The fitness market in France is constantly evolving and has been experiencing significant growth for many years. More and more people are becoming aware of the importance of physical activity and fitness for their health and well-being. This trend is thus helping to drive the growth of this industry throughout the country.
The gym market in France is projected to be worth 2.1 billion euros in 2025, according to preliminary estimates from EPSIMAS. This represents year-over-year growth of 14.7%. The gym sector, a segment of the fitness market, continues to grow. Unsurprisingly, this lucrative market is attracting more and more new entrants. By 2025, nearly 800 new facilities had opened.
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For several years, the fitness sector in France has presented a bullish trend, despite a temporary decline in 2020 and 2021. In 2025, the French fitness center market (NAF code 93.13Z) is estimated at approximately 2.1 billion euros, according to initial estimates. The sector is thus returning to its pre-2020 trend trajectory.
This trend is also reflected in the increase in the number of gyms and fitness centers in the territory. EPSIMAS observes in March 2026 at least 6,811 active establishments registered under NAF code 93.13Z (for gyms), compared with about 6,000 in early 2025.
The average revenue of a gym is estimated in 2023 at 510,345 EUR. However, the revenue of an establishment varies greatly depending on its location, concept, and capacity.
In Europe, the trend is also positive, with growth not only in the penetration rate but also in the number of gyms. In 2025, there were more than 67,515 fitness clubs in Europe, compared to 63,173 in 2021. The European market is projected to be worth 39 billion euros in 2025, compared to 19.31 billion in 2021. The fitness penetration rate in Europe is currently estimated at approximately 9.3% (and 11% among the population aged 15 and older).
Sources: Deloitte ; INSEE ; Union Sport and Cycle ; EPSIMAS
In France, 61% of people aged 15 or older report engaging in regular physical activity or sports (at least once a week). Participation in sports thus continues to trend upward across the country. Fitness and Gymnastics Activities figure among the universes of practices the most popular (21% of regular participants). Commercial facilities (particularly gyms and fitness centers) account for 11% of participants.
A link also seems to exist between sports practice and educational attainment. Sports participation is more common among consumers with higher levels of education, although the gaps are narrowing. In 2025, nearly 85% of people with a master’s degree (or higher) engage in regular sports activities, compared to about 40% of those without a degree. Meanwhile, more than 70% of French high school graduates engage in regular sports activities. A similar correlation is observed between sports participation and income level.
Gym members are generally youngmostly between 18 and 29 years old), and often hold a higher education degree. The majority of them live in medium to large-sized cities, with one or more people. It should be noted that French people's interest in fitness is very seasonal. Based on Google search volume, peaks of interest are observed each year between the end of August and September, and between the end of December and January. A slightly less pronounced increase in interest is also noted between March and June.
Sources: INJEP 2025 ; Deloitte, EuropeActive 2025 ; Google Trends 2025
Prices in the sector in France had been trending downwards since 2017, losing an average of 4 euros in less than 5 years, before rebounding in 2023. Since 2023, the price of an average gym membership in France has stabilized. between 32 and 33 euros per month. Indeed, the «Low Cost» segment is the most represented in the market, in terms of number of establishments. And the strong competitive pressure characteristic of this sector tended to lower prices.
However, in response to inflation, the chains have raised their subscription prices. The price of a subscription (excluding options) now mainly ranges between 20 and 50 euros. In contrast to this price increase by several chains, Basic-Fit (the leader in France) continues to implement a very aggressive pricing strategy. It should be noted, however, that the chain also revised its introductory offer upwards at the beginning of 2025.
Beyond pricing, consumer expectations have also evolved. In order to differentiate themselves, retailers are continually innovating, always offering new practices and options. Several retailers offer sessions of Cross-training, electrostimulation or specialized spaces by concept. The variety of sports equipment and classes, the flexibility of memberships, and welcome offers are among the most used levers by brands to attract new subscribers.
