May 2026
This study follows on from previous surveys conducted by Discurv for XLoveCam on French people's attitudes towards sexuality.
In 2026, infidelity is no longer limited to extramarital affairs. Flirtatious messages, conversations with artificial intelligence, fantasies, and non-monogamy are redefining the boundaries of fidelity.
Conducted among a representative sample of French adults, this survey explores French people's perceptions and behaviors regarding infidelity, as well as the main differences according to age, gender, and relationship duration.
Survey Objective
To measure French people's perceptions of different forms of infidelity, their behaviors, and how the boundaries of fidelity are evolving in the digital age.
The Study's 5 Key Figures
Among respondents in a relationship or seeing someone regularly
In their current relationship, 3 out of 4 respondents say they feel affection for their partner, while just over half also report experiencing sexual desire. Desire appears to be more fragile and tends to fade over time, with couples who have been together for more than 10 years and older respondents reporting lower levels of desire in their relationships.
Unlike residents of Auvergne, people living in southwestern France tend to experience higher levels of desire in their relationships.
Among respondents, one-third feel as much desire as affection for their partner, while half primarily experience affection rather than desire. Although desire may be weaker, this seems to be a shared experience, as 42% nevertheless report that they and their partner experience similar levels of desire. Men appear more likely than their partners to experience higher levels of desire within the relationship.
Voici la traduction complète en anglais (EN), en conservant la structure Markdown et HTML, les chiffres, les encadrés summary-box, les marqueurs d'images et le lien de téléchargement.
Affection is the most commonly experienced feeling within a relationship: 73% of respondents say they feel affection for their partner.
Desire comes in second place (55%). It is more prevalent among couples who have been together for 2 to 4 years (75%), people under 50 (65%), and residents of Nouvelle-Aquitaine (67%). Conversely, it declines after 10 years in a relationship (50%), among those aged 65 and over (45%), and in Auvergne (44%).
Finally, only 6% of respondents say they feel neither affection nor desire in their relationship.
More than half of respondents (51%) say they feel more affection than desire for their partner. 36% believe they feel equal amounts of affection and desire, while 13% report feeling more desire than affection.
Perceptions of desire appear relatively balanced: 42% of respondents believe that both partners desire each other equally. Conversely, 36% think their partner experiences more desire than they do, while 22% consider themselves the partner with the stronger desire (30% among men).
Affection remains the dominant feeling within relationships (73%), while desire is still present among more than half of French people in relationships (55%). However, its intensity varies according to age, relationship duration, and region.
Despite desire playing a less prominent role, a majority of respondents consider their current partner to be the most attractive person they have been with, their best sexual partner, and the person with whom they have shared their most memorable sexual experiences. Those aged 18–34 are the most likely to hold this view of their current partner.
Respondents have a very positive view of their current partner when comparing them with previous relationships. More than three-quarters (77%) consider their current partner to be the most attractive person they have ever been in a relationship with. This appreciation goes beyond physical attraction: 72% also believe their current partner is the best sexual partner they have ever had, while 70% say they have shared their most adventurous sexual experiences with them.
These findings reflect a strong appreciation of current relationships. Despite changes in desire over time, partners are widely perceived as possessing the main qualities people seek, both emotionally and sexually. Respondents therefore express an overwhelmingly positive perception of their current relationship, which they consider superior to their previous ones.
However, differences emerge across demographic groups. Residents of Pays de la Loire (94%) are the most likely to consider their current partner the most attractive person they have ever been with, followed by those in Hauts-de-France (86%). People aged 18–34 (80%) are the most likely to regard their current partner as their best sexual partner. Finally, residents of Hauts-de-France (82%) are more likely to report having shared their most adventurous sexual experiences with their current partner.
Current partners are overwhelmingly perceived as the most attractive, the best sexual partners, and the people with whom respondents have shared their most memorable experiences. This perception is particularly strong among those aged 18–34.
However, this highly positive image does not exclude certain contradictions. Nearly one in two French people report having fantasized about someone they consider more attractive than their current partner, while 4 in 10 French people admit to nostalgically recalling their past sex life or having thought about someone else during sexual intercourse. These behaviors are more common among those aged 18–34.
Behaviors that could be considered forms of "micro-infidelity" appear relatively widespread among people in relationships. They primarily involve thoughts, fantasies, and comparisons rather than actual interactions with another person.
More than half of respondents (55%) say they have fantasized about someone they consider more attractive than their current partner. Nearly one in two (49%) also report having thought that their partner was not the person with whom they could fulfill their most secret fantasies. In addition, 43% admit to nostalgically recalling their sex life with a former partner, while 39% say they have thought about someone else during sexual intercourse to reach orgasm more easily.
