A friend of mine is going to Paris for 10 days, beginning May 16th. She smokes cigarettes, and was wondering if she could bring her own cigarettes with her from the US. Is there a limit on how many she can bring with her? Can they go in a carry-on bag, or do they have to be in a checked bag?

Also, what are the rules pertaining to smoking in Paris?

Robyn

I believe that most countries allow two cartons.

Smoking is not permitted in public buildings in France. It is still tolerated at most open café and restaurant terraces.

They can go in either the carry-on or checked. My mother puts them in both.

Last August my experience was that "tolerated at most" was not exactly true. The outside of a lot of cafes was pretty much "open season" folks smoking everywhere! Maybe the ensuing season has made a change? It doesn't really bother me so I just sat there with the smokers LOL!

Hi art,

Most countries allow 200 cigarettes duty free.

Most countries do not inspect your baggage.

Most countries don't care if you bring a couple of extra cartons.

Your mother will be able to find many places in Paris where she can smoke. Last month my children were amazed at the number of smokers and ubiquity of smoking in Paris.

I didn't know there were any rules regarding smoking in Paris. When I was there it seemed like everyone smoked just about anywhere they wanted. It's not easy to be an asthmatic like me in Paris.

P_M, when were you last there?

Ditto on Ira's remarks.

Terraces are many times heated, and/or semi or fully covered and okay to smoke on (though I am sure there are exceptions to this).

I have found bars/cafes allowing smoking indoors late at night, after 11pm, though those were out of the tourist areas and obvs. not complying with French law.

WillTravel, the last time was January 2005. I had been there a few times before in warmer seasons and it wasn't so bad because doors and windows were open. But in the month of January there isn't much fresh air so I had problems with asthma.

PS Since then I have had layovers at CDG and I was pleasantly surprised by the abscence of smoke in the airport, at least in 2E.

For smoking to be allowed on an outside terrace, at least one side has to be fully open or there must be no roof over it. Of course this rule basically concerns only winter.

Living in Paris, I have seen a number of establishments displaying a sign saying "terrasse non fumeur".

No need to be surprised at the absence of smoke. Public building in France are no smoking areas. No more in restaurants, cafes, airports etc. It's the law, and mostly it's adhered to.

I saw alot of women smoking on the street as they walked or standing outsife their place of employment.

Thank you, everyone, for your replies. This is good information for my friend.

Robyn