There are two methods:
by hand - kneading the bread with your knuckles then folding over and kneading over again. by machine - put the bread into the machine and let it do its thing.
1: so when you cook it, it's not flat. and it has some height Answer 2: Kneading helps the air to get between the molecules and it also stimulates the yeast to make the bread rise.
5 to 8 minutes depending on the dough. It will get smooth and elastic when it has been worked enough. Kneading is what gives the bread a uniform texture.
The question cannot be answered, because white french bread is wheat bread. Any bread made with wheat flour is wheat bread. You might intend to ask about whole wheat or whole grain bread, which is...