Behaviors involving interaction with a third party are less common. Nearly one-third of respondents (32%) say they have compared their sex life with what is portrayed in pornographic content, 28% admit to having exchanged ambiguous or sexually suggestive messages with another person, and 20% report having had an intimate, romantic, or sexual conversation with artificial intelligence.
Young adults appear to be the most likely to engage in these behaviors. Among those aged 18–34, 59% say they have thought their partner was not the person with whom they could fulfill their most secret fantasies, 50% have exchanged ambiguous or sexual messages with someone else, and 47% have had an intimate conversation with artificial intelligence. Men are also more likely to report certain behaviors, particularly fantasizing about someone more attractive than their partner (62%).
The "gray areas" of fidelity are now part of many couples' experiences. Thoughts, fantasies, and comparisons are relatively common, while behaviors involving interactions with another person remain less widespread.
The study reveals a strong generational pattern: those aged 18–34 are the most likely to report these types of behaviors.
Relationship duration appears to be a determining factor in the behaviors studied. Across all the situations analyzed, people who have been in a relationship for less than a year are more likely to report behaviors associated with micro-infidelity, while couples who have been together for more than ten years report the lowest levels.
The differences are particularly pronounced for behaviors involving fantasies and comparisons. 72% of people who have been in a relationship for less than a year say they have fantasized about someone they consider more attractive than their partner, compared with just over half of those in longer relationships. Similarly, 67% have thought that their partner was not the person with whom they could fulfill their most secret fantasies, compared with proportions ranging from 45% to 52%, depending on relationship duration.
The differences are even greater for certain behaviors involving third parties or new technologies. Nearly three-quarters (73%) of people in relationships lasting less than a year say they have thought about someone else during sexual intercourse, compared with 33% of those in relationships lasting more than ten years. Exchanging ambiguous or sexual messages with another person is reported by 65% of those in the newest relationships, compared with 21% of those in relationships lasting more than ten years. Finally, 63% of respondents in relationships lasting less than a year say they have had an intimate, romantic, or sexual conversation with artificial intelligence, compared with only 12% among those in the longest relationships.
The early years of a relationship are when fantasies, comparisons, and certain digital practices are most frequently reported.
As relationships become more established over time, these behaviors become significantly less common, illustrating a gradual evolution in practices and perceptions of fidelity within couples.
The results show that experiences of non-monogamy remain a minority practice but nevertheless involve a significant proportion of French people, whether through open relationships or sexual activities involving other partners.
Nearly one-quarter of French people (24%) say they have experienced an open relationship, meaning a relationship in which both partners are free to have sexual relations with other people. Among respondents, 12% report having experienced this once and 12% on several occasions, while 76% say they have never been in this type of relationship.
This practice is considerably more common among homosexual (60%) and bisexual (56%) respondents, as well as those aged 18–34 (37%). Conversely, it is less common among women (20%) and people aged 50 and over (17%).
The survey also examines sexual experiences shared by couples with other partners, such as threesomes, swinging, or swinger parties. 19% of French people say they have participated in such activities, including 8% once and 11% on several occasions. By contrast, 81% report never having had such an experience.
Here again, differences between demographic groups are pronounced. Bisexual (49%) and homosexual (44%) respondents, along with those aged 18–34 (32%), are the most likely to report having explored these forms of sexuality. Conversely, only 12% of heterosexual respondents and 12% of those aged 50 and over report having had such experiences.
Overall, these results show that although monogamy remains the dominant relationship model, a significant proportion of French people have experienced, at least once in their lives, forms of relationships or sexuality that depart from it. Experiences of non-monogamy are particularly prevalent among LGBT+ people, especially homosexual and bisexual individuals, as well as younger generations.
Beyond consensual non-monogamy, the study also explores French people's attitudes towards infidelity. The results show that nearly three out of four French people believe it is possible to remain faithful to the same person throughout one's life. This belief is particularly strong among younger people and residents of northwestern France, while it is less widely shared among older adults, bisexual people, and residents of southern France.
In practice, however, the survey reveals that approximately one-third of French people admit to having been unfaithful at some point in their lives. Among these individuals, one-third say their infidelity occurred during the summer. Residents of southern France and bisexual people appear to be the groups most affected, while residents of Brittany and northern France are less likely to report having been unfaithful.
