I've seen checks being used in France in the past but that was almost a decade ago and I haven't been there since. Are they still prevalent, and if so, why? Is the bank transfer UX not good?
For one-off payments, it's a bit involved. Have to add the receiver, wait for an SMS / other confirmation over the phone app, make the transfer. If the transfer is "unusual" (usually a "high amount"), it will likely be flagged, and you'll have to wait for someone from the bank to call you and confirm it was really you who did the transfer.
Add to that that snail mail is still the main way people who ask for money communicate with you, so now you'll have to type in the IBAN by copying it from a piece of paper. The IBAN is also not authenticated, so you don't really know who you're transferring money to.
This may vary with the banks, but in some cases their website is horrendous. It's the case for my bank, BNP Paribas. I very much prefer to write a check and send it over snail mail if it means I can limit my use of their site.
Add to that that snail mail is still the main way people who ask for money communicate with you, so now you'll have to type in the IBAN by copying it from a piece of paper. The IBAN is also not authenticated, so you don't really know who you're transferring money to.
This may vary with the banks, but in some cases their website is horrendous. It's the case for my bank, BNP Paribas. I very much prefer to write a check and send it over snail mail if it means I can limit my use of their site.