France will ban smoking on beaches, in parks, outside schools and in other locations to protect children, France's health and families minister said. The ban will come into effect in July, Catherine Vautrin said in an interview with the Ouest France newspaper late on Thursday.

Smoke-free zones now include beaches, public parks, and areas around schools.

Smoking will be banned in all outdoor places that can be frequented by children from July, France's health minister said.