This is about as easy as it gets for homemade french bread. I've been baking this often lately so if you like a sweet tasting french bread with a crispy crust and chewy interior...please continue reading!
In the bowl of your electric stand mixer add the water, sugar, and yeast. Let it foam for a few minutes.
Add the salt, oil and 3 cups of flour and turn on the mixer. Add in 2 1/2 to 3 more cups of flour gradually until the ball is clear of the sides of the bowl.
Once you have a solid ball cover the bowl with a towel and let the dough rise for 10 minutes.
Turn on the mixer for 20 seconds and cover again. Repeat five times.
Turn the dough onto a lightly greased surface and divide in half.
Pat the dough into 9x12 inch sections. Then roll them longwise into loaves. Make sure to press out any air bubbles.
Put them seam side down on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure the loaves have plenty of room - you may want to use two pans.
Using a very sharp knife add slashes to the top of the loaf.
Cover with a kitchen towel, and let the loaves rise for about an hour.
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F and BAKE for 25-30 minutes. Cover with butter immediately after removing from the oven.