Part 4 of 4:
The final part in the series on how to keep your New Year's resolutions in French style!
#7. Stop smoking
In 1559, Jean Nicot introduced the tobacco plant to France (the word nicotine comes from his name). The plant thrived in the French climate and the French took to smoking with great enthusiasm.
There are 16 million smokers in France today. Half of these claim they want to quit, with up to half a million succeeding
each year for at least a 12 month period. However, there are new smokers taking their place all the time, with a third of 15-19 year olds affected by le tabagisme.
Around half of 18 to 34 year olds smoke. Less and less of these are men but smoking is on the increase amongst women.
For those who haven't visited France in a while, you might be surprised to learn that smoking has been banned on public transport, in the workplace and in
buildings open to the public since 2006 and in cars in the presence of children since 2016. Open spaces and café terraces are currently regulation free. Using e-cigarettes has been banned in
schools, at work and on public transport since 2016, although this was relaxed in 2017 to allow people to vapoter if they work in a room that is not shared with others.
Generally though, the ban on e-cigarettes has not been extended to bars and restaurants, but it is worth checking with each place in case the owner has their own policy.
The French government
has issued advice on how to quit, suggesting that planning and preparing, therapy, medication or substitutes may all play a useful role. The prime minister Edouard Philippe has also
announced that the cost of a packet of cigarettes will rise from 7€ (on average) to 10€, making France one of the most expensive countries in Europe for smokers (a 20-a-day smoker will spend
3600€ a year).
#8. Other resolutions...
Well of course there are many other areas in which we could all improve our daily lives. Would you like to know what we suggest? Make 2018 the year that you visit France more and improve
your French, of course! After all, France is the most visited country in the world, its health system is ranked #1 by the World Health Organisation, is considered the best country for wine by the
World Ranking of Wine and Sprits and French gastronomy
has UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of
Humanity Heritage Status (which is a mouthful in itself!).
Get 2018 off to a good start by reading our article on how to brush up your French, a little every day!
We would also love to see you here in Gourdon, where you can immerse yourself in all things French! Check out our 2018
course dates and rates or get in touch with us!
Whatever your particular resolutions might be for 2018, we wish you bon courage!
Une bonne année à toutes et à tous!