Problem: The aim of the present study was to define the expression of CXCR4 and CCR5 on non‐cultured non‐stimulated primary human trophoblast cells (TCs) immediately after their immunopurification. Method of study: We have evaluated by flow cytometric analysis and immunofluorescence, highly purified primary TCs prepared from first trimester (8.2 ± 0.3 weeks, n = 15) and term (Caesarean section, n = 10) placentae for the cell surface and intracellular expression of CXCR4 and CCR5. Results: There was a high level of individual variability for CXCR4 and CCR5 expression between trophoblast batches. In first trimester and term placentae TCs, we found a greater number of TCs preparations expressing intracellular CXCR4 than CCR5 ( P < 0.05). Both receptors were predominantly localized in the intracellular compartment of TCs, whatever if isolated from first trimester or term placentae. Conclusions: The functional consequences of the predominance of CXCR4 expression and of cellular addressing are briefly discussed.