The essentials in one table
| Subject | The rule | Penalty found | Detailed page |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cannabis | Illegal everywhere, use and possession | Fixed criminal fine of €200 (€150 if paid within 15 days, €450 after 45 days); dealing: up to 5 years and €75,000 | Cannabis in Paris |
| Counterfeits | Banned from entering France, whatever the quantity | Seizure, fine of 1 to 2 times the value of the genuine item, up to 3 years in prison (customs); a settlement is common for small cases | Souvenirs from Paris |
| Tobacco | Banned in parks, on beaches in season, at bus shelters and near schools since 29 June 2025 | Fourth-class offence, €135; café terraces are not covered | Smoking in Paris |
| Disposable e-cigarette | Sale banned since February 2025 (the rule targets sale, not use) | Penalties for the seller | Smoking in Paris |
| Drone | Central Paris is a no-fly zone | Several months in prison and a heavy fine, drone confiscated | Drones in Paris |
| Covered face | Banned in public space since 11 April 2011 (exceptions: health, work, sport, festivities, traditions) | Up to €150 (second class) or a citizenship course | |
| Alcohol in the street | No national ban, but local orders and park rules; visible drunkenness is punished | Varies | Alcohol in the street |
| Photos | Photographing for yourself is allowed almost everywhere; publishing an identifiable person needs consent | Depends on the case | Photos in Paris |
The three most common traps
1. Counterfeits. "Designer" bags, watches and sunglasses sold on the sly near the Eiffel Tower or Sacré-Cœur are fakes. Customs states that counterfeits are prohibited on entry to France, whatever the quantity, and that the fine is calculated on the value of the genuine product, not on the price you paid. A minor offence is often settled with customs: seizure, destruction and a reduced fine. Back home, your own customs rules also apply.
2. Cannabis. The law makes no difference between the street, a home or a hotel room. CBD is legal as long as THC stays below 0.3%.
3. Smoking in the wrong place. Since 29 June 2025, smoking is banned in public parks and gardens (Luxembourg, Tuileries…), on beaches during the bathing season, at bus shelters and near schools. The fine is €135. An open café terrace is still allowed.
The rarer rules
- Art and antiques. Cultural goods leaving French customs territory must, depending on their type and value, carry a certificate or an authorisation; outside the European Union, a European export licence is added. According to customs and the Ministry of Culture, these documents are not required for an item that has been in France for less than two years. For an old object bought at a flea market, ask the seller for the invoice and papers, and check with customs before you leave.
- Covered face. The rule applies to everyone, not to one religion. A health mask is still accepted.
- Demonstrations. Covering your face during a demonstration is a separate offence (fifth-class fine). To know what to do on a strike or march day, see demonstrations in Paris: what to do.
- Prostitution. See the legality of prostitution for the exact framework.
If you run into trouble
A fine or police custody is not covered by standard travel insurance. Carry ID, note your embassy's number and see useful numbers in Paris and our guide to travel insurance for Paris. Another useful read: Is Paris safe?
Sources: douane.gouv.fr (counterfeits, cultural goods), Légifrance (law no. 2010-1192 of 11 October 2010), economie.gouv.fr (vaping), info.gouv.fr (tobacco), this site's pages on cannabis and drones. Checked on 26 October 2026.
