Country-of-origin is a downright common programming theme. And France is one of the easier countries to base a program on. A quick search for French composers would demonstrate how abundant and varied the music is.

As for guidance beyond that, I would not know where to begin. There are too many variables: size and skill of the orchestra, available soloists, what you know about the audience, and so on. Yes, you could focus on an era or a genre. More likely, you would offer a diverse menu to illustrate how France contributed to each genre or sub-genre.