Smoking in Italy/Paris restaurants..is it still allowed?
 

Heading there shortly and very sensitive to smoke (instant migraine). Prefer to eat where smokers are not.

Will we have a problem finding no-smoking restaurants in Paris/Venice/Florence/Rome?

Thanks all.
Paula

sarge,

Last year while in Florence and Venice, smoking was only allowed at tables outside. But in Paris, there was still smoking allowed inside. As I understand, France will be enforcing a no smoking policy indoors in 2008. I hope this helps.

Tom

www.pbase.com/trsw

Venice has been non-smoking for quite a while now, with a sign showing a cigarette tied in a knot as the no smoking sign. The only restaurant where smoking was allowed was an upscale one with a special air flow system. My understanding is that indoor smoking has been generally banned in Italy.

When I was in Paris last year, almost every place we went to eat asked if we wanted smoking or non. I think some of the restaurants etc, are starting to get ready for the new law to come.

There are a few no-smoking restaurants in Paris, but for 99% of the places, you will have to wait until January 1st.

Most restaurants have no-smoking sections, but in a really small place it is pretty much symbolic.

In Paris at places like La Couple or Le Dôme, the non-smoking area is a total joke. Frequently you are seating right next to someone smoking. The only difference is your table doesn't have an ashtray on it!

Hi Sarge - Italian restaurants have been non-smoking for a couple of years now.

Steve

I can't stand cigarette smoke, but it hasn't been nearly as much of a problem on this trip to Paris. Outside seats help a lot, but even when my friends and I ate inside a restaurant called Market (a Fodorite recommendation!), they either didn't allow smoking or they kept them hidden away well enough that we didn't smell it.

I think you'll be fine here.

And not just restaurants in Italy, but all public spaces: offices, bars, internet cafes, public transportation, many hotels (I think that some places offer smoking rooms), everywhere. And Italians follow the rules in this instance. You're going to love it.

France hasn't quite gotten on board, but you can most definitely find non-smoking restaurants. La Cerisiaie and Spring are two that come to mind.

The no smoking rule in Italy has been in effect for a couple of years now and - surprisingly- is rigorously followed. Living in Rome, we have become very used to smoke-free dining (and offices, public buildings, etc) and were surprised to be back in smoky restaurants on a summer visit through France. You shouldn't have any problems on the Italian leg of your trip - will probably have to plan more carefully in Paris to ensure smoke-free dining.

PARIS:
We tend to eat earlier than the locals, so the smoke level is non-existent or not noticeable. So dine around 7:30-8:30 for cleaner air.
There are also restaurants that are already fully non-smoking (according to internet searches):
<>L'Artisan de Saveurs - 72, rue du Cherche Midi(6th)
<>La Cerisaie - 70 boulevard Edgard Quinet(14th)
<>Christian Constant - 37 rue d'Assas(6th)
<>Le Florimond - 19 avenue de la Motte Picquet(7th)
<>Le Petit Vatel - Rue Lobineau(6th)
<>L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon - 5 Rue de Montalembert(7th)
<>Spoon Food & Wine(Alain Ducasse) - 14 rue Marignan(8th)
<>L’Épi Dupin - 11 Rue Dupin(6th)

http://www.smokefreeworld.com/paris.shtml
http://travel.nytimes.com/2006/09/27...g/27smoke.html

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Thanks all. We are only in Paris two days, with one dinner meal scheduled. We have reservations at Les Ombres. For the money we're paying there, and the view, we hope it is not obscured by smoke. :(

I will certainly look at these places listed for our two lunches, though.

So happy to hear that Italy is going smoke-free! :)

Thx again.
Paula

In any case, it looks like (western) Europe will be smoke free long before the United States.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of..._United_States