Charles De Gualle: Defensive wars generate happiness, War wariness is reduced in offensive wars, unhappy cities take longer to rebel. Receives an extra economic policy slot. Unique: Free French, modern era melee unit with first strike. May repair itself freely in enemy territory, unique upgrade tree that includes crossing difficult terrain taking less movement points.
That being said, no idea for Female french lead... hmmm. That's difficult. There's Catherine De Medici but she's known for what, massacring religious minorities?
PS why don't deserts take extra movement points to cross? They're definitely as difficult as jungles or hills unless you're a bedouin.