It’s no secret that for years, digital technology has been disrupting the cultural practices of the French, who are becoming more and more sedentary every year. However, culture remains one of the pillars of the French population: according to a study on cultural practices unveiled in 2023, INSEE announced that 61% of the French had read at least one book in the year and 40% had been to the cinema at least once, despite the explosion of film and series consumption via streaming and the generalization of online music listening.
Culture remains a pillar of French life…
Today, a new study, conducted by IFOP for the international foundation Art Explora in partnership with France Culture, reveals the growing fragility of these cultural practices. Conducted with over 4,000 people, it shows that between 2017 and 2025, French cultural practices have declined on all fronts, as journalist Margot Delpierre announced on France Culture. While the French consider culture “essential” for their quality of life, they are consuming it less and less. To illustrate this trend, one figure stands out: one out of every five French citizens did not engage in any cultural outings in the past twelve months.
According to Pierre Ropert from the culture, digital, and media department at France Culture, the main factors behind this decline are not cost or access. Although certain known causes persist, such as significant territorial or social inequalities (INSEE frequently reminds us: cultural practices are linked to education level, income, and place of residence), financial costs, and lack of time. What the IFOP study reveals are new, “less visible” barriers that may explain why it is difficult to translate the French population’s belief in the importance of culture (86% consider it essential) into concrete practices.
…despite a “lack of desire” to engage in cultural activities
“Culture struggles to find its place in busy or highly routine daily lives,” explains Pierre Ropert on France Culture. Additionally, experiences play a role in people’s motivation to pursue cultural activities, such as increasing crowds and long queues that can deter consumers. So, what can be done? The study recommends cultural institutions to “target paradoxical audiences” by offering “a more spontaneous relationship with culture,” particularly by trying to shorten the distance between desire and action. Another solution would be to bring forth new ways of discussing cultural practices – especially when nine out of ten French people believe that culture is “beneficial for mental health and individual well-being.”
In response to this study, a special episode of the program “Les Pieds sur Terre” will be recorded live in front of an audience on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at Studio 104 of the Maison de la Radio et de la Musique. Titled “It’s an Art! What Culture Does to Our Lives,” it will allow eight people from Lozère, Brittany, Vaucluse, and more, to share how culture has changed (or not) in their lives, with Sonia Kronlund and Delphine Saltel. The event is fully booked, but you can join the waiting list through this link.
