Strict new rules rolled out across France that could see you fined £116 on the beach this summer
And its already been rolled out across
4
France has always been a holiday favourite for Brits and continues to be one - but there is a new strict rule to look out for
Credit: Pascal Pochard-Casabianca/AFP/Getty Images via CNN Newsource
The new French rules
4
Smoking cigarettes is banned in all outdoor areas where children might frequent
Credit: Getty
France has banned smoking in all outdoor areas frequented by children from the 1st of July.
This includes parks, beaches, public gardens, bus stops, school entrances, and sports venues.
And if you break the rule - even as a tourist - you will face a fine of 90
euros
if you pay within 15 days, going up to 135
euros
(around £116) after that.
The new measure is part of President Emmanuel Macron's pledge to create 'the first tobacco-free generation' by 2032.
Travel News
'France is positioning itself as one of Europe's most proactive countries in terms of tobacco control,' Raquel Venâncio, senior policy officer at Smoke Free Partnership, a coalition of European tobacco control advocacy groups, told CNN.
Not everyone in France is happy about the new rule
4
Not everyone in France is happy about the new rule
Credit: Getty
'The more time goes by, the more the government wants to take away our basic freedoms,' Elise Levaux, a 25-year-old student in
Paris
, told CNN.
'If you're being respectful — not throwing away cigarette butts in a park or beach, not disturbing others — I don't see the problem.
"Why should
crime
?'
Most read in News Travel
Another said: "I've been smoking since I was 14.
'Most of my friends started just as young. Fine or no fine, we're going to continue smoking.
Paul McKenna demonstates two powerful hypnotisation techniques to help you quit smoking
"It's part of the French identity — we fight for what we want. We're not
robots
.'
tabacs
— tobacco shops that occupy the corners of many urban streets.
CNN approached a dozen of them in
Paris
seeking their view on the new
law
, but none wanted to speak.
But in a statement shared with CNN, Minister of
Health
Catherine Vautrin said that 'protecting youth and denormalizing smoking' is an 'absolute priority' for the government.
'At 17, you should be building your
future
, not your addiction, Where there are children, tobacco must disappear.
'Tobacco is poison. It kills, it costs, it pollutes. I refuse to give up the fight. Every day without tobacco is a life gained.
"Our goal is clear: a tobacco-free generation — and we have the means to achieve it.'
The new rule does not ban e-cigarettes
4
The new rules do not include e-cigarettes
Unlike Belgium and the
United Kingdom
, which recently prohibited the sale of disposable vapes, France's new rules do not
The new regulations do, however, include a reduction in authorized nicotine levels in
'These products serve as gateways to addiction and will be
Tobacco use remains the leading preventable health risk in the European Union, causing
In
France
alone, it accounts for
health
ministry.
Beyond the direct toll on smokers and those around them, tobacco products also pose an environmental hazard.
An estimated 20,000 to 25,000 tons of cigarette butts are discarded across
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Irish Sun
2 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
I visited the English holiday park with a private beach and indoor pool – it felt more like the Algarve
WITH a glass of wine in hand, watching the sun set over the sea as clear waters lap the shore, I could have been in the Algarve. But no, rather than basking in Portugal, I was holidaying with the family at a caravan park on east Advertisement 3 Devon's stunning Jurassic Coast Credit: Getty 3 Play time and off to the beach Perched on a clifftop, The award-winning, family-owned site has 140 caravans, 11 lodges, three apartments, safari tents and glamping pods and — where we stayed — one recently renovated former fisherman's cottage. We arrived on a Friday, kicking off our shoes and running down the winding footpath to the beach. Advertisement Read More on Travel By 4pm on the Friday we were happily splashing about in the sea, building sandcastles with our toddler and cracking open a beer. Splash park It's how I wish most weekends could start, to be honest. And the weekend only gets better from here. We then spend the evening enjoying a delicious feast at the site's main restaurant, Pebbles, which caters for young and old alike with an extensive menu. Advertisement Most read in Family Exclusive My partner reckoned his 8oz Devon sirloin steak and chips, for £22.50, was among the best he's ever tasted — while I found the House Bay Burger, £16.95, delicious. Even better when washed down with a mojito — one of the many cocktails to choose from. Martin Lewis warns about strict passport rule that could see you board your flight - only to get sent home on arrival The next day, we sampled some of the local attractions. Crealy Theme Park is a mere 20 minutes away for those seeking family fun. Advertisement Or a short drive along the coast can take you to Sidmouth, Budleigh, Salterton and Exmouth — the latter boasting a huge We were lucky with the weather and enjoyed sunshine for our entire stay, but The indoor pool is magnificent — one of the cleanest I've ever known — and offers free family playtimes as well as exercise classes. The adjoining outdoor splash park is brilliant, too, for cooling off on a hot day, while the indoor fun slide kept us all entertained — even the grandparents. Advertisement 3 Ladram overlooks a gorgeous section of the coast and even has its own private beach Credit: Instagram/ladrambay As well as an on-site gym, huge outdoor adventure playground, indoor soft-play centre and enormous amusement arcade, the park also