The 2025 Loneliness Study: Community, the cornerstone of social interaction
On 22 January, on the eve of World Loneliness Day, the Fondation de France presented the 15th edition of its annual study on loneliness in France, entitled “Community: the cornerstone of social interaction”. According to this new study, carried out in partnership with CERLIS and CRÉDOC, nearly a third of French people (32%) currently find themselves socially isolated and nearly a quarter (24%) feel lonely. In the face of these challenges, local community (neighbourhoods, community groups, local shops) plays a decisive role in maintaining social ties.
“Every year, this study offers us an insight into the evolution of social ties in France. It enables us to better understand how people experience loneliness and isolation, but also identifies causal links and the levers to address them,” explained Stéphanie Andrieux, Head of the Solidarity and Vulnerability Programme at the Fondation de France, in her opening remarks. In 2025, the proportion of isolated people remains stable compared to 2024: 11% of French people are physically cut off from others, with no social network whatsoever. “Behind this stability, however, lie significant forms of social withdrawal and limited social interaction,” explains Séverine Dessajan, a socio-anthropologist at CERLIS. When we combine those who are isolated with those whose social life is limited to a single network, nearly a third of the population (32%) finds themselves in a situation of isolation or close to it.
Urban loneliness and rural isolation in France
The 2025 Loneliness Study analyses the extent of isolation and loneliness across different areas (rural, suburban and urban). It appears that isolation affects rural areas more: 14% of residents in rural municipalities are isolated, compared with 9% of residents in the Paris metropolitan area and in municipalities with more than 100,000 inhabitants. Several factors may explain this phenomenon: reduced access to public services and social spaces, a lack of public transport, geographical isolation, etc Charlotte Dubourg, sponsorship officer at the Fondation RTE for Rural Areas, highlights this point: “These everyday difficulties hinder social connections, as well as their quality and stability.”
In urban areas, particularly in large conurbations, the feeling of loneliness is more pronounced: 28% of residents feel lonely, compared with 21% in rural areas. This finding can be explained by the anonymity and density of these areas, particularly in priority neighbourhoods. “These are areas where socially vulnerable populations are concentrated. This leads to emotional saturation and strategies of avoidance or distancing in the face of vulnerability, loneliness and isolation,” explains Séverine Dessajan.
Neighbourhoods, community groups and local shops: pillars of social interaction
Considering these situations of loneliness and isolation, the study highlights the crucial role played by local connections. These refer to all the regular relationships that develop in everyday life, outside the family and circle of friends: involvement in community groups, contact with neighbours or interactions with local shopkeepers.
The neighbourhood provides an essential social anchor for people who are alone or isolated, with ‘small gestures’ that become fundamental elements of their daily lives. “Bringing someone food, calling them on the phone, doing a favour for a neighbour… these are all acts of kindness that are more about a reassuring presence than a deep connection, but which help to foster a sense of community,” emphasises Hadrien Riffaut, a researcher at CERLIS. Finding a sense of community in the neighbourhood is precisely what the VoisinMalin association aims to achieve. It recruits residents from priority neighbourhoods to reach out to their neighbours during door-to-door information campaigns. “These ‘wise neighbours’ inform, listen to and engage in dialogue with residents in their neighbourhood. They rebuild connections with those who sometimes feel invisible or discouraged, and empower them to act,” explains Marina Kontente, the association’s regional director.
Charities are another key pillar of social integration for people who are alone or isolated. “For these often-vulnerable individuals, joining a charity means, first and foremost, finding a space to heal and regain control over themselves and their lives. It is also a social hub that enables them to maintain stable relationships,” explains Hadrien Riffaut. When the person receiving support becomes a volunteer, a turning point occurs: the service user becomes an active participant, and their sense of loneliness diminishes. Charities also tailor their activities to local circumstances. In Plaine des Vosges, a rural and isolated area, the Le Traversier charity offers a mobile hub for social interaction. On board a specially fitted vehicle, the team visits a different village every day to offer workshops and services (health, digital, cooking, culture, etc.). “In this area, mobility issues persist, exacerbated by a tendency towards social withdrawal. Our work is all about rebuilding a bond of trust with residents through a regular presence and a welcoming atmosphere open to all,” says Laurence Fuchs, director of territorialisation and cross-cutting initiatives at the organisation.
Local shops also play a key role in fostering social cohesion. They serve as places for daily encounters and interaction, encouraging regular, informal contact between residents, particularly in urban areas. 23% of residents in large urban areas report having discussed personal matters with local shopkeepers over the past twelve months, compared with 18% of residents in rural areas.
These local connections are even more essential for economically or socially vulnerable people. Vulnerability remains a major factor in isolation: 16% of people on low incomes are isolated, compared with 5% of those on high incomes. Similarly, 20% of unemployed people find themselves in a situation of social isolation, which is three times higher than among those in employment.
Taking action to rebuild social ties
The study’s findings highlight several key lessons for strengthening social ties across regions. They emphasise the importance of recognising the differences between isolation in rural areas and loneliness in large urban centres. Encouraging families and healthcare professionals to identify situations of vulnerability also appears essential. “Civil society must act as a watchdog for social cohesion to break the cycle of loneliness and isolation,” emphasises Hadrien Riffaut. Outreach initiatives, particularly in isolated areas, are an effective way of facilitating encounters between people who struggle to form relationships. Finally, voluntary organisations are emerging as pillars of social cohesion and spaces for recovery for people who are lonely or isolated.