Can I smoke in parks, on beaches and outside schools?
No, in a long list of outdoor places since 1 July 2025. The decree no. 2025-582 of 27 June 2025 (in force from 29 June / 1 July 2025) created new smoke-free spaces. It's now banned to smoke in public parks and gardens, on beaches, at bus shelters, within 10 m of schools, near libraries and sports venues, and in places hosting minors. The mayor can extend the perimeter. Café terraces are not (yet) covered, and the decree targets tobacco, not vaping.
📋 The rules
- Banned in public parks and gardens and on beaches
- Banned at bus shelters and within 10 m of schools
- Banned near libraries and sports venues
- The mayor can extend the 10 m zone
- Targets tobacco — café terraces and vaping not yet covered
🔓 Exceptions
- Café and restaurant terraces stay allowed (for now)
- Vaping isn't covered by this decree (but other rules apply)
- Ordinary public way (pavement, street) outside listed zones stays allowed
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Smoking in one of these smoke-free spaces is a 4th-class offence: a fixed fine of €135, up to €750 in court. The ban on selling tobacco to minors is also strengthened. Smoking in an enclosed public place (banned since 2007) remains punishable too.
📎 Official sources
- Service-Public.fr · Where is smoking banned? →
- info.gouv.fr · Smoking ban: new places covered →
- Légifrance · Decree no. 2025-582 of 27 June 2025 →
❓ Frequently asked
Can you still smoke on the beach?
No. Since the decree of 27 June 2025, beaches are smoke-free spaces. Smoking on a public beach brings a fixed €135 fine. The rule aims to protect young people and the environment.
What distance around schools?
10 metres. Smoking is banned within 10 m of schools. The mayor can extend this perimeter locally, so the zone may be larger depending on the town.
Are café terraces covered?
Not by this decree. Café and restaurant terraces stay allowed for now. The ban covers parks, beaches, bus shelters and the surroundings of schools, libraries and sports venues.
Is vaping banned too?
The decree of 27 June 2025 targets tobacco, not e-cigarettes. But other rules govern vaping, and disposable puffs have separately been banned from sale since February 2025.
What's the fine?
A fixed €135 fine (4th-class offence), up to €750 if the case goes to court. Also check municipal orders, which may add other smoke-free zones.
🔎 Common searches
What people search to land here:
- “smoking beach banned 2025”
- “smoking ban park fine france”
- “smoking near school 10 metres”
- “smoke-free spaces decree”
- “smoking bus shelter banned”
- “cigarette beach fine 135”