French Smoking Rates Hit Record Low, Vaping Use Rises

French daily smoking rates hit lowest since 1990 (23.1% in 2023), while daily vaping climbs to 6.1%, new OFDT study reveals.

Daily cigarette smoking among adults aged 18-75 in France reached its lowest level since 1990 in 2023, according to new figures from the French Observatory for Drugs and Addictive Trends (OFDT), in partnership with Santé publique France. The report, released ahead of World No Tobacco Day on May 31st, indicates a significant downturn in traditional tobacco use, while the popularity of vaping continues to surge.

The data shows that 23.1% of adults aged 18-75 were daily smokers in 2023, a notable decrease from 25.3% in 2021 and 29.4% in 2016. This decline was particularly pronounced among unemployed individuals, where daily smoking rates fell from 45.8% in 2021 to 35.7% in 2023. Rising cigarette prices are considered a likely contributing factor, with the average cost of top-selling brands increasing from €7.05 in 2017 to €10.92 in 2023.

Smoking Disparities Persist

Despite the overall decline, the study, which surveyed a representative sample of 14,984 adults, highlighted ongoing disparities. In 2023, men (25.4%) remained more likely to be daily smokers than women (20.9%). Smoking prevalence was also higher among those with lower educational attainment (28.9% for those with qualifications below a baccalaureate vs. 16.6% for those with higher qualifications). Household income also played a role, with daily smoking rates nearly double among those with monthly incomes below €1,160 (30.3%) compared to those earning over €2,510 (17.0%). Regional variations were also evident, with Brittany and Île-de-France having the lowest smoking rates (around 19.5%), while Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur and Bourgogne-Franche-Comté had the highest (around 26.7%).

Vaping on the Rise

In stark contrast to smoking, vaping has seen a considerable increase. In 2023, 41.8% of adults aged 18-75 reported having ever tried an e-cigarette, up from just 25.7% in 2014. Daily vaping also rose significantly, with 6.1% of French adults vaping daily in 2023, more than double the 2.7% recorded in 2017. Similar to smoking, daily vaping was more common among men (6.8%) than women (5.4%) and was more prevalent among younger generations, with 8.7% of 25-34 year-olds vaping daily compared to 2.0% of 65-75 year-olds.

The OFDT report concludes that while positive trends in smoking reduction are evident, tobacco use remains significant, with strong social inequalities. However, it expresses optimism that declining smoking initiation among adolescents suggests a continued decrease in overall consumption in the medium term, with the 2023 figures for young adults likely reflecting the early stages of this trend.

Download the report

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Matthew Ma

Marketing at Ecigator

With over a decade of experience in the e-cigarette industry, Matthew Ma is a seasoned expert in both the manufacturing and usage aspects of vaping products. His extensive background has provided him with a deep understanding of the intricacies and evolving dynamics of e-cigarettes.