Smoking is prohibited on beaches in France and Corsica.

In France and Corsica, a law came into force in 2025 that significantly restricts the outdoor spaces where smoking is permitted.

For which:

• smoking is forbidden on the beaches, in the historic houses parks, in the public gardens
• and also near places frequented by minors (schools, bus stops, sports facilities)
• the measure is national and serves to reduce passive smoking and pollution from cigarette butts

Corsica is part of France , so the same national law applies: in addition, some Corsican tourist municipalities may also have

If the beach is private, the manager can provide, just like in airports, some equipped areas reserved for smokers, but must still comply with any "no smoking" ordinances in the area, so much so that even in France the number of completely smoke- free beach establishments is rapidly increasing , at the sole discretion of the manager.

•  Anyone caught smoking in open areas where there is a ban, starting from beaches, risks a fine of 135 €.

The French's strictness regarding smoking outdoors stems from a number of specific factors:

France has historically had a high smoking rate compared to other European countries. Smoking is one of the main preventable causes of cancer (especially lung cancer), cardiovascular disease, COPD, and other respiratory conditions. Therefore, health authorities are pushing hard for prevention , not just treatment. Furthermore, in France, as in Italy, the problem on beaches isn't just smoking; cigarette butts , among the most common types of litter in the world, pollute the sand and sea and take years to degrade. Finally, this ban aims to protect people at risk of secondhand smoke.

Read also:

• The most beautiful smoke-free beaches in Italy
• How to Keep Beaches Clean: A Handbook