No one was questioning the merit of studying French. It's a very good A-level.
However, English Language is the less respected of the two English subjects, and Sociology is ridiculed. History is a Law student's flagship A-level, and if you wish to study English, Literature is the more prudent choice.
As for the advice you've been given; there's some really ****ty advice out there! I was told "Maths is essential to be a doctor", which anyone on TSR can tell you is simply not true.
The people on these forums can frankly outmatch any careers advisor or teacher when it comes to admissions.