Overview

• From July 1, smoking will be prohibited in all outdoor areas frequented by children, including beaches, parks, public gardens, school zones, bus stops and sports facilities.
• Violators face fines of up to €135, with regular police tasked with enforcement and authorities relying on public self-regulation.
• Café terraces and electronic cigarettes are exempt from the new rules, though the government plans to introduce limits on nicotine levels and flavors in vapes by mid-2026.
• The ban is part of the 2023–2027 National Anti-Tobacco Programme and supports President Macron’s pledge to achieve a tobacco-free generation by 2032.
• Tobacco-related illnesses claim around 75,000 lives each year in France, and a recent survey found nearly 80% of citizens back outdoor smoking bans.