After the strong increases recorded at the start of the year, the tobacco market is observing a period of stagnation in May 2026. The price of a pack of 20 cigarettes has now stabilized.
According to the latest price approval data and the tax calendar for 2026, no general tax increase is scheduled for May 1, 2026. Rates remain stable compared to revisions made in the first quarter. The government is maintaining a schedule of bimonthly revisions for 2026 intended to smooth out the impact of inflation, placing the next significant collective increase on June 1, 2026. For information, the average price of a pack of 20 cigarettes is now around 13.50 euros for the best-selling references. While a package cost around 3 euros in the year 2000, the pricing landscape has crossed new thresholds, with prices now ranging between 12.50 and 14 euros depending on the brand.
Packages that drop their price in May 2026
As of May 2026, there are no planned across-the-board price cuts for major cigarette brands. On the contrary, the market remains stabilized at record levels after the increases at the start of the year. According to the latest Customs approval orders (published in April for application in May), the majority of brands are maintaining their current prices:
- Brands of the Imperial Brands group (Seita): Slight reductions of 10 cents were recorded on several references in the Fortuna range (such as Fortuna Rouge and Bleu) in order to keep these products below certain psychological thresholds.
- Special case of Philip Morris: The Marlboro White Fresh reference experienced an atypical drop of 1 euro during the latest adjustments to align with new market segments, going from €12.50 to €11.50.
- Marginal adjustments: Some specific references of cigars and cigarillos (often sold individually or in small packages) may see their price drop by a few cents depending on the remaining stocks of tobacconists before the next decree in June.
Packs of cigarettes which increase their price in May 2026
In May 2026, the situation is marked by almost general stability. According to the latest approval orders from French Customs (notably the one published on April 15, 2026), there is no new wave of increase for May 1.
Many packages saw their prices increase on March 1, 2026. If you noticed an increase in April, it is often the concrete application of these prices on the shelves:
- Marlboro (Red and Gold): Stabilized at €13.50 (after an increase of 50 cents in the first quarter).
- Winston and Camel: Most references have reached the threshold of €13.00.
- Gauloises Blondes: They are now around €12.90 to €13.00 depending on the variants.
- Lucky Strike: Several references rose by 20 cents to settle at €12.70.
Here are the prices of cigarettes by brand in 2026
Prices now range mainly between €11.50 and €14.10. These are tobacco manufacturers (tobacco companies) who set the selling prices of their packages taking into account changes in taxes levied by the state (which represent around 80% of the price of a pack of cigarettes). They can pass on the increase in these taxes, which increases the price of the package, or reduce their margins in order to gain market share, which causes the sale price to stagnate or fall. The prices are then approved jointly by the Ministry of Solidarity and Health and the Ministry of Action and Public Accounts.
| Brand (pack of 20 cigarettes) | Price in May 2026 |
|---|---|
| Dunhill Blue | 14.00 euros |
| Marlboro Red / Gold | 13.50 euros |
| Marlboro White Fresh | 11.50 euros |
| Camel without filter | 13.00 euros |
| Philip Morris Blue / Gold | 13.00 euros |
| Lucky Strike Blue | 13.00 euros |
| White blonde Gauloises | 13.00 euros |
| Winfield red | 13.00 euros |
| Winston Classic | 13.00 euros |
| Chesterfield Original Blue / Red | 13.00 euros |
| L&M Blue / Red | 13.00 euros |
→ See the complete list of prices for packets of cigarettes on the portal of the General Directorate of Customs and Indirect Duties.
What is the price of a carton of cigarettes in France?
The price of a cartridge (10 packs) reached new psychological levels in March 2026:
- Dunhill Blue: €140
- Marlboro Red / Gold: €135
- Lucky Strike / Winston / Gauloises: €130
- L&M / News: €130
These prices may be lower in other countries of the European Union than France but quantities are limited to 800 cigarettes or 4 cartridges. Outside the European Union, only 1 carton of cigarettes (200 cigarettes) per person is authorized by French customs. Returning from Andorra, customs authorize 1 and a half cartridges (1 cartridge + 5 packs or 300 cigarettes maximum).
Which brand of cigarettes is the cheapest in France?
It is now impossible to find a pack of 20 cigarettes below €11.80. So-called “generic” or distributor brands, such as Austin or Elixyr, stabilize at around €11.90 after the technical adjustments at the start of the year.
Which brand of cigarettes is the most expensive in France?
The “Luxury” segment reaches historic levels:
- Dunhill International Red Select: €14.10
- Dunhill Blue: €14.00
