I am also heading into France on Friday, on my way down to Mugello. Preparation, check oil and top up as neccessary, top up scottoiler and carry spare bottle in side pouch, standard toolkit, puncture outfit, cable ties, tyre gauge and gaffer tape-thats it. I have done Italy twice, France once and Germany once-never missed a beat. If you adjust your chain before you leave and keep it well lubed it shouldn't need touching before you return-so you don't need a big socket.
John