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French beaches and sports venues to go smoke-free

France will implement a nationwide ban on smoking in outdoor areas frequented by children starting on 1 July, according to Health and Family Minister Catherine Vautrin.

This targets public places such as:

• Beaches,
• Parks and public gardens,
• Areas outside schools,
• Bus stops,
• Sports venues.

Terrasses (outdoor café/bar seating) will be exempt.

The fine for violating the ban will be €135 and police will enforce the law, though self-regulation is encouraged.

E-cigarettes are not included, but Vautrin aims to limit their nicotine content in future legislation.

'Tobacco must disappear'

"Tobacco must disappear where there are children," said Vautrin.

“The freedom to smoke must end where the freedom of children to breathe fresh air begins.”

Daily smoking in France is at 23.1% – the lowest ever recorded and down over 5% since 2014.

Over 75,000 people die annually from smoking-related illnesses in France — about 13% of all deaths.

A 2024 smoking ban for public spaces was initially planned, but the necessary decree was not adopted.

However, over 1,500 municipalities have already introduced local smoking bans.

A recent poll shows nearly 80% of French citizens support smoke-free public areas such as beaches, parks, woodlands, and even terrasses.