French perception of housework is negative

According to a CSA Research study conducted for La Compagnie des Lavandières, 59 percent of the French have a negative perception of housework. This indicates a widespread view that household chores are not seen as a positive or fulfilling activity.

Housework causes stress and limits free time

For 43 percent of respondents, housework is a regular constraint in daily life, and 40 percent associate it with significant fatigue and stress. Additionally, 30 percent of those surveyed spend at least half a day on weekends on household tasks, which takes away time that could be used for rest, leisure, or family activities.

Women bear a larger share of housework

The burden of housework is not equally shared between men and women. Thirty-four percent of women say they spend at least half a day of their weekend on household chores, compared to 25 percent of men. This disparity is reflected in their feelings, with 22 percent of women feeling overwhelmed, compared to 15 percent of men.

Housework impacts fatigue and stress more for women

Women are more likely to associate housework with fatigue and stress. Forty-five percent of women consider household chores a significant source of fatigue and stress, while this proportion drops to 34 percent for men.

Delegating housework remains uncommon

Only 13 percent of the French today use a domestic helper. Among those who use or would like to use one, the tasks they most want to delegate are floor cleaning (61 percent), windows (54 percent), dusting (49 percent), and ironing (33 percent).

Preferred use of freed-up time

If they could delegate housework, 47 percent of respondents would like to rest more, and 32 percent would take better care of themselves. This last proportion rises to 39 percent among women. Families with children would prefer to spend the extra time with loved ones, with 37 percent expressing this desire.

Limited use of help despite the burden

Despite the significant time and stress housework consumes, only 13 percent of the French delegate these tasks. The study suggests that factors such as purchasing power and trust in domestic helpers play a role in this low rate of outsourcing.

Study details and methodology

The survey, conducted online by CSA Research for La Compagnie des Lavandières, involved a representative sample of 1,010 French people aged 18 and over, interviewed from April 29 to May 6, 2026. It confirms that women continue to bear a greater share of the housework burden, even as the task remains a significant part of the weekend for many.