The Gay Barometer, a survey of gay men who frequent gay meeting places, was launched in Paris in 2000 at the initiative of the French Institute for Public Health Surveillance and the National Union of Gay Businesses (Sneg). Respondents to the Gay Barometer reported high levels of sexual activity and HIV risk-taking, particularly among young people and those living with HIV. In 2002, against a backdrop of declining prevention practices in various countries and a resurgence of syphilis among gay men in France, the InVS, in partnership with the Sneg and the Aides association, renewed the Gay Barometer survey across all of France. The objective was to describe sexual practices posing a risk of HIV and sexually transmitted infections among men frequenting gay meeting places. (R.A.)