France bans smoking in parks, on beaches and near schools

Smoking has been banned in parks, on beaches and outside schools in France to try to protect children.

The ban has come into place just a week before schools in the country break for the summer holidays.

It also stops people from smoking in public gardens, in bus stops and in sports venues.

Catherine Vautrin, who is the Health and Family Minister in France, said, "tobacco must disappear from places where there are children".

Vapes are not included in the ban

The ban doesn't apply to electronic cigarettes like vapes.

Single-use vapes were banned in the UK in June - something which was also brought in to protect children's health.

Yves Martinet is the president of the National Committee Against Smoking. He said the ban is a "step in the right direction" but doesn't go far enough.

He felt that e-cigarettes should have been included, saying that their flavours are used to "hook young people".

The new rules do not apply to the outdoor areas of cafes and bar.

But they do stop people smoking within 10 metres of schools, swimming pools and libraries.

Catherine Vautrin said the move was part of the country's aim of a "tobacco-free generation" by the year 2032.

She said the areas covered by the ban are "places to play, learn, and breathe," not places for smoking.