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Starting this Sunday, smoking will be banned on beaches, in public parks, gardens, bus shelters, and other key outdoor areas across France, following the implementation of a new decree published in the official government gazette on Saturday.
The sweeping regulation, part of a broader public health initiative, also extends to outdoor spaces near libraries, swimming pools, and schools. Officials say the move is designed primarily to protect children and non-smokers from the harmful effects of secondhand smoke.
"This measure is about safeguarding public health, particularly for our youngest citizens," said French Health Minister Catherine Vautrin in a statement. "No one should be involuntarily exposed to tobacco smoke in public spaces meant for leisure, recreation, and family activities."
The legislation builds on a growing number of local smoking restrictions that have been gradually adopted by individual municipalities over the past decade. More than 7,000 “tobacco-free zones” already existed across France, many of them on beaches and around schools. However, until now, there has been no nationwide standard.
France has long been seen as having a deeply ingrained smoking culture, but public health campaigns in recent years have made strides in reducing tobacco use.
According to Santé publique France, the national public health agency, the number of daily smokers has declined steadily since 2016, particularly among younger populations.
Still, health authorities say more action is needed. Smoking remains the leading cause of preventable death in France, with over 75,000 deaths annually attributed to tobacco use.
The new ban comes as part of a wider anti-smoking plan that also includes raising tobacco taxes, expanding support for smokers trying to quit, and increasing awareness about the dangers of passive smoking.
Violations of the new outdoor smoking ban could result in fines, although officials say initial enforcement will prioritize education and awareness over punishment.
Public health advocates have praised the decision. “This is a major step forward for public health in France,” said Professor Bertrand Dautzenberg, a pulmonologist and tobacco control expert. “Creating smoke-free environments not only protects people from secondhand smoke but also helps to de-normalize smoking, especially around children.”
France joins a growing list of countries—including Spain, Australia, and parts of the United States—that have extended smoking bans to outdoor public areas in recent years.
