freedom of movement - British citizen and non-EU spouse

[Mathy1965]

Hi All First time posting.

I am a British EU Citizen wishing to Exercise my Freedom of Movement using Directive 2004/38/EC
My Wife is Gabonese Non EU, we where married in Gabon and have a stepson.

1. Using the above Directive do we have the right to travel to Europe without a Visa.
2. Do we still have to apply for a Visa.
3. How do i go about exercising my rights using the above Visa to Free movement using this Directive.

[gpm468]

Probably several other threads covering this but basically I understand:
1. Yes (if by Europe you mean EU member states)
2. No (in theory)
3. We turned up at London St Pancras (heading to Paris) with both passports, UK spouse visa in my wife's passport, and marriage certificate, and French Immigration let us through, no questions. We had a printed copy of the directive but didn't need it.

Under EU law they have to let you in, however that doesn't mean they will, the French authorities are reputed to ignore EU laws they don't like