Hey potential IB student!
I’m an IB student who takes IB Chem HL. Personally, I like chemistry. I don’t like how IB teaches it though (there’s a variety of reasons. Notation is sometimes weird. They ask for really specific situations that sometimes your teacher can’t answer. I’m rambling now, but that is just my experience with it).
I d didn’t know IBCC existed (it’s not offered at my school), so my help to you is limited.
But…
I didn’t apply to any schools outside the USA. But I will tell you that if you don’t want to do the IBDP, instead of IBCC, you could possibly do Medallion (if your school allows it). You must take 3 classes, take the exams (and pass all), and do CAS. You don’t have to take 6 IB classes, write the Extended Essay, or take TOK.
Anyway, my best advice to you, based on those options (for IBCC), are to take at least Chemistry and French. Engineering would be good, but you might have to take a physics class as well. Manufacturing might be a good too (like picking between Manufacturing and Engineering). I think you should really ask your IB Coordinator about this. If you don’t want to take IB French, take non-IB French, but substitute IB French with another IB course.
Do you speak French well enough to get around in France? If not, studying in France might be hard (though you should pick it up quickly if that’s all your hear in classes). Why do you want to study in France in the first place? Many US universities (I assume you are American… if not… sorry for this post) allow you to study abroad for a semester/2 semesters, so you could always do that.
I’m sorry I couldn’t answer your questions about French universities. I do know you must pass your country’s entrance exams (which if you’re in the USA… I really don’t know what that is for it… SAT/ACT?). If you’re applying to an elite French school, you probably want to take the most rigorous schedule you can manage (which varies for everyone).
You’re in ninth grade, so you have time to choose what you want to do during the second half of high school. IB isn’t for everyone, so you must consider that.