Overview

• From July 1, smoking will be banned in outdoor public spaces frequented by children, including beaches, parks, school perimeters, bus shelters and sports venues.
• Enforcement will carry a 135-euro fine per infraction, while the ban does not extend to café terraces or electronic cigarettes.
• This measure updates the National Tobacco Control Program 2023-2027 and joins over 1,600 communes that already operate smoke-free zones.
• Health minister Catherine Vautrin has also set a timeline to reduce nicotine limits and curb flavors in vaping products by mid-2026.
• Authorities link tobacco to 75,000 annual deaths in France, and polls show 62 percent of citizens back broader outdoor smoking restrictions.