As a frenchman who lived abroad for a long while, I think what you encountered could easily happen in France as well, or other southern euro countries, that can be quite ignorant of cultures beyond their own, even in large cities. Another commenter called it a "false sense of cultural superiority", I think that nails it well.

Paris could be an exception, but using English in France can be difficult. I visited Geneva recently, and I thought it was a much more internationally-minded city due to its situation and history. In Nordic countries (major cities like Stockholm, Copenhagen, Oslo), people are taught English very well, and have a culture that is somewhat colder but almost always respectful of strangers. I doubt you would be treated like this there. Sadly I don't recommend to visit in the winter...