boasts pottery and art classes in its new studio. And it has its own nine-hole mini-golf course. And all that's before you even start on the evening entertainment in Waves Bar — with bingo, a pool table, darts, kids' disco, singers and the Ladram Stars Showtime. Advertisement We stayed for the weekend but could have spent a whole week and still not have been bored. The accommodation was immaculately kept and the wide range of caravans and lodges means there's something for every family's size and price point. Our cottage was decked out with everything you could possibly need — a fully equipped kitchen, bathrooms well-stocked with indulgent Bramley toiletries, logs for the fire and even a welcome hamper full of treats. I had scouted out nearby supermarkets in advance, to stock us up for the weekend. Advertisement But I needn't have worried. The on-site shop Ladram Stores stocks everything from freshly baked goods to beachwear and wine. You could visit for the week and not have any need to leave. Enjoy a fresh breakfast at the on-site Beach Shack cafe overlooking the sea, or kick back and cool off with an afternoon drink and ice-cream. If you fancy fish and chips, you can order in advance via Ladram's snazzy app and go and collect it from the on-site chippy, Coast Takeaway, at your desired time. Advertisement Ladram is not like other holiday parks, it's practically a village. And you can tell every member of staff really cares. The site caters particularly well for kids — with the fabulous amenities on offer including a huge outdoor adventure playground. Our toddler was able to join in with everything. We could hear the waves lapping the shore from our cottage — a literal stone's throw to the beach. Advertisement And when we visited Portugal just a few weeks later, I looked out at the coastline, from our accommodation, and realised it didn't look too different at all from that special view back at Ladram. GO: DEVON STAYING THERE: Ladram Bay Holiday Park has camping pitches from £12 a night. Glamping pod from £136, safari tent from £260 and caravan from £276, all for a four-night stay. Lodges start from £406 for four nights, while prices for the cottage start from £942. See
Extra.ie
4 hours ago
- Extra.ie
Popular holiday spot for Irish tourists at risk from soaring heat and wildfires
Irish holidaymakers who are travelling to popular Meditteranean destinations may find their summer escapes are under threat from extreme heat and wildfires. Officials have warned tourists to be aware of the dangers before travelling, as a number of prime holiday hot spots are facing abnormal weather conditions. Turkey is the latest destination to come under a red alert warning due to extreme temperatures and the threat of wildfires, with 47 degree heat ensuring that Northern Europeans will be confined indoors. Irish holidaymakers who are travelling to popular Meditteranean destinations may find their summer escapes are under threat from extreme heat and wildfires. Pic: OMAR HAJ KADOUR/AFP via Getty Images That kind of extreme heat is a threat to human and animal life and is not to be taken lightly according to weather experts in Turkey, and though many Irish tourists may have holidays booked to the region, they will need to take precautions before travelling to the area. A viral video on TikTok has seen a restaurant employee at Shadows restaurant in Marmaris cook an egg on the street. The employee declared it was 42C and insisted there was 'no oil' in the pan, with onlookers going wild. Turkey has been ravaged by wildfires over the last few days following intense heat across its western coast. Officials have warned tourists to be aware of the dangers before travelling, as a number of prime holiday hot spots are facing abnormal weather conditions. Pic: OMAR HAJ KADOUR/AFP via Getty Images In just one week, more than 250 fires have broken out across the country. Though many are now under control, fire crews have been struggling to contain the outbreak due to 75mph winds. Wildfires have been reported in Kahramanmaraş, Bursa, Sakarya, Bilecik, Gaziantep, Bolu and Manisa. Places beyond these impacted area, including key tourist destinations such as Istanbul, Dalaman and Antalya, remain safe to visit. Turkey is the latest destination to come under a red alert warning due to extreme temperatures and the threat of wildfires, with 47 degree heat ensuring that Northern Europeans will be confined indoors. Pic: OMAR HAJ KADOUR/AFP via Getty Images Meanwhile the Spanish state meteorological agency, Aemet, said in a social media update that 'June 2025 smashed records' when it came to high temperatures, with an increase of 0.8 Celsius above the previous hottest June in 2017. The agency's comments come just days after Spain's highest ever June temperature of 46 Celsius was recorded in the Huelva province of Andalucía. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has warned that 'The planet is getting hotter and more dangerous, and no country is immune' He added that 'Extreme heat is no longer a rare event , it has become the new normal'
The Irish Sun
8 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
From health ‘cures' to very famous guests – UK's oldest spa turns 100… and you can get 50 per cent off stays
