For one, in France (as I remember...) it implies that the PhD is considered as "professional experience" (i.e. if you work for the government later you start as

For one, in France (as I remember...) it implies that the PhD is considered as "professional experience" (i.e. if you work for the government later you start as if you have 3y experience in the field), you contribute for you retirement, and you have a legal right to 5 weeks paid vacation.