I lived in France for 10+ years, I graduated at a French University and worked as software engineer, from what I have seen, France is not racist, but to assimilate into the society is not easy, I totally agree. I am fluent in French, so it is not about the language. Racism on streets of Paris does not exist at all, but racism exists at work, that is more worrying in France. Articles like this portray a welcoming image of France, because I could say I have been treated disrespectfully at the visa offices in France.