France plans to ban smoking in all outdoor places frequented by children, including beaches, parks, public gardens and areas near schools, from July 1, the government said.

France is set to implement a sweeping smoking ban on July 1 that will outlaw smoking in most public places, including parks, sports facilities, gardens, bus stops, the beach and areas close to schools.

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