What trend is observed among heterosexual couples in France regarding marriage?

• A. Many are opting for civil unions over marriages due to similar rights and easier exit
• B. Many are still choosing traditional marriages over civil unions
• C. Civil unions are illegal
• D. Marriage rates have increased dramatically

Answer: (B)

In France, there is a civil union option (PACS) that offers many legal protections with a simpler exit, but for heterosexual couples the trend has been to keep pursuing traditional marriage rather than switch overwhelmingly to civil unions. Marriage remains the most widely recognized and socially accepted form of long-term commitment, and it typically provides broader rights—such as clearer inheritance and tax implications—that many couples still value. Civil unions exist and are available, but they have not replaced marriage for the majority of heterosexual couples, so the observed pattern is that traditional marriages continue to be common.