In France, cigarette prices are tightly controlled by the government. Tobacco companies may propose a price, but the final decision belongs to customs authorities and the state. Once approved, the price becomes the same in every tobacconist across the country — meaning no discounts, promotions, or special deals are allowed.

Most of the money from a pack goes to taxes. Around 75–80% of the price is tax, about 15% goes to the manufacturer, and roughly 8–10% goes to the tobacconist. On January 1, 2026, another increase pushed most packs to about €12.50–€13, while cheaper brands have nearly disappeared. Buying in bulk has become very expensive: cartons can cost €250–€390, and a 30-gram pouch of rolling tobacco can reach almost €19.

These high prices are not accidental. The policy reflects a deliberate government strategy to reduce smoking by making it harder to afford. Tobacco still causes around 75,000 deaths every year in France, making it a major public-health issue. Since 2023, tobacco taxes have also been linked to inflation, meaning prices will continue rising every year. If this trend continues, cigarette packs could approach €20 within the next decade.

However, the rising cost has also created new challenges. In neighboring countries, cigarettes can cost nearly half as much, encouraging cross-border shopping and illegal smuggling.

At the same time, smoking rules have become stricter. It is now banned in enclosed public spaces, parks, beaches, bus shelters, and near schools. People can receive fines not only for smoking or vaping where it is forbidden, but even for throwing a cigarette butt on the ground. As a result, what used to be a normal daily habit is gradually becoming an expensive, heavily regulated, and increasingly isolated act.