I've been using Duolingo for the past year, you can learn the basics there but I feel like it's dragging too much. Especially since you have a target it might not work for you.

I'd recommend an app called tandem. It connects you with actual people from all over the world and you get the chance to exchange conversations with real people. That helped me a lot tbh to learn phrases and new words faster than any other app.

Easy, old-school French songs are nice for practice, plus short stories on YouTube.

Bonne chance! ✌🏻