John,
If you have to go to France π I'd suggest you travel on the TGV! I've been to France on a number of occasions and while enjoyable enough, I found the trips ..... well ...... a little boring!
I found that unless one is fairly fluent in French, one's efforts at speaking French tend to be frowned on and one can be made feel uncomfortable.
Now, I'd suggest you re-think your European Trip and hit Ireland first as this year Ireland is hosting The Gathering! http://www.thegatheringireland.com/ I'm sure there are is possibly a pint or two of Irish blood in you somewhere John! There is a branch of the Clements Family here in Ireland, http://www.houseofnames.com/clements-family-crest You could look them up!
Mike