I've read some articles about the new smoking laws in France, that they were going to ban smoking in parks and all public outdoor spaces at the start of this year. But I've not seen any recent articles about it, the only articles I can find are from last year, and none of them have been very specific.
So, are they in effect now? What does that mean exactly? Is there ANYWHERE left that you can smoke? On the pavement? In plazas? Outdoor seating on cafes? And how strict are they enforcing it? Can you get a fine if you are caught smoking?
Going back there next month, so was just wondering.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/20...ree-generation

I don't smoke so I don't notice but from what I can see there are also local controls put in place so you may need to be more specific about which cities you are going to.

Just to specify, in case it helps, I'm travelling to the south-west, Toulouse, Albi, and the Aveyron region.

If you're staying in hotels in these places, ask for clarification of local regulations.

I live in a no-smoking U.S. beach town. However, the beach is state property. So, no smoking or vaping allowed in ANY public place, indoor or outdoor, in the town but ok on the beach.

Despite living in France, I was not aware of this new law...
Doing some research, it appears that the decree enabling to implement it is not ready. No firm date is announced.
Some cities have already implemented smoking bans in selected parks or beaches. From my own observation, the enforcement is quite lenient. In fact, same as for alcool in parks. Many would be surprised to hear that a bottle of wine is not allowed for your picnic in a Parisian park. Would love to hear about someone been fined...

The alcohol laws in the parks are usually only enforced if there is a risk of public drunkeness (for example, big groups of students). When there is a smoking ban outdoors (and right now that is only by local decree in parks or at beaches or near schools as we await national rules), it is much more likely to be enforced.

Currently, smoking is banned only in enclosed playgrounds. The ban will be extended to the whole area in parks.
regarding fines, throwing a cigarette end on the street could cost 135€. Real life is that 800,000 lbs of butts are collected each year on Paris streets, to be compared with 2,500 fines.

It seems every time we walk past a high school in Paris and it is a break time - students are outside smoking. Any new law against smoking within "N" meters of a school?

Stu Dudley

or just quit

It would be wonderful if they banned smoking from all outdoor restaurants.

This brought up a memory from many years ago. We were in Paris for the first time and in a restaurant on des Champs-Elysees. It was jammed and we managed to find seats at the front away from the haze of smoke. We we were almost finished dining when the charming, handsome French man next to me leaned over and asked if I minded if he smoked. Of course, I said it was fine and thanked him for asking. That was one of the very few times I was asked when it seemed everyone in Paris smoked.

Several years ago, my wife & I were in a mall somewhere in France doing something. We decided to get a quick meal. We asked the waiter for a non-smoking table. We sat down and noticed almost everyone around us was smoking. We asked the waiter about this, and he indicated that the table where we were sitting was their only non-smoking table!! We had a laugh and quickly departed without ordering anything.

Stu Dudley

I recently learned about the updated smoking laws in France, which is a bit of a bummer since I'm heading there this summer. Smoking is now prohibited in parks and most public outdoor areas. You can still smoke on sidewalks and in outdoor seating at cafes, but the rules are much stricter. They're taking enforcement seriously, so there's a risk of getting fined if you're caught smoking in the wrong spots.

Hard to imagine there are any people still smoking

Recently back from UK and was very surprised at the high number of people smoking and vaping. We just don't see that in Australia. Laws in UK have changed but still have some way to go if they want fewer smokers. Years ago in London we would walk into a cafe and walk straight back out, horrified at the strong haze and smell of smoke inside. That's changed which is good for the workers and the customers. And the health system.

Vaping seems to be big in the UK. Not good for you it turns out - what a shocker, like breathing in hot fumes is ever going to be a good idea - and clearly useless as a means of stopping smoking - it just swaps one addiction for another and people do it more often too.
We noticed a few people smoking in France but not that many. Same here though there are still plenty of smokers around they are less inclined to smoke in public it seems.
Sadly young people here who refuse to smoke do vape, having been sold the lie about it's safety, and the fact they are more easily available than cigarettes. My younger GS tried vaping, said it was horrible and has thankfully refused to try again.

More restrictions on vaping would be a good thing for everyone.

bilbo - you have obviously never been addicted to anything.

No. The "decree" necessary to enforce the new rules is not yet implemented. With the current political turmoil, I can't think of any chance to have it soon.

But local bans are already in place in some parks and beaches. Just pay attention to signs when you enter such places.

Only booze, sugar and salt. The first took 6 months to crack, the second two are harder but I'm working on it.

We got my parents off smoking in two weeks when I was 16, we were sailing in Zeeland and sat them both down for a chat. They were a bit grumpy for the rest of the holiday but that was that.

Probably best to remember that London is full of foreigners, many of whom smoke. In my home town, only the Turkish hairdressers seem to. The vapers tend to be those overcoming another addicition or medical problems that will kill them long before vaping does.

Who knew vaping was bad for you? Me miss, over 10 years ago I researched it.