Monogamy remains by far the dominant relationship model in France. However, open relationships and sexual experiences involving other partners concern a notable proportion of the population, particularly those aged 18–34 and LGBT+ people.
At the same time, although nearly 3 out of 4 French people believe lifelong fidelity is possible, approximately one-third admit to having been unfaithful. Beliefs about fidelity are therefore closely linked to reported behaviors.
Nearly three-quarters of French people (73%) believe it is possible to remain faithful to the same person throughout one's life. This belief is particularly strong among residents of Pays de la Loire (85%) and people aged 18–34 (82%). Conversely, bisexual people (32%), residents of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur (29%) and Nouvelle-Aquitaine (27%), as well as those aged 65 and over (24%), are more likely to consider lifelong fidelity impossible.
Although fidelity remains a widely shared value, reported behaviors reveal a more nuanced reality. Nearly one-third of French people (31%) admit to having been unfaithful at some point in their lives. Conversely, 47% say they have never been unfaithful and believe it could never happen to them, while 17% say they have never been unfaithful but acknowledge that it could happen. Finally, 7% report never having been in a relationship.
Among those who have been unfaithful, one in ten say their infidelity occurred during the summer. Bisexual people (54%) and residents of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region (42%) are the most likely to report having cheated on their partner. Conversely, residents of Brittany (18%) and Hauts-de-France (21%), as well as people who believe lifelong fidelity is possible (21%), are less likely to report having been unfaithful.
These results highlight a gap between beliefs and personal experiences. While a large majority of French people believe lifelong fidelity is possible, nearly one-third admit to having been unfaithful. The study also emphasizes that perceptions of fidelity vary across demographic groups and appear closely linked to reported behaviors. Believing in lifelong fidelity is therefore associated with a lower likelihood of reporting past infidelity.
The first part of this infographic examines how French people would react if presented with an opportunity to be unfaithful. When asked about the possibility of having a discreet relationship with someone more attractive than their current partner, 18% say they might be unfaithful, including 6% who would definitely do so and 12% who probably would. Conversely, nearly half of French people (49%) believe they would turn down this opportunity, while 34% of respondents report not having a regular partner at the time of the survey.
People who have previously been unfaithful (50%), those in relationships lasting less than a year (45%), homosexual (44%) and bisexual (44%) respondents, as well as men (25%), are the most likely to consider such a situation. Conversely, only 11% of women say they might probably or definitely be unfaithful.
The second part of the infographic examines how French people would prefer to react if their partner were unfaithful. A majority (64%) would prefer to be informed of any infidelity, while one-quarter of respondents (25%) would rather not know. The remaining 11% have no stated preference.
The preference not to know about a partner's infidelity is more common among those aged 18–34 (32%), people aged 65 and over (32%), homosexual respondents (45%), and those who have previously been unfaithful (38%).
Fidelity remains a widely shared value: nearly half of French people say they would resist an opportunity to be unfaithful, and almost two-thirds would want to be informed if their partner cheated on them.
However, people who have previously been unfaithful, homosexual and bisexual respondents, and those in newer relationships are more likely to consider an extramarital affair.
This infographic explores French people's romantic and sexual intentions by asking what they would do if they were single during the summer. The results show that a majority would prioritize spending time on themselves, while nearly one in two would consider meeting new people.
Nearly half of French people (48%) say they would look to meet potential partners if they were single during the summer. Among respondents, 32% would prioritize finding one partner with the aim of building a stable relationship, while 17% say they would pursue multiple sexual partners to "make up for lost time."
The latter intention is particularly pronounced among bisexual (40%) and homosexual (40%) respondents, as well as men (26%) and those aged 18–34 (23%). Conversely, only 8% of women say they would adopt this behavior.
Conversely, 52% of respondents say they would not look for a partner and would prefer to use this period to focus on themselves. This is the most common response and reflects a desire to prioritize personal well-being rather than seeking a relationship or a summer romance.
If single, a majority of French people would primarily choose to take time for themselves, while nearly one in two would seek to meet potential partners, most often with the aim of building a stable relationship.
Seeking multiple partners remains a minority preference, but it is more commonly considered by bisexual and homosexual respondents, men, and those aged 18–34.
Most French people remain convinced that it is possible to stay faithful to the same person throughout one's life. However, this belief has weakened slightly over the decades. In 2026, 73% of respondents share this view, compared with 80% in 1983, a decline of seven percentage points. At the same time, the proportion of those who consider lifelong fidelity impossible has risen from 15% to 19%, while 8% of respondents express no opinion.
