Introduction - In France, the 2003–2007 Cancer Plan marked the third phase of active public policy against tobacco. An examination of available statistical sources from 1999 to 2008 assesses the effectiveness of three key measures: increases in tobacco prices, restrictions on access for minors under 16, and the ban on smoking in public places. Methods - Several data sources were examined, along with the literature associated with their publication. Legal sales in France, estimates of cross-border purchases of products consumed in France, and prevalence data for adults and adolescents sometimes allowed for longitudinal analysis. Results - Tobacco price increases led to a 31% drop in legal domestic sales between 2002 and 2008 after adjusting for population. Products of non-domestic origin account for 12% to 20% of total consumption, depending on the sources, calculation methods, and years. The prevalence of daily smoking among 15- to 75-year-olds decreased by 12% between 1999 and 2005, with no subsequent reversal of this trend. Among 15- and 16-year-olds, the prevalence of regular smokers decreased by 45% between 1999 and 2007. Discussion-Conclusion - Estimating cross-border purchases and their trends is impossible in the absence of reliable and verifiable data. The trend in known overall prevalence rates is consistent with sales data, but the analysis is insufficient in the absence of standardized data expected in 2010. The decline in adolescent smoking is a success for the cancer plan. (R.A.)