Finally, it should be noted that gyms belonging to franchise networks have shown increased resilience in the face of the health crisis. The sector currently consists of from at least 88 fitness networks in France, and is becoming increasingly concentrated among a few «giants.» These chains account for approximately 60% of the total number of gyms in France. Basic Fit, L’Orange Bleue, Keepcool, and Fitness Park—the leaders in the French market—continue to expand rapidly.
Sources: Numbeo ; Benchmark EPSIMAS
EIn France, the fitness market is centered around market leaders. Who are the fitness market leaders in France? In 2024, the main fitness chains are Basic-Fit, L’Orange Bleue, Keepcool, Fitness Park, and L’Appart Fitness.
In 2024, Basic-Fit has 858 clubs in France (and 1,402 in Europe in total), making it the leader in the French market. This network, whose revenue in France reached over 505 million euros in 2023, relies on a very aggressive pricing policy. This acquisition strategy is made possible, among other things, by strict control of operating expenses and total control of the clubs (no franchise development).
L'Orange Bleue has 390,000 members in 2024 (compared to 405,000 in 2019). The group is now targeting the Spanish market, with an announced goal of reaching 850 clubs in total by 2030.
The Keepcool group, already well established in France before the 2020s, has strengthened its territorial coverage by acquiring the NeoNess brand (around thirty clubs) in 2022 and launching a new brand (METABOLIK). As a result, the group now has over 300 locations in mainland France and overseas.
Unlike Basic-Fit, Fitness Park relies on its franchisees to expand and gain market share (77% of its clubs are franchised). The chain, which has had more than 1 million members since 2023, continues to grow both in the number of clubs (291 in France) and in revenue (+95M EUR between 2023 and 2024).
Mergers and acquisitions are common in the sector. In 2024, no fewer than 30 M&A deals took place in Europe in the fitness market, compared to 13 in 2022.
Sources: Benchmark EPSIMAS ; Deloitte, EuropeActive 2025
The sector, despite an upward trend for many years, was heavily impacted by the health crisis. However, it has quickly regained its pre-COVID level. Sector professionals must nevertheless find solutions to differentiate themselves in a highly competitive and constantly evolving environment.
Beyond the competitive structure, gym members tend to be fans of innovation. They are constantly seeking new concepts and practices. Professionals must therefore adapt and offer ever deeper ranges of equipment, classes, and concepts. This implies investments, sometimes heavy for the brands. This element is one of the explanatory factors for the increased resilience of franchise networks in the face of the crisis, to the detriment of independent gyms.
The digitization of the customer experience is also a strongly marked trend in the sector, thus meeting the expectations of certain members. Many brands have thus developed their own applications, the functionalities of which can vary. From information on attendance in the brand's gyms, to a progress tracking dashboard, to digitized courses, fitness brands are adapting to their customers' new consumption habits.
Businesses in the gym segment must register under the NAF code 93.13Z - Fitness and recreational sports centers
This subclass includes Gyms and fitness centers
This subclass does not include, however sports classes given by independent instructors or coaches
The other NAF codes related to the fitness sector in France are:
– 85.51Z – Sports instruction and recreational activities
This subclass includes Sports training (baseball, basketball, cricket, football, etc.), sports training camps, gymnastics classes, horseback riding lessons given at academies or schools, swimming lessons, independent professional sports instructors, teachers, and coaches, martial arts classes, card game classes (such as bridge), yoga classes, chess instruction.
She does not understand, however cultural education.
– 93.12Z – Sports club activities
This subclass includes The operation of sports clubs: football, bowling, swimming, golf, boxing, winter sports, chess, shooting clubs, etc.
She does not understand, however courses given by independent instructors or coaches, nor the operation of sports facilities.
93.11Z – Sports Facility Management
This subclass includes Operation of facilities for sporting events, indoor or outdoor, with or without stands or spectator areas, and the organization and management of indoor or outdoor sports activities for professionals or amateurs by organizations with their own facilities. It also includes the management and provision of staff to operate these facilities.
Source : INSEE
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