I can't say I recognise some of the descriptions of France and the French here. Most of the time I find that, although my French is fairly good, it is very difficult to stop people speaking English to you once they realise where you come from. I would say that the French have come on tremendously in the last 20 years or so and language never seems to be much of a problem now.
Are there arrogant French? Of course. But, for unfriendly, surly monosylabic grunters you don't need to look any further than good old England. Only the English can regard politeness and good service as evidence of some serious character defect.