Go for a Jar PPL cause then you can legally smuggle booze and fags in from France.
I found that for the first few hours flying there's only 3 things I needed.
1. Log book - to record the memorable occasions
2. My our checklist - to show to (and bore) the friends
3. A grin from ear to ear.
Once you are happy with the instructor and school, use their perferance in books/equipment/etc
Enjoy!
D