Jerome's translation is much nearer in time to the original Greek (and for that matter to the Hebrew). When he translated, he had the advantage that we do not - of being almost a contemporary. C.S. Lewis wrote a whole book (The Discarded Image) on the problem of looking at ancient texts through modern eyes. It's not the mistakes you recognize that are the problem -- it's the changes that you are completely blind to. Jerome is one of our most valuable sources for what the original actually "meant".
And it's not difficult Latin. Besides, you have to read the Church Fathers, so you might as well learn it.
***You're mistaken.***
That I think the Vulgate is in Latin, rather than English?
Download E-sword here: http://www.e-sword.net/downloads.html
And then the Latin Vulgate (and what ever other version you want - they have several that would comport with your new faith) here: http://www.e-sword.net/bibles.html
***And it's not difficult Latin. Besides, you have to read the Church Fathers, so you might as well learn it.***
No, French is better for that. It is the language of John Calvin.