French food; language?

I've always been interested and inspired by the French culture. Their beautiful language which i have always wanted to learn. I would like some information on the easiest ways to learn how to learn the language.. I'm Hispanic and Irish. My mother from Ecuador, i know the language and i suppose it can help. I have been to France once when i was in 5th grade and theres nothing i want to do more than learn how to cook, not just cook but really learn how to cook i'm only in high school and too young to take college courses. If theres any books that you recommend that would be helpful, i'm really open to any ideas... but i just really don't know where to start. I want to learn about French cooking, to me its probably the finest, and i find myself pretty familiar with food from all around the world.