Isn't it an ICAO requirement to speak English? If so then maybe it's not the Brits who are being arrogant...
NOT at an aerodrome which is clearly marked in all the flight guides and in the French AIS as "Francais Seulement/French Only" You are expected to make all calls in French at such aerodromes.
Generally, aerodromes with full ATC will speak English. Those with A/G will require you to speak french.
This is unfortunately not limited to Brits though. There was a guy on Saturday poling around near Bordeaux making calls in Spanish....My French friends at the aeroclub noted ironicly that if he was speaking English at least I could have done an impromptu translation for everyone....
