The majority of French people cannot be accurately understood or described by silly political correct dogmas. They seem to have a unique sense, zest for life that is realistic and pragmatic, and cannot be easily. pigeonholed.  83%-88% of French describe themselves as Catholic (about the same as the French in Quebec, Canada). Their Catholic identity is much deeper than showing up for mass once a week. 

Good example is their attitude to same-sex marriage. France was one of the first nations introducing same-sex unions, but consistently refused to redefine marriage (as I said they have a realistic sense about facts of life). After Hollande, a second-rate socialist ideologue he is, forced the redefinition of marriage on the people despite nation-wide protests, it is no surprise that the Socialist received an amazing 6% support in this election. Obviously, this was not the only reason, but judging from the nation-wide protests at the time, it was clearly part of it.