VFR over Paris, what a nice idea, but forbidden I'm afraid.
"French more practical than British", another nice idea! But once more forget it!
My advice: follow the advice from ACCP, have a nice trip over a nice area.
I don't think there's any problem about english, just stay in contact with ATC, even if just for information service, and if you make an effort to speak slowly in an understandable way, they will be very happy to help you (like everywhere, when people feel that you make efforts, they feel like helping you! If you don't make any, they won't feel like doing any, that's a human thing!). Most controllers don't have a very high level in english, that's true, but will be happy to practise! Just use easy phrases.
To sum up: avoid Paris as you would avoid London, for the rest, welcome in France!