In 2026, the sexuality of the French is taking small steps forward, caught between embraced liberation and deeply rooted old reflexes. People are talking more about pleasure and daring to name their desires, but as soon as it comes to truly experiencing them, doubts, unsaid words, and frustrations still sneak under the sheets. With growing curiosity, routines setting in, and lingering taboos, sexual life in France feels like a landscape in full transformation… not always easy to read. To gauge the situation, Adam & Eve examined our habits, fantasies, and contradictions in their Sex Report 2026. Spoiler: desire is definitely there, but it doesn't always behave as we expect.
A majority satisfied… but not everyone thriving
Good news: 72% of the French say they are satisfied with their sex lives. Less cheerful: 28% express real dissatisfaction. When it comes to frequency, the gap is significant...
st real: about a third of people have sex several times a week, while 16% have no sexual activity at all.Masturbation, on the other hand, remains a cornerstone of personal well-being. 85% of men and 65% of women engage in it, mainly for pleasure (51%) or relaxation (27%). Here’s an interesting detail: 32% of people in relationships never talk about it with their partners. Solo pleasure really does stay… solo.
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Porn, Fantasies, and Practices: Very Gendered Differences
No surprise here, the consumption of porn reveals a gap: 47% of men watch it regularly, compared to 8% of women, with 66% of women never consuming it. For pleasure, imagination (36%) and hands (74%) remain the favorite tools.
When it comes to positions, doggy style tops the list (44%), followed by missionary (36%). The bed remains the number one location for fantasies, but hotels, the couch, and nature continue to spark dreams. As for cravings for novelty, 38% have already tried anal sex, 19% would like to try role-playing, but CNC (Consensual Non-Consent) clearly doesn't appeal to the majority.
Dating: Attraction, Humor... and Ghosting
On a first date, three criteria make a difference: physical attractiveness, shared humor, and common interests. But modern dating has its downsides too: intentio.Vague signals, lack of seriousness, and ghosting are among the main sources of frustration.
Talking about sexual desires remains delicate: many wait for several dates, or until the relationship becomes sexual, before daring to bring it up.
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Contraception and Consent: Still a Lot of Work to Do
The report also highlights a less glamorous reality: 63% of women still bear the contraceptive burden in couples. While consent is generally well understood, some gray areas remain: a minority still believes that silence or participation equals consent.
Tiredness, physical pain, streEmotional distress or physical discomfort are among the main reasons given for saying no to sex. A helpful reminder: desire is never an obligation.
A more liberated French sexuality than before, but still marked by unspoken issues, imbalances, and sometimes shy communication. It just goes to show that talking about sex remains perhaps the biggest collective fantasy to bring to life.