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Sexuality in France - statistics & facts

In recent years, French sexuality has evolved. Indeed, according to the latest surveys, it appears that nowadays, there is a greater diversity of sexual practices, however, a lower intensity of sexual activity when compared with 30 years ago.

Sexual identity and sexual practices

As much as the French like the typical model of a nuclear family, with 91 percent of the population reported as heterosexual, the norm seems to be less prevalent than before. Younger generations, specifically, are more comfortable experimenting with their sexuality. For instance, as of 2023, 14 percent of young women reported having had sex with both genders. This also had to do with the French society's greater acceptance of multiple sexualities. For example, a vast majority of French citizens agree that homosexuality is a way of life that should be accepted by society. Beliefs, but also practices, seem to have evolved in France. Since the 1990s, the number of women who had already used a sexual accessory rose, likewise for the number of women who had already practiced sodomy. Additionally, masturbation is less of a taboo topic for young women than before, with more of them speaking freely about it. These societal evolutions also led to more free speech about female pleasure, especially within heterosexual relationships.

Online practices

As of 2023, 20 percent of young people in a relationship had met their partner on social media or a dating app. Some claimed that although technology has altered conventional dating in recent years, it has also produced a plethora of options for sex, transforming the act of sex into a commodity. However, in times of lockdowns and restrictions due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, such platforms were popular tools that helped deal with sexual frustration, but also with loneliness and social isolation. Finally, French people are still cautious with their online practices, as about 50 percent feared that their private and online sexual experiences might be leaked.

Safe sex

Eventually, sexual safety is a topic most French people seem to be aware of and consider important. For instance, the majority of women know about the pill and other products on the contraceptive market. However, around 60% of the French teenagers surveyed who admitted to not using condoms regularly cited their trust in their relationship or partners as a valid justification for not using a condom during sexual activity. Therefore, this raised the importance of STD testing awareness campaigns for younger generations.
This text provides general information. ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ assumes no liability for the information given being complete or correct. Due to varying update cycles, statistics can display more up-to-date data than referenced in the text.
Published by ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ Research Department, Dec 17, 2025

Key insights

  • Share of 18-29 year old women who had sex with both genders
  • 14%
  • Share of 18-29 year old men who had sex with both genders
  • 6.5%
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