France has turned a page in café culture history…as of January 1, 2008 (I know, I’m a few days late on this, blame vacation), smoking is no longer permitted in any public place in Paris. This includes nightclubs, bars, cafés, you name it. The French knew this was coming, and many of them are pleased, but some feel that another freedom has been taken from them.

As for me, I really hate cigarette smoke, but I tolerate it in Paris. A Parisian café with a light aroma of cigarette smoke just seems to go together for me. But I don’t think it’s something I will miss!

To read more, here is an article from ABC News.