Why did Béarn remain in French service for 47 years, outlasting many British carriers?
Short answerFrance still needed her for the work she was doing and did not replace her with a different ship for that role.
NotesA viewer observes that Béarn served for 47 years, longer than several famous British carriers. Her longevity reflects how much the French Navy still needed her for the work she performed and its failure to replace her in that role. This answer treats length of service as evidence of force-structure need and replacement constraints. It does not suggest that the old carrier remained equivalent to newer frontline ships.