172 driver
I am not familiar with the US 45' join, but suspect it is different to the French version. Have a look in Delage or Pooleys and you will see that the "Sock" involves three 45' legs and three tight descending turns.
coodem
Your partner could be very helpful if you venture into rural France.
But she would need to learn the language of aviation. Even a native French speaker would be flummoxed by aviation french. Perhaps she should join you on the PPL course!?
MG