Attitudes towards a partner's infidelity have also evolved. Today, 64% of French people would prefer to be informed if their spouse were cheating on them, compared with 46% in 1983, an increase of 18 percentage points. Conversely, the proportion of those who would rather not know has fallen sharply, from 41% to 25%. Undecided respondents now account for 11%.
Reported behaviors have also undergone significant changes. In 2026, 31% of French people admit to having been unfaithful, compared with 9% in 1983 and 12% in 1999. Conversely, the proportion of people who say they have never been unfaithful and believe it could never happen to them has declined significantly, from 68% to 50%. Meanwhile, 19% say they have never been unfaithful but acknowledge that it could happen, compared with 24% in 1983.
Over a little more than forty years, French people's relationship with fidelity has evolved. Although lifelong fidelity remains a widely shared ideal, this belief has weakened slightly.
Today, more French people want to be informed about a partner's potential infidelity and acknowledge having been unfaithful themselves, reflecting changing perceptions and behaviors.
Relationships in France today are characterized by a paradox: strong emotional attachment coexists with more fragile desire, which varies considerably across demographic groups. While 73% of French people in relationships say they feel affection for their partner, 55% still experience desire, and 51% report feeling more affection than desire. This imbalance is particularly pronounced among older adults and long-term couples, where desire tends to fade over time (50% among couples together for more than 10 years and 45% among those aged 65 and over). By contrast, desire remains higher among people under 50, couples in newer relationships, and residents of certain regions, such as southwestern France. Men also appear more likely to report experiencing greater desire than their partner.
Nevertheless, these changes in desire do not undermine the highly positive perception of current partners. More than 7 in 10 French people consider their current partner to be the most attractive person they have been with, their best sexual partner, or the person with whom they have shared their most memorable sexual experiences. This perception is even stronger among those aged 18–34, who have a particularly positive view of their current relationship.
Against this backdrop, behaviors that fall into the gray areas of infidelity appear relatively widespread. 55% of French people say they have fantasized about someone more attractive than their partner, and 49% believe their partner may not be the person with whom they could fulfill their most secret fantasies. These behaviors are more common among men, but particularly among young adults and couples in newer relationships. Among couples who have been together for less than a year, 73% report having thought about someone else during sexual intercourse. Conversely, established couples appear less likely to report these behaviors, particularly digital practices such as sexting or intimate exchanges with artificial intelligence.
These developments form part of a broader transformation in relationship models, with increasing openness to non-exclusive relationships. 24% of French people say they have experienced an open relationship, a practice particularly common among younger people and bisexual or homosexual individuals. Sexual experiences involving other partners have also been reported by 19% of respondents. These findings highlight behaviors that are more common among younger generations and sexual minorities, while older and heterosexual respondents remain more closely associated with the traditional relationship model.
Infidelity is also part of this changing landscape. Although 73% of French people continue to believe that lifelong fidelity is possible, 31% admit to having been unfaithful. This proportion is significantly higher than in the late 1990s and varies considerably across demographic groups: it is higher among bisexual people and residents of southern France, while remaining lower in Brittany and Hauts-de-France. People who believe lifelong fidelity is possible are also less likely to report having been unfaithful.
When faced with an opportunity for discreet infidelity, 18% of French people admit they might give in to temptation. This proportion is higher among men, young adults, people who have previously been unfaithful, and bisexual or homosexual respondents, among whom it reaches approximately 44%. Couples who have been together for less than a year also appear more vulnerable (45%). At the same time, expectations are shifting towards greater transparency: 64% of French people would prefer to be informed if their partner were unfaithful.
Finally, the summer period appears to encourage greater openness to romantic and sexual encounters. While 52% of French people would use a period of being single to focus on themselves, 48% would seek to meet potential partners. Among respondents, 17% say they would pursue multiple sexual partners, an intention more common among men, young adults, and bisexual or homosexual individuals.
Overall, the findings paint a picture of French relationships undergoing significant change. Emotional attachment remains strong but now coexists with greater diversity in behaviors and attitudes towards desire, fidelity, and sexuality. Although fidelity continues to be widely valued, actual practices differ considerably according to age, gender, sexual orientation, and relationship duration, reflecting a more diverse relationship landscape than in the past.
Study conducted by:
Manon Sendrier, Insight Executive Pauline Poché, Insight Director
WHEN CITING THIS STUDY, PLEASE USE AT LEAST THE FOLLOWING WORDING:
“Discurv study conducted for XLoveCam in May 2026 using a self-administered online questionnaire among a representative sample of 1,000 residents of France aged 18 and over.”