In France, tobacco manufacturers propose the retail price of their products, but every price must be approved by the government and customs authorities. Around 75–80% of the final cigarette price comes from taxes, including excise duties and VAT, while the remaining amount covers the manufacturer’s and tobacconist’s margins. Once approved, tobacco prices are fixed nationwide, meaning shops cannot offer discounts or special promotions.
Cigarette prices increased again on January 1, 2026, with most brands rising by around €0.50 and some by as much as €1 per pack. A standard pack of 20 cigarettes now costs approximately €12.50 to €13, while popular brands such as Marlboro, Camel, and Philip Morris are generally priced within this range. A carton of 20 packs usually costs between €250 and €300, while larger packs of 25 or 30 cigarettes can bring the carton price up to €350–€390.
Rolling tobacco has also become more expensive, with a 30-gram pouch typically costing between €14.90 and €18.60. These increases are mainly caused by government tax policies aimed at reducing smoking and protecting public health, as smoking is linked to more than 75,000 deaths annually in France. Since 2023, tobacco taxes have also been tied to inflation, resulting in regular yearly price increases. Cigarette prices have risen from about €3 in the early 2000s to around €13 in 2026, and they could potentially reach €20 within the next decade.
Tobacco remains much cheaper in countries such as Spain, Andorra, Luxembourg, and Italy, where packs often cost between €4 and €6, while prices in Belgium, Germany, and Switzerland are generally below €10. These large price differences encourage cross-border purchases and illegal tobacco smuggling. France also maintains strict smoking regulations: smoking has been banned in enclosed public places since 2007, and since 2025 the restrictions have expanded to parks, beaches, bus shelters, and areas near schools. Fines can reach €68 for smoking in prohibited areas, €35 for illegal vaping, and €135 for throwing cigarette butts on the ground.
