Sex toys

Choosing your toy is not necessarily an easy task, especially when it's the first time. You must first start by asking yourself several questions and answering them:

• Is it for solo use or for two?
• Is it for a specific part of the body? Or several?
• Do I want a toy that vibrates?
• Do I want a connected toy?
• What is my budget?

As with any purchase, ask yourself what you expect from buying a sextoy. Once your idea is precise, you can easily navigate through the different sub-categories that Passage du Désir has highlighted for targeted and identified needs.

Another important point: the appearance of your toy should please you. If you are comfortable with its Color, shape, and size, it is more likely to come out of the closet more often!

Do sex toys replace your partner?

No, no, and no again. And we will tell you again if you are not convinced. Don't worry gentlemen, there is no sisterhood or women's group whose goal is to eliminate all phalluses worldwide. Although that would make a good movie concept...

In short, the sextoy is an object used to vary pleasures whether solo or as a couple. It allows for varying stimuli of excitement and discovering new sensations of pleasure, even multiplying them. It in no way replaces a real partner of flesh and blood.

How to talk about sextoy with my partner?

Without apprehension! Using a sextoy, occasionally or even regularly, is a normal activity that one should not be ashamed of. The use of an intimate toy is a way to learn more about your body and know what pleases you or not.

To discuss it, remember these two key words: communication and understanding. The dialogue should be positive, reassuring. Explain to your partner that the sextoy is not there to replace them, but it allows you to better understand how your body works. You can even suggest participating in a discovery session together. It's important to reassure your partner, make them understand that a sextoy can be an opportunity to discover new sensations, solo or as a couple. That it is there only to enrich or break the routine of your relationship through new stimuli of excitement.

A good idea would be to go buy a sextoy together to find the one that suits you best. In the Passage du Désir store, you will also have personalized and caring advice from our experienced sellers who will put you at ease and answer all your questions. The experience can only go well!

What is the best sextoy?

There is no universal answer to this question since it depends on what you are looking for, your tastes, and the area to be stimulated.

In France, Womanizer is recognized as the leading brand thanks to the effectiveness of its patented technology.

However, in recent years, equally high-quality alternatives have developed, such as the Bali and Oki rabbits from Passage du Désir.

Has it become common to use sex toys in France?

Yes, the use of sex toys is now a majority and normalized practice in France. According to The reference study by IFOP for Passage du Désir, 51% of French people were equipped with sextoys in 2021 (compared to only 9% in 1992). Contrary to popular belief, these objects are not reserved for singles: 59% of users use them in a hybrid way (alone and as a couple) to enrich their intimate life. According to the same study, the equipment rate concerns 51% of French people, revealing a certain parity (52% of women versus 49% of men), while couple usage intensifies among young people with 55% of 18-24 year olds using them together.

How to use a sextoy?

For a first experience, prioritize solo discovery. Test it on your skin, on your hand to discover the sensations. After trying it, you might integrate it into your couple, a hybrid practice validated by 59% of users according to the IFOP x Passage du Désir study dating from 2021. On the hygiene side, the rule is strict: clean it only with water or neutral pH soap, banning washcloths and scented products that irritate the mucous membranes. The use of a sextoy is now a well-being norm, 51% of French people have already used a sextoy in their lifetime (compared to 9% in 1992) according to the same IFOP study.

What are the most popular sextoys this year?

The current trend is dominated by clitoral stimulators and the search for "Slow Pleasure." According to the October 2025 survey conducted by Passage du Désir on 568 participants, the brand Womanizer is used by more than 40% of respondents, confirming the supremacy of contactless technologies over traditional vibrators. The brand Hyyo from Passage du Désir is also a very used brand. However, purchasing criteria evolve towards more technical requirements, validated by independent organizations:

• Silence: A decisive criterion for 27% of buyers (Study by Passage du Désir on its Clients in 2024 on 11,569 clients surveyed).
• Recognized Quality: Models like the Sona from Lelo or the Tenga Aero are popular, having been elected "Best Sextoys" by 60 Million Consumers (July 2022).
• Rhythm: 1/3 of users now seek slower and more progressive sessions (Slow Sex Trend 2025).

Does using sextoys have proven health benefits?

Yes, beyond pleasure, sextoys are recognized as allies for sexual health and pain relief. The clinical study "Menstrubation by Passage du Désir" (2021), validated by Dr. Christopher Ryan Jones, demonstrated measurable therapeutic effects:

• Pain Relief: 70% of participants noted a reduction in the intensity of menstrual pain through regular masturbation.
• Compared Effectiveness: 42% find this practice as effective as painkillers for relieving cramps.
• Moreover, 62% of French users confirm that the use of a sextoy contributes overall to their sexual well-being (IFOP Study for passage du désir in 2021).

How to choose the right sextoy when starting out?

The secret is to prioritize simplicity and silence, two criteria favored by buyers. According to the survey conducted on the clients of Passage du Désir in 2024, while price remains the primary criterion, noise (decisive for 27% of customers) and the variety of vibration modes (33%) are essential to avoid regretting the purchase. For the 30% of people who "dare not take the plunge" for fear of making a mistake, it is advised to turn to reliable options validated by consumers, such as clitoral stimulators (used by 44% of female customers) or brands that have received excellence awards (e.g., Lelo or Womanizer).

Are sex toys suitable for use in a couple?

Absolutely, it has even become one of the main uses in France. Far from the cliché of the single person's object, the 2021 IFOP study for Passage du Désir reveals that 59% of users use their toys both alone and in pairs. It is an accessory for fulfillment for modern couples: 62% of users confirm that it contributes to their sexual well-being. The study by Passage du desir on its customers for Valentine's Day 2025 also shows that for "Chill" couples (48% of French people), the sextoy allows for exploring sexuality without performance pressure, promoting complicity rather than competition.

What is the most reliable brand of sex toys?

Passage du Désir stands out with a record level of customer satisfaction in the sector. Trust is key in intimate purchases. With a Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 58, Passage du Désir far surpasses the industry average (often negative), guaranteeing expertise and quality after-sales service (Customer Study Passage du Désir 2024). On the manufacturers' side, Womanizer dominates the hearts of users (more than 40% usage share among Passage du Désir customers), followed by innovative brands like Lelo (whose Sona model was awarded by 60 Million Consumers).