As of March 1, 2026, the vast majority of cigarette packets will see a further increase, bringing the price of the packet to an average price of 13.50 euros.
On March 1, 2026, cigarette prices in France experienced a new adjustment, following the approval order of February 9, 2026. This development, which comes only one month after the February increase, confirms the State’s strategy to maintain constant fiscal pressure. The average price of a pack of 20 cigarettes is now around 13.20 euros. While a package cost around 3 euros in the year 2000, the pricing landscape has crossed new thresholds:
Packages that lowered their price in March 2026
There is no price drop recorded in the decree of February 9 for application on March 1. Some references of rolling tobacco or cigars remain stable, but almost all of the manufactured blonde cigarettes are experiencing either stagnation or an increase. The last notable declines date back to 2025 (notably on certain niche references such as Austin or Fortuna). As usual, the trend remains stable or upward, with manufacturers preferring to maintain their margins in the face of increased taxation.
- Austin Blue U ribellu, in 20 units: 10.70 euros (- 30 cents)
- Elixyr U ribellu, in 20 units: 10.70 euros (- 30 cents)
- Fortuna Bleu, in 20 units: 11.40 euros (- 50 cents)
- Fortuna Classic Rouge 100s, in 20 units: 11.40 euros (- 70 cents)
It is very rare, but not impossible, that the price of a few specific references is slightly reduced by a manufacturer. This usually happens as part of the manufacturer’s business strategy to reposition a brand against the competition, but it is not the general trend and affects a tiny minority of products, if any. Certain references may see their price maintained (without change) at their current rate.
Packs of cigarettes which increased their price in March 2026
A new wave of increases, often between 20 and 30 cents, affects references that had not been impacted on February 1:
- Marlboro Red (hard pack): €14.20 (+30 cents)
- Vogue L’Originale Bleue: €13.50 (+30 cents)
- Lucky Strike Blue: €13.20 (+20 cents)
- Winfield Red: €13.20 (+20 cents)
- News Red: €12.90 (+30 cents)
Here are the prices of cigarettes by brand in 2026
In March 2026, market segmentation becomes clearer. Prices now range mainly between €12.90 and €14.70. 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 March 2026 |
|---|---|
| Dunhill Blue | 14.50 euros |
| Marlboro Red / Gold | 14.20 euros |
| Marlboro White Fresh | 13.80 euros |
| Camel without filter | 13.30 euros |
| Philip Morris Blue / Gold | 13.20 euros |
| Lucky Strike Blue | 13.20 euros |
| White blonde Gauloises | 13.20 euros |
| Winfield red | 13.20 euros |
| Winston Classic | 13.20 euros |
| Chesterfield Original Blue / Red | 13.10 euros |
| L&M Blue / Red | 12.90 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) reaches new psychological levels on March 1, 2026:
- Dunhill Blue: €145
- Marlboro Red / Gold: €142
- Lucky Strike / Winston / Gauloises: €132
- L&M / News: €129
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 Rouge Select: €14.70
- Dunhill Blue: €14.50
- Marlboro Red (hard pack): €14.20
