I do wonder if I now know as much as I want to about France. From 2007 I started going to the Semaine Federale, so I've been to all the French areas of Lotharingia. I've seen the battlefields at Verdun, the Ducal place in Dijon, and the disputed parts of Lorraine.
The best introduction I read to France was 'The Discovery of France' by Graham Robb, which introduced me to the 'Tour de France' made by tradesmen, the 'Compagnons du Devoir et du Tour de France'.
The incremental bits of knowledge I pick up aren't as satisfying, and even the French riders can give a convincing interview in English. So I might seek out Simon Winder's book, it might help sustain my interest. A reading list might actually be a good idea. I could even try to read some French.