THE UK's oldest spa is celebrating it's 100th birthday - with discounts up to 50 per cent to celebrate. Champneys Tring is the UK's original spa, with the first health and wellness retreat opening in 1925. 11 Champneys Tring is the UK's OG spa, with the first health and wellness retreat opening in 1925 Credit: Alamy 11 Now, the destination is celebrating 100 years of wellness and relaxation Credit: Alamy Now, the destination is celebrating 100 years of wellness and relaxation. Champneys Tring is set in 170 acres of Hertfordshire countryside, with a gym, Beyond this location, Champneys also have destinations in Forest Mere, Hampshire; Henlow Grange, Bedfordshire; Leicester Springs, Leicestershire; Eastwell Manor, Kent and Mottram Hall, Cheshire. And throughout the years and Champneys' destinations, the spas have seen a wealth of celebs including Read more on spa holidays Also over the past 100 years, what Brits want from a spa has changed too. Here's a look back on Champneys' history. 1940s Back in the early 1940s, Britain was gripped by war. Most read in News Travel Yet Champneys remained a "sanctuary of stillness, serenity and restoration". Despite the decade being defined by urgency and uncertainty, Champneys remained open for those in need of respite. Inside the English spa hidden in the countryside with a serene private outdoor pool away from everyone This even included notable guests like Clementine Churchill - the wife of Prime Minister Winston Churchill . Clementine Churchill wasn't just a political spouse throughout the war, she also was a hostess to diplomats, balancing her personal life with public duties. During 1941, Clementine's workload increased, with many people visiting her as the wife of the Prime Minister. She then decided to go for a short rest cure to Champneys, near Tring in 11 Champneys Tring is the UK's OG spa, with the first health and wellness retreat opening in 1925 1950s In the 1950s, hydrotherapy was then introduced to the Champneys experience. This included sitz baths, plunge baths, shower baths, spray baths, foot baths and spinal applications. Many of the treatments offered at the spas used the power of water to stimulate circulation and promote detoxification - which is still offered at the In the same decade, body masking was introduced. This is where a thick paste or cream made from natural ingredients - such as clay, seaweed, mud or herbal extracts - would be applied to the skin in attempt to detoxify the body, improve circulation and soften the skin. Once applied, the body would often be wrapped in warm towels or blankets to encourage sweating and absorption of the beneficial elements. How to save up to 50 per cent on a Champneys stay Champneys is currently offer up to 50 per cent off stays if you stay for a three-night break. Included in the stay is unlimited spa access and meals. One night starts from £142.50, while three nights starts from £352.50 when the discounts are applied. 11 Body masking was introduced in the 1950s and involves applying a thick paste or cream to the skin in attempt to detoxify the body 11 Hydrotherapy was also introduced in the 1950s 11 In the 60s, guests at the spa resort requested tennis courts and to this day, it is one of the most popular activities at the spa 1960s Later in the 1960s - thanks to the 'Open Era' of Wimbledon - tennis in the UK became more popular. Guests at the spa resort requested 1970s A decade later in the 1970s, the fun and social activity of Interest had flown in low-impact, accessible forms of exercise that suited a wide range of ages and fitness levels. The spa also led the industry in embracing holistic therapies and infused aromatherapy and reflexology into Champneys claims this set a new industry standard of wellbeing treatments. 11 Aqua aerobics was introduced to Champneys in the 70s as a fun, social activity 1980s In the 80s, the beauty, fitness and wellbeing industry in the UK experienced a major cultural shift. Mind and body wellness had entered the mainstream. Influenced by American fitness icons like Jane Fonda, aerobic workouts became a household trend. Running also surged in popularity as a simple, empowering way to boost both physical and mental health . According to Champneys website, it was in the late 70s and early 80s that they began to introduce yoga and meditation. "By weaving Eastern philosophies into our spa experience, Champneys helped bring mind-body wellness into the British mainstream - long before it was a trend," its website states. 11 In the 80s, the beauty, fitness and wellbeing industry in the UK experienced a major cultural shift 11 Running also surged in popularity as a simple, empowering way to boost both physical and mental health 1990s Then in the 90s, Champneys introduced the The bootcamps have a holistic approach and have always included time for restorations with full access to spa facilities and treatments too. 2000s The 2000s brought cutting-edge anti-ageing skincare and advanced facial treatments to Champneys, with "the latest in medical-grade technology". Then in 2011, The Champneys Collection launched in partnership with Boots, bringing spa experiences into people's homes across the country and internationally. 11 Then in the 90s, Champneys introduced the wellness bootcamps Now Today, Chamneys has four spa resorts, two spa hotels and two city spas. Eastwell Manor, for example, is the ideal hotel break in the countryside with access to health and beauty treatments, indoor and outdoor heat swimming pools, a gym, sauna, nature trains and brasserie. Then at Springs Resort in The spas still use and have many of the different elements that Champneys have collated over the years. Currently, Champneys is also running their Serene Summer Sale with up to 50 per cent off stays. Guests can get 20 per cent spa days, 20 per cent off one-night breaks, 40 per cent off two-night breaks and 50 per cent off three-night breaks if they book a break before July 15, for now until September 30. And on July 19 and 20, Champneys will be hosting The Wellness Fest with yoga and meditation classes, breathwork sessions, zumba, pilates, mini treatments, guided walks and talks. There are plenty of cheap spa breaks to book this year – with UK stays from £17pp & holidays abroad from £261pp. Plus, the 11 Currently, Champneys is also running their Serene Summer Sale with up to 50 per cent off stays Credit: Alamy
