We review the available data on couple fertility in France and provide an overview of findings from other countries. The two main studies conducted in metropolitan France and based on an objective fertility indicator are the 2003 National Perinatal Survey (ENP), based on a sample of 14,187 women who had recently given birth, and the Epidemiological Observatory of Fertility in France (Obseff) conducted in 2007–2008, based on a random cross-sectional sample of 867 couples not using contraception. The prevalence of involuntary infertility after 12 months without contraception was estimated at 18% by the 2003 ENP (95% CI: [17–18%]) and at 24% by the Obseff (95% CI: [19–30%]). For unintended infertility after 24 months, these proportions were 8% (95% CI: [8–10%]) and 11% (95% CI: [8–14%]), respectively. Approximately one in every 4 to 6 couples who stop using contraception will experience unintended infertility lasting one year. The relevance and modalities of a human fertility surveillance system are discussed; this system should combine the couple’s fertility parameters (unintended infertility, time to conceive) with monitoring of biological markers of male and female fertility. (R.A.)