Smoking ban in parks and on beaches comes into effect in France

Smoking is now banned on beaches, in public parks, and at bus stops. Violators face a fine of €135.

Two days ahead of the date announced by the French Health Minister Catherine Vautrin, Decree 2025-582 banning smoking on beaches and in public gardens came into effect this Sunday, June 29.

The text stipulates that smoking is prohibited:
– on beaches “during the bathing season”;
– “in public parks and gardens”;
– at bus stops “during operating hours” and within a perimeter around them to be determined later;
– “within a specified perimeter around public access points [to] establishments [intended for the reception, training, or accommodation of minors], during their opening hours”;
– “In uncovered areas” of primary, secondary, and high schools, libraries, and sports facilities, as well as within a perimeter around them to be determined later.

Another text should, “in the coming days,” formally establish the perimeters mentioned in the decree, the ministry stated in a press release. Any violation “may be punished by a fourth-class fine, i.e., a fixed fine of €135, which can go up to €750,” the Ministry of Health further stated.

Smoking bans on beaches and/or in public gardens were already in effect in some municipalities. The ministerial decree unifies regulations nationwide.