French online retailer Amorelie has released the outcomes of a survey on sexual techniques and dreams in France and Belgium, titled "Le Sexe Connecte." The report, timed to commemorate Amorelie's 10th anniversary, integrates feedback from 2,000 French-speakers in these countries.

Sexual Practices and Preferences

The Amorelie survey found that French men reported masturbating 9.7 times each month, while women reported 3.6 times monthly. This figure for women is influenced by the 39% who reported never masturbating. Thirty-three percent of French women reported using sex toys, compared to 10% of French men. Thirty-seven percent of all respondents reported viewing porn at least once a month.

Regarding sexual frequency, 4% of participants reported having sex every day, and 7% stated they were celibate. Thirty-one percent answered that they participate in sex several times a week, while 39% reported making love several times a month. Nineteen percent reported having sex once a month.

The report also indicates that 33% of French people prefer being seduced, and 15% prefer being the seducer. A plurality of 44% are flexible on the matter, having replied, "It depends." One in five participants expressed a desire for more variety in sexual techniques, and more than one in four reported having needs that are not fulfilled in their current relationship.

The survey revealed that more French people daydream about threesomes and group sex than those who actually act on it. Conversely, more people have practiced Tantric or "slow" sex than those fantasizing about it. Visitors to the study site can also answer the survey questions themselves in the form of a test.

Broader Context of French Sexuality Surveys

The Amorelie report contributes to a broader understanding of sexuality in France, following a history of national surveys. The first scientific survey on sexual behaviors in France was conducted in 1970 by Pierre Simon and his team, involving 2,600 participants. This was followed in 1992 by the "Analysis of Sexual Behaviors in France" survey (ACSF-1992), led by Alfred Spira and Nathalie Bajos (Inserm), which included 20,000 individuals. In 2006, the survey titled "Context of Sexuality in France" (CSF-2006), overseen by Nathalie Bajos (Inserm) and Michel Bozon (Ined), included 12,000 participants.

The most recent major nationwide survey, "Context of Sexualities in France" (CSF-2023), required five years of work, initiated in the fall of 2019, with its timeline delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. This survey, carried out by Inserm, France's public health research body, questioned 31,000 people over a two-year period. The CSF-2023 survey explores sexuality through three key components: practices, relationships, and representations.

Recent Trends in French Sexual Behavior

The CSF-2023 survey, published in November 2024, indicates that French people are having less frequent but more varied sexual relations. Young people are having sexual intercourse for the first time a little later, at the age of 18.2 for women and 17.7 for men. In 2006, the reported ages were 17.3 for women and 17.5 for men.

People also reported having more sexual partners than the previous average. Women aged 18 to 69 reported an average of 7.9 partners in their lifetime, while for men, the figure was 16.4. In the 2006 survey, these figures were 4.5 and 11.2 respectively. Sociologist Nathalie Bajos, one of the CSF-2023 study’s main authors, noted discrepancies in how men and women reported the number of people they had slept with, with women taking into account "the men who counted" and men including "the one-night stands."

The CSF-2023 survey also found that reports of sexual violence have doubled since the 2006 survey.

Key Facts

  • Amorelie's "Le Sexe Connecte" survey gathered feedback from 2,000 French-speakers in France and Belgium.
  • French men reported masturbating 9.7 times monthly, compared to 3.6 times for women.
  • 33% of French women use sex toys, while 10% of French men do.
  • 37% of all respondents view porn at least once a month.
  • 4% of participants reported daily sex, and 7% reported being celibate.
  • More people fantasize about threesomes and group sex than practice it, but more practice Tantric sex than fantasize about it.