The price of cigarettes in France has been rising steadily, largely due to government policy. Today, most of the cost comes from taxes, which make up “75 to 80% of cigarette sales.” Manufacturers set a base price, but it must be approved by authorities, and retailers receive only a small margin.
Taxes are the main driver behind these high prices. They include excise duty and VAT, both set by the government to discourage smoking. Prices are the same across the country, as “the price of tobacco is uniform throughout mainland France,” meaning no discounts or regional differences are allowed.
As of 2026, prices have increased again. A pack of 20 cigarettes now costs around “12.50-13 euros in France,” with some brands even higher. These increases follow earlier rises in 2025 and are part of a long-term public health strategy.
Over time, the change has been dramatic. In the early 2000s, a pack cost about three euros, but it has steadily climbed to today’s levels. If this trend continues, prices could reach 20 euros in the future, making France one of the most expensive countries for tobacco.
The main goal of these rising prices is to reduce smoking. Authorities use pricing as a key tool because tobacco remains a major health risk, responsible for thousands of deaths each year. Higher costs aim to discourage use and promote a “tobacco-free generation” in the years ahead.
