Can you vape in France?

The legal position for UK visitors

France is an EU member state and uses the same TPD framework as the UK. Your UK-bought TPD-compliant kit and e-liquid are automatically compliant with French rules. The product standards are essentially identical.

• Legal purchase age: 18, same as the UK.
• Maximum nicotine strength: 20mg/ml, same as the UK.
• Maximum e-liquid bottle: 10ml for nicotine liquid, same as the UK.
• Maximum tank or pod: 2ml, same as the UK.
• Personal import: Bringing your own kit and supplies for personal use is fine.
• Online purchase: French-registered retailers ship to French addresses. EU-wide sellers may not ship to French addresses due to local restrictions.

France was actually one of the first countries in Europe to ban disposable vape sales, on 26 February 2025. The UK followed on 1 June 2025. So while UK visitors are used to a country without legal disposables, France got there first.

The July 2025 outdoor smoking ban

This is the rule that confuses most UK visitors because it sounds tougher than it actually is for vapers. From 1 July 2025, France banned smoking in a wide range of outdoor public spaces. But the ban specifically excludes vaping from its scope.

The French approach reflects a regulatory choice to keep vaping legally separate from smoking, even as smoking rules tighten. Different countries are taking different paths on this question and France is currently on the more vape-tolerant end.

Where you can and cannot vape in France

Even though the outdoor smoking ban excludes vaping, France does have separate restrictions on where vaping is allowed under the Public Health Code. These have been in place since 2016 and remain unchanged by the 2025 outdoor smoking ban.

Disposable vapes in France

France was ahead of the UK on this. The French disposable ban took effect on 26 February 2025, covering import, distribution and sale.

• What is banned: Single-use disposable vapes (“puffs” in French). All brands, all flavours.
• What is still legal: Refillable pod kits, prefilled pod kits with replaceable pods, sub-ohm devices, bottled e-liquid.
• Reasons for the ban: Environmental (single-use battery waste) and protecting young people from sweet-flavoured single-use products.
• For UK visitors: Bring your refillable kit. Disposables you might still have are not illegal to carry but cannot be bought or sold in France.
• Border crossings: Personal-use disposables in your luggage are not problematic but you cannot buy them in France or bring them back commercially.

The 2026 French vape changes

France has announced further vape regulations to come into force during 2026. These are separate from the disposable ban and the outdoor smoking ban.

• Reduced nicotine levels: France is consulting on reducing the maximum nicotine concentration below the current 20mg/ml. Final rate not yet confirmed.
• Flavour restrictions: Restrictions on sweet, dessert and fruit flavours marketed as appealing to young people. Specific bans on flavour names like cotton candy.
• Advertising rules: Tighter restrictions on display advertising and in-shop promotion.
• Packaging rules: Brighter colours and youth-appeal imagery being restricted on packaging.
• Timeline: Most measures expected in force during 2026 or 2027 through secondary legislation.

Buying vapes in France

France has a developed vape retail sector but the structure is different from the UK. The vast majority of TPD-compliant products are sold through tobacconists or dedicated vape shops.

1. Tabacs (French tobacconists)

   Found in every French town. State-licensed and sell tobacco plus vape products. Reliable for 10ml bottles, prefilled pod kits and basic refillable devices.

2. Dedicated vape shops (cigarette électronique)

   Larger cities have dedicated specialists. Wider range of devices and flavours. Staff usually speak some English in tourist areas.

3. Supermarkets

   Larger French supermarkets stock e-liquid and pod kits. Smaller selection than a tabac or vape shop.

4. Pharmacies

   Some sell NRT products (nicotine pouches, gum, patches) but generally not vape devices. Useful for cessation alternatives.

5. Online French retailers

   Several reputable French online vape retailers. TPD-compliant products at competitive prices. Useful for resort visitors staying long enough to receive a delivery.

French e-liquid prices are typically slightly cheaper than UK pre-duty prices. Once the UK VPD starts on 1 October 2026, France becomes a meaningfully cheaper market for some vapers. Worth comparing if you are stocking up on a Brittany Ferries crossing.

The bottom line