I think AF and French ATC should be told to speak english. This may seem a petty thing, but I think it is indicative of a much wider and deeper malaise. i.e the "we're special so the rules don't apply to us" attitude.
Speaking french is an obvious manefestation of that attitude - however it seems there are many others - all of which add up to make AF the least safe airline in the whole of JAR land - and indeed much less safe than a number of '3rd world' airlines.
However nothing will change.
Oh well, c'est la vie.