Don't know about the megane but I've had to do it before on vauxhalls but that entailled removing the stick complete and submerging in hot water to soften then heaving like a demon.
had the same problem !!!! was a nissan micra. try using a screw-driver 2 lift the bottom up(mite take some force) and mind no hit your self in the face
try using a steamer to loosing the gear knob. put down some news paper coz it tends to get very wet. put the steamer nozzle at the bottom of the knob and have a m8 with pliers unscrewing it. had 2 do it 2 ma m8s KA
