France Intensifies Fight Against Smoking with Recent Campaign and Public Health Measures

France is bolstering its efforts to reduce smoking rates with the launch of a new public health campaign, “Become a Non-Smoker,” and ongoing measures to increase the cost and restrict the availability of tobacco products. These initiatives come as new data reveals the significant health burden of smoking in the country, despite a slight decline in tobacco-related deaths since 2015.

Significant Health Burden of Tobacco Use

In 2023, over 68,000 deaths in France were attributable to smoking, representing 11% of all mortality. This figure breaks down to 16% of deaths among men and 6% among women [1]. While this represents a decrease from the 75,000 deaths recorded in 2015, the reduction is partially attributed to improvements in estimation methods and the gradual decline of older generations who took up smoking in their youth.

Cancer remains the primary cause of death linked to tobacco, accounting for 55% of tobacco-related deaths among women and 58% among men. Smoking also contributes to one in three deaths from chronic respiratory disease and one in ten deaths from cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disease [1].

“Become a Non-Smoker” Campaign

Launched on February 16, 2026, the “Become a Non-Smoker” campaign builds on the momentum of the “Month Without Tobacco” initiative. It aims to support the 55% of daily smokers in France who express a desire to quit [1]. The campaign provides access to free, personalized support through the Tabac Info Service, reachable at 39 89, as well as through their website tabac-info-service.fr and a dedicated application.

Rising Costs and Public Restrictions

The French government is also implementing financial and regulatory measures to discourage smoking. The price of a pack of cigarettes is set to increase to €12 in 2025 and €13 by 2027 [2]. Smoking is being banned in more public areas, including beaches, forests and public parks [3]. Violators may face fines of up to €700 [3].

Regional Disparities and Emerging Trends

The impact of tobacco use varies across France, with regions like Hauts-de-France, Grand Est, and Corsica experiencing mortality rates 40% higher than those in Île-de-France [1]. While historically, men have been more heavily impacted by tobacco-related mortality, the gap between men and women is narrowing as smoking patterns converge.

Looking Ahead

France’s comprehensive approach to tobacco control, combining public health campaigns, financial disincentives, and public space restrictions, reflects a commitment to reducing the preventable health burden associated with smoking. The government aims for a tobacco-free generation by 2032 [2], and these ongoing initiatives are crucial steps towards achieving that goal.