Number of French daily smokers falls to 18.2% of adult population

This photograph taken in Paris on Dec. 19, 2024 shows boxes of "puffs" disposable electronic cigarettes and nicotine pouches displayed in a shop. Nicotine pouches, products targeting young people, will be banned in France in 2026, according to the Journal officiel (Official Journal) on Sept. 6. AFP-Yonhap

PARIS — France was once considered a nation of smokers but now people are increasingly turning away from cigarettes.

Since the launch of the first national programme to reduce tobacco consumption in 2014, the proportion of daily smokers among 18 to 75-year-olds has dropped from 28.6% to 18.2% in 2024, health authorities in Paris said on Wednesday.

The decline is attributed to higher tobacco prices, the expansion of smoke-free zones, reimbursement for nicotine replacement therapies and graphic health warning images on cigarette packaging.

This year, France banned smoking at bus stops, beaches and public parks, and around schools, sports facilities and libraries.

However, smoking is still permitted in the outdoor areas of restaurants and cafés.

A pack of cigarettes in France now costs between €12.50 and €13.50 ($14.50-$15.70), significantly more than in neighbouring Germany, where the price is around €9 but there are fewer smokers.