market trader. He has previously worked as a chef in a large hotel in the UK for over 25yrs and we would now like to set up a salon de thé here in France. The locals (including the Mayor’s wife and the deputy mayor) are very keen for us to do this but as there are no suitable commercial properties available just now we have decided to set up the business from our house which is in a prime position for trade. I know we will need to get permission for a change of use from the Mairie and that the property will have to comply with regulations etc. It is an old property with steps so not suitable for wheelchair users, we have been told that as it is old and cannot be modified we can fill out a form for exemption, is this correct?

I understand that it would be less complicated for us to set up as a cafe and to sell cakes, sandwiches & light lunches etc. and as we do not plan to sell alcohol I understand it is now not necessary for us to apply for a license at the mairie, is this correct?

We would also like to be able to sell loose teas / coffees and some homemade jams etc. and have a takeaway service also, does this mean we have to register as a cafe, epicerie and restauration rapide?

My partner has all his cooking certificates and hygiene certificates etc. from the UK, I understand that if he has these and can prove 3+ years of employment in his trade then he will be exempt from having to do any exams / courses here in France, is this correct?

One last question, what is the best status for us to be registered under with regards to paying income taxes, social charges etc. In our first year we will have the set up fees to furnish the place and buy equipment but I suspect our 1st years turnover will only be in the region of 20,000 – 25,000 euros. We will not be paying rent but will obviously have insurance etc. to pay. I realise that AE will be the simplest for us to set up but we can’t claim back the tax on anything we purchase so would it be more beneficial to form a SARL, but then we would pay more in accountant’s fees etc.

How can we calculate what would be the best regime for us? We would both be working in this business equally.
Any advice would be much appreciated.

Many thanks