I know that most of the European AIPs are available on-line, it however spooks me off that I would have to read and understand the AIPs of Luxembourg, Belgium and France, just to get to England. I would of course also have to read and understand their AIP.
It indeed sounds as if to simply invest in the Jeppesen VFR Manual Europe would be the most convenient and complete solution.
Buying the Jeppesen VFR Manual Europe simply means that you have to understand Jeppesen's transcription of the AIPs of Luxembourg, Belgium and France, just to get to England. It doesn't simplify the rules you need to understand. Oh and your wallet will be EUR 450 lighter.