The leisure activities of the French in 2024 no longer resemble those of ten years ago. Daily free time has increased significantly since the 1980s, according to data from CRÉDOC. This evolution is accompanied by a diversification of practices: streaming music, independent sports, mobile games, cultural outings. Which leisure activities truly capture attention, and which are gaining or losing ground?
Free time and digital leisure: what recent data shows
The leisure landscape is structured around two poles: digital activities, accessible at any time, and physical or cultural practices that require travel. The available data allows us to measure the gap between these two worlds.
| Type of leisure | Estimated penetration | 2024 trend |
|---|---|---|
| Music listening (streaming, radio) | Very large majority of the population | Stable, driven by platforms |
| Video gaming / mobile gaming | Several tens of millions of players in France | On the rise, especially casual gaming |
| Independent sports (running, cycling, fitness) | More than 80% of young people report regular practice | Slight shift towards formats framed by digital |
| Cultural outings (museums, exhibitions) | Significant but variable share depending on the regions | Post-Covid recovery confirmed |
| Reading | Common practice but declining among 15-24 year-olds | Competing with screens |
This table highlights a point often underestimated: music and video games dominate daily free time, far ahead of cultural outings or reading. The ease of access (a smartphone is enough) largely explains this gap.
To explore other options suitable for all profiles, the leisure activities offered by Starlight Infos cover a wide range of disciplines and formats.
Mobile gaming in France: a leisure activity regulated by law
Casual gaming on mobile deserves special attention. France now has several tens of millions of players, and gaming on smartphones represents an increasing share of leisure time, including among adults over 35.
A recent regulatory change has altered the situation for younger players: in-app purchases are limited to 50 euros per week for accounts under 18. This measure has been associated with a decrease of about 18% in reports of excessive spending among minors.
This legal framework transforms mobile gaming from a potentially costly leisure activity into a more controlled one. For families, this is a concrete factor to consider when choosing digital activities offered to children.
Casual gaming and free time: a leisure activity that requires no equipment
Mobile gaming stands out from other leisure activities due to its complete lack of entry barriers: no club membership, no equipment, no travel. A session lasts on average a few minutes, making it compatible with the dead times of daily life (commuting, breaks).
However, this accessibility raises the question of the quality of free time. Playing for ten minutes on the subway does not provide the same benefits as an hour of hiking. The trade-off between passive and active leisure remains an individual challenge that raw participation figures do not capture.
Independent sports and outdoor leisure: practice evolves with digital
The National Barometer of Sports Practices from INJEP shows that independent sports practice is undergoing a transformation. Running, cycling, and fitness remain pillars of free time, but digital tools (coaching apps, smartwatches, tracking platforms) are changing how these activities are experienced.
More than 80% of young people report engaging in regular sports activities, a figure that nuances the image of a generation solely focused on screens. Nature sports (hiking, trail running, outdoor climbing) attract an increasingly broad audience, supported by a growing range of outdoor equipment rental options.
- Hiking and trail running remain among the most accessible outdoor leisure activities, with low entry costs and marked trails across the country
- Cycling (road and mountain biking) benefits from an expanding network of greenways and quality rental options in most tourist areas
- Lakeside activities (paddleboarding, kayaking, swimming) are seeing increased attendance in regions with natural water bodies
Family leisure and nature activities: a growing segment
Family vacations significantly influence leisure choices. Activities that combine nature and discovery (visits to natural heritage sites, wildlife and flora outings, adventure courses in the forest) meet the growing demand from parents looking to keep children away from screens during holidays.
Destinations with a natural setting (lake, mountains, coastline) concentrate the most diverse offerings. Nature tourism attracts a family clientele that prioritizes the on-site experience over travel.
Cultural outings and heritage visits: a territorial leisure activity
Museums, exhibitions, and heritage sites remain popular leisure activities, but their attendance depends heavily on geography. Major metropolitan areas concentrate cultural offerings, while rural areas focus more on historical heritage, local festivals, and seasonal events (Christmas markets, village fairs).
The end-of-year holiday period illustrates this dynamic well. Heritage visits, Christmas markets, and live performances attract a family audience that combines tourism and cultural leisure in a short timeframe.
- Museums and temporary exhibitions attract an urban audience, often as a complement to outings with friends or partners
- Heritage sites in rural areas target families on vacation, often with more accessible pricing
- Seasonal events (festivals, markets, outdoor performances) create localized spikes in attendance that benefit the regional tourism economy
The choice of leisure in 2024 depends less on budget than on format: a mobile gaming session, a museum visit, and a mountain hike do not require the same time, energy, or benefits. Data shows that the French no longer choose between digital and outdoor activities; they alternate between the two depending on the time of day and the season.