Quitting Smoking, the French Way
Turn down a cigarette, talk about cravings and patches, and celebrate a smoke-free month with a colleague.
In France nicotine patches and gum are reimbursed by the Assurance Maladie when a doctor, nurse or pharmacist prescribes them, and Tabac Info Service offers free coaching by phone (39 89) and through its app. Every November the national 'Mois sans tabac' challenges smokers to stop for a month. A pack now costs well over 12 €, and since 2025 smoking is banned in parks, on beaches, at bus shelters and near schools, on top of bars, restaurants and workplaces.
- 1
J'essaie d'arrêter de fumer.
I'm trying to quit smoking.
- 2
Ça fait deux semaines que j'ai pas fumé.
I haven't smoked for two weeks.
- 3
Tu veux une clope ?
Want a cigarette? (to a friend)
- 4
Non merci, j'ai arrêté.
No thanks, I've stopped.
- 5
Je mets des patchs à la nicotine.
I'm using nicotine patches.
- 6
Mon médecin me les a prescrits, donc c'est remboursé.
My doctor prescribed them, so they're reimbursed.
- 7
J'ai trop envie d'en griller une.
I'm dying for a smoke.
- 8
Je suis super irritable en ce moment.
I'm really irritable at the moment.
- 9
C'est surtout après le café que ça me manque.
It's mostly after coffee that I miss it.
- 10
J'économise un max d'argent.
I'm saving loads of money.
- 11
Un paquet coûte plus de douze euros maintenant !
A pack costs over twelve euros now!
- 12
Me laisse pas craquer !
Don't let me give in!
- 13
Tu vas y arriver !
You can do it!
- 14
Je suis fier de toi.
I'm proud of you.
- 15
On peut plus fumer dans les parcs.
You can't smoke in parks anymore.
- 16
Je me suis inscrit au Mois sans tabac.
I've signed up for 'Mois sans tabac'.
Tip: It's the national no-smoking month in November.
- 17
Avec Tabac Info Service, t'as un coach gratuit.
With Tabac Info Service, you get a free coach.
- 18
J'ai pris un peu de poids.
I've put on a bit of weight.
- 19
Je respire déjà mieux.
I can already breathe better.
- 20
Je vapote à la place.
I vape instead.