France already has smoking bans in several public places, but these are decided locally and not by the government. The new proposal extends the ban to include smoking on all beaches, in public parks and forests. Smoking bans will also be introduced in the vicinity of schools.
"From now on, smoke-free areas will be the norm," Health Minister Aurelien Rousseau said, according to the Associated Press.
Cigarette prices soaring
The proposal is expected to enter into force by the end of the year.
The tax on cigarettes will also be increased over a four-year period, which is expected to lead to a sharp increase in prices. It is estimated that a pack of cigarettes will cost around twelve euros in France as early as next year.
There are also plans to introduce a ban on single-use e-cigarettes.
Hear what the French themselves think about the smoking ban in the clip above.