The Gay Barometer is a periodic self-administered survey conducted among gay men who frequent gay meeting places (establishments with or without sexual services and outdoor cruising spots). In 2002, the InVS, in partnership with Sneg and the Aides association, conducted this survey across France. Nearly 9,000 questionnaires were completed, 8,719 of which were filled out by men. Respondents had a median age of 34 and were from higher socioeconomic backgrounds. The majority had been tested for HIV at some point in their lives; 12% reported being HIV-positive. Half of the respondents reported having more than 10 partners in the past 12 months. Risk-taking among respondents to the 2002 Gay Barometer is significant across the entire French territory. Thus, more than half reported exposure to semen during oral sex, and one-third reported at least one instance of unprotected anal intercourse in the past year with their casual partners. The practice of unprotected anal sex is more prevalent among those under 25, those who self-identify as HIV-positive, those who have had an STI in the past year, and those who engage in oral sex with exposure to semen. Regardless of HIV status, 70% of respondents reported having had unprotected anal sex with partners whose HIV status was unknown to them. Between 2000 and 2002, risk-taking in Parisian cruising spots increased, in terms of exposure to semen during oral sex (50% vs. 54%) or unprotected anal intercourse (33% vs. 37%). Results from other countries also point to a decline in preventive behaviors among gay men. In France, the decline in prevention is confirmed by all epidemiological data (HIV transmission in the gay population, STIs). (R.A.)