Who Still Smokes in France? What the Numbers Really Show

Still Smokes in France

Smoking Is Going Down—But Not Fast Enough

Fewer people are smoking in France these days, which is great news. In fact, cigarette sales dropped by 11.5% in 2024, which is a record low. Thanks to health campaigns and tougher laws, more people are quitting.

But here’s the catch: 1 in 4 French adults still smoke every day. That’s a big number, and the progress is starting to slow—especially in certain groups of people.

So, Who’s Still Smoking?

Smoking isn’t the same across the board. Some groups are more likely to smoke than others. Research shows that smoking is more common among:

• People who didn’t study for very long
• Those living on lower incomes
• Middle-aged adults

Even though fewer teens and young adults smoke every day now, some still try smoking or smoke once in a while. Also, women in certain age groups aren’t quitting as quickly as men.

Also Read : Les Herbiers: A Vibrant Town in the Heart of Vendée, Western France

Smoking Is Still a Big Health Problem

France has taken many steps to fight tobacco use—like banning smoking in public places and adding warning labels to packs. And in July 2025, even stricter rules will come into play. Smoking will be banned on beaches, in parks, and near schools, to help protect others—especially children—from secondhand smoke.

But the truth is, not everyone is seeing the benefits. People with fewer resources or harder lives may find it tougher to quit. That means they may need more help than others.

Final Thoughts: We’ve Come Far, But There’s More to Do

France has made real progress. Smoking isn’t seen as “normal” anymore, and millions have quit. But with 25% of adults still smoking, and the progress slowing down, the fight isn’t over.

To really lower smoking rates, we need to focus on helping people who are most at risk. That means better access to stop-smoking programs, support, and education. And with all the stress people face today—rising prices, climate change, and more—we can’t let smoking become a go-to way of coping.

A smoke-free France is possible. But we’ll only get there if the next steps are smarter, fairer, and reach everyone.