From July 1, 2025, smoking will be banned in many outdoor public places across France, including parks, beaches, and near schools. The goal: protect children and improve public health.
France Bans Outdoor Smoking to Protect Kids and Clean the Air
France is making a big change starting July 1, 2025, smoking will no longer be allowed in many outdoor public places. This includes popular spots like beaches, parks, playgrounds, school entrances, and even bus stops. The goal? To protect children and help everyone breathe cleaner air.
This new rule was announced byFrance’s Health and Family Minister, Catherine Vautrin. She made it clear that this is about keeping kids safe from harmful cigarette smoke. “Tobacco must disappear where there are children,” she said. “The freedom to smoke must end where the freedom of children to breathe fresh air begins.”
Where You Can and Can’t Smoke
Once the new law starts, people won’t be able to smoke in over 7,000 outdoor areas across the country. If someone is caught breaking the rule, they could be fined €135 (about $154). However, the ban will not include outdoor café terraces or vaping with e-cigarettes.
The government says it’s not just about giving fines, they also want people to follow the rules on their own. Vautrin hopes that smokers will start thinking more about the health of people around them, especially kids.
Why This Ban Matters
France is aiming for a “tobacco-free” future by 2032. Right now, about 23% of adults in France smoke daily, which is more than in many other European countries. Cigarette smoking causes around 75,000 deaths in France every year, that’s more than alcohol or car accidents.
The country already banned smoking inside public places like bars and restaurants in 2008. Some towns had even started banning smoking in outdoor spaces, but now the law will apply to the entire country.
What It Means for Travelers
Tourists should also be aware of France’s new rules on smoking. Visitors will be treated like locals and won’t be allowed to smoke there; if they do, they may be fined. Therefore, be sure to find out in advance which places are open for smoking and which are not if you’re planning a trip to France.
France has now followed Mexico, the U.S., the U.K., Portugal, Jamaica, and Italy, all of which already have outdoor smoking rules in place. This is one of many efforts worldwide to improve public health by making places smoke-free.
Looking Ahead
Most people in France support the new law, especially parents and health experts. But not everyone is happy, some say the government is going too far and limiting personal freedom. Still, France is standing firm, saying it’s time to put health first.
This outdoor smoking ban is a big step toward cleaner air and healthier public spaces and it could be the start of more changes to come, both in France and beyond.
