**France to Introduce Wide-Ranging Outdoor Smoking Ban from July, with Substantial Fines for Violations**
Travellers heading to France this summer will need to take note as the French government is set to enact sweeping new regulations on smoking in public spaces from 1 July 2025. Tourists and locals alike could face fines if they are unaware of the forthcoming changes, which represent one of the most significant public health initiatives by France in recent years.
The new law, which was recently reported by the BBC and confirmed by officials in Paris, will see tobacco smoking banned in numerous outdoor public areas. Specifically, smoking will be prohibited on beaches, in parks and public gardens, near schools, at bus stops, and at sports venues. This expansion of smoke-free zones takes aim at reducing the health impacts of passive smoking, particularly among children, and underscores France’s pledge to create a healthier environment for the next generation.
“Tobacco must disappear where there are children,” declared Catherine Vautrin, France’s Minister for Children, Health and Family, in comments published by the Ouest-France newspaper. Her department has spearheaded the initiative as part of wider efforts to limit young people’s exposure to tobacco. At present, smoking is a deeply ingrained habit in French society, with the Global Action to End Smoking estimating that around 16.4 million French citizens aged 15 and over are tobacco users.
The consequences for failing to observe the new regulations are significant. Anyone found smoking in the newly restricted areas risks receiving a fine of €135 (approximately £113 or $153). French authorities have made it clear that police will be responsible for enforcing the measures, though officials have also suggested that the public will have an opportunity to ‘self-regulate’, with awareness campaigns and prominent signage expected in these zones.
France already has a history of robust tobacco controls, having outlawed smoking in enclosed public spaces, including restaurants and nightclubs, since 2008. However, this new legislation marks an assertive step forward, extending protections to the outdoors and directly targeting places frequented by families and children.
The move may come as a surprise to British visitors. In the UK, smoking bans to date have focused on indoor public spaces and workplaces, with the 2007 legislation making it illegal to smoke in enclosed spaces across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. The UK Government is reportedly considering whether to take further action by extending prohibitions into outdoor spaces such as playgrounds and hospital grounds, largely to shield children and the vulnerable from the effects of second-hand smoke.
It is important to note, however, that the upcoming French ban does not extend to all outdoor hospitality areas. Smoking will still be allowed in designated spaces on bar and café terraces, at least for now. Furthermore, electronic cigarettes and vapes are currently outside the scope of the new law—though officials in France have indicated plans are afoot to introduce tighter controls on vaping in the near future.
For accommodation, hotels in France typically offer some smoking rooms, but unless guests specifically request one, they are generally placed in non-smoking rooms, according to sources such as the French Riviera Traveller.
The importance of these public health changes is underlined by research: around 23.1% of French people smoke daily, according to France’s Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction. The country faces a substantial health burden from tobacco-related illnesses, with over 75,000 deaths per year attributed to smoking—a figure representing an estimated 13% of all fatalities nationwide.
Public attitudes in France appear to be supportive of stricter tobacco controls. A recent study by the French cancer association La Ligue Contre le Cancer found nearly 80% of respondents favoured expanded bans on smoking in spaces like woodlands, beaches, parks, and terraces. This significant backing suggests that social acceptance of smoking is waning and that the French public supports measures to safeguard communal health, especially for the youngest and most vulnerable.
As 1 July approaches, the French government is preparing a public information campaign, with signage, outreach and a clear message: the era of smoking in many of France’s most iconic outdoor spaces is coming to an end. Those travelling to France this summer would be wise to familiarise themselves with the new rules or risk facing unexpected fines as the country embarks on this ambitious attempt to curtail public smoking.