Smoke Free France?

I just returned on Tuesday from two weeks in France, and only once saw someone smoking indoors (in Paris on Rue Cler). However, the outside tables are still jammed with smokers.

I just returned from Paris, two weeks, about two weeks ago.
I saw smokers everywhere, was not aware of a ban,,( I have heard one will be in effect , but not till Jan 08 I thought) I do notice that some places have non smoking sections, but they are right beside the smoking sections so I have no idea if that makes any difference.
There are also a few completely non smoking hotels now.
Perhaps going to restaurants and cafes filled with Americans will help, they seem to smoke the least.

Will Parisians really give up their inalienable right to smoke? Not sure I'd bet on it.

Paris is all smoked through and through, young and old smoking all the time everywhere. Don't worry, after the initial shock you get used to it quickly. Besides, you might want to smoke up a nice Gaulois yourself while sitting at an outside table, oh so French, so chic. And have someone snap a picture of it. All those good old French movies, remember?

The ban has been effect since last January.

Will they give up their right, you don't think so.

Didn't they say that about the Irish, the Spanish, and the Italians. More and more europe is moving this way. Our French relatives report that more and more people they know are giving up smoking. The last 3 years has been the first time the government has really impressed that it is a dangerous habit.

This spring I noticed a lot of people standing around smoking outside shops and stores. I'm guessing they were observing the new no-smoking regulations for inside buildings.

What exactly is the smoking ban ,, banning.
Restaurants still have smoking sections, hotel rooms still have ashtrays, and cafes tables all have ashtrays!
We were asked if we wanted smoking or not every where we went, so it seems the smoking ban you speak of is not like the smoking ban we have here in Canada.

Irish people here said 'no-one will stop me smoking' etc.. etc..
In fact we got used to it almost immediatly.
As in other countries I'm sure France will follow suit. (Maybe!)

Natasha: Yes! Makes me smile thinking of having my pic taken while smoking a nice Gaulois at an outside table. One wouldn't kill me. Who should I imagine I look like, I'm trying to remember the French actor's name?

I may be in the minority, but I have no problem with smokey France. It's all part of the ambience.

I don't smoke normally, but when in France (or Italy or Holland or anywhere else in Europe)...

Now if people would just start picking up after their dogs! The last time I was in France (2001), I was constantly dodging little piles on the sidewalks....
Not that it would keep from returning to France, mind you. :-)

No, people in Paris still do not pick up after their dogs. Last week, walking down from Montmartre all the way to the Opera, on a nice street, I saw a guy with a dog, no leash, the dog stops, takes the biggest poop, the guy keeps walking, the dog finishes his business and catches up with the guy. They keep walking, I stand there in disbelief and then start laughing, it really was so incredible, all happened right before my eyes and very quickly. And many times I have seen the poop that someone already smeared on the sidewalk. So don't just look up at all the beautiful building while in Paris. Look down under your feet, too:)

just back 2 weeks now, you will pass thru lots of smoke in doorways, lobby entrances etc. some cafes have smoking areas that drift over to non smoking area it is better but not solved.

I have been corrected the ban starts at the new year.

I thing it is kind of sad that we see smoking as part of the "ambiance" of France. Does that mean that polluted water is part of the "ambiance" of India, or that it ok if your kid smokes as long as they do it in Paris over a cup of cafe creme?

Underage drinking, alcoholism, and smoking are serious health problems in France right now. Personally I applaud the aggresive techniques the Minister of Health is taking and I hope they succeed. I have a true love of France and the culture that goes beyond stale cliches.

I enjoy the freedom of being able to smoke in France. I have many, many French friends who smoke and always have. Like it or not, it is a part of French culture that won't go away with any kind of ban.

Gwen , it must be nice to go somewhere , have a smoke and a coffee, and not feel like some poeple are looking at you like are an axe murdering maniac,, which unfortunately some would think is a better thing to be then a smoker. LOL
I have never been bothered by smoking in Paris,, true I sit in outdoor cafes alot, I prefer outside seating ,, so really smoke is not such an bother as it is in an enclosed area.
Perhaps if are obviously very annoyed by smoking you could sit outside more,, I hope you don't travel in the winter,, since that would not work well, but really, in the nice weather I love to sit outside and watch the world go by.