What if Valentine’s Day was no longer just the celebration of roses and candlelit dinners, but also the celebration of intimate exploration? For the month of February, JOYclub, Europe’s leading sex-positive community, is publishing an unprecedented ranking of the sexual practices that its French members wish to experience in 2026. Based on the analysis of more than 3,000 profiles, this panorama highlights a profound evolution in desires: fewer taboos, more awareness, and an increased search for emotional connection. Trends that particularly resonate with Lovers’ Day.
A more conscious sexuality, at the heart of desires
According to the JOYclub press release, tantra has established itself as one of the most popular practices, both among women and couples. At the top of female preferences (27.7%) and desires expressed as a couple (28.3%), this practice combining spirituality, slowness and emotional connection illustrates a quest for meaning in contemporary sexuality.
At Valentine’s Day, these figures reflect a growing need to slow down, to reconnect with oneself and others, far from performance or automatism. A vision of intimacy which gives carnal love an almost meditative dimension.
Break taboos to get closer
Another strong lesson from the ranking: rimming, long considered taboo, comes at the top of the practices that men wish to explore (27.5%), and also appears among female fantasies and those of couples. For JOYclub, this trend reflects “a French sexuality in full evolution”, where curiosity and audacity take precedence over embarrassment or shame.
This openness demonstrates increased trust within the couple — an essential condition for exploring new intimate territories together.
Exploring together, a new way to celebrate love
The press release also highlights the strong interest in group experiences, whether role-playing, group sex or relationships between couples. If these practices remain in the minority, they reflect a common desire: to renew desire and break out of routine.
As Eva JOY, Community Manager of JOYclub, summarizes: “Feel, explore, let go” are the three key words that define the sexual aspirations of 2026. An invitation to consider Valentine’s Day no longer as a simple romantic celebration, but as a privileged moment to dialogue, rediscover oneself and, why not, dare together.