How make a Multi Language Website?

I’ve built quite a few wordpress sites but now I’ve been asked to provide and English and french version of the clients website i’m building. I’m using the BeTheme and they mention the WPML plugin that you have to purchase which for me seems to be more suited for people who need the content translated. I already had the english content translated. I’m just trying to figure out if there is a free plugin that can do this or do I just make two duplicate websites and link them together…What is the best way of accomplishing this?

Thanks for your time.