Gauloises Cigarettes – Classic French Smokes

Gauloises is a legendary French cigarette brand known for its bold, strong flavor and iconic style. The brand was first launched by France’s state tobacco monopoly (SEITA) in 1910, offering short, wide, unfiltered cigarettes made from dark Syrian and Turkish tobaccos. Today Gauloises is produced by Imperial Tobacco (Imperial Brands) following the 2008 acquisition of Altadis, and it is manufactured in Poland for global distribution. Available in over 30 countries, the brand remains especially popular in France (its home market) and in other key markets like Germany, Morocco and Algeria. With its distinctive blue packaging and Gallic helmet logo, gauloises cigarettes evoke Parisian tobacco tradition and continue to appeal to smokers seeking a full-strength, classic French smoke.


Heritage of Gauloises

For many French smokers, gauloises is more than just a cigarette – it’s part of France’s cultural heritage. During the World Wars, lighting a Gauloises was seen as a patriotic act, aligning the smoker with French “heartland” values and the troops in the trenches. The brand even adopted the slogan “Liberté toujours” (“Freedom forever”) in 1939–1940 to reflect this ethos. In the post-war era Gauloises gained an intellectual, countercultural image: famous writers and artists (like Sartre, Camus and Picasso) and later musicians (like Jim Morrison and John Lennon) were often pictured smoking Gauloises. By the 1960s and 70s, this association with rebellion and free-thinking cemented Gauloises’ iconic status in popular culture.

Varieties and Flavor Profiles

Gauloises cigarettes have been offered in a variety of styles and strengths to suit different tastes. Gauloises Brunes (brown packs) continue the classic French recipe: they use dark, unfiltered tobacco for a full-bodied, bold smoke. European regulations lowered their tar and nicotine, but the taste remains rich and powerful. In 1984 Gauloises introduced the “Blondes” line – a lighter, American-style filter cigarette – to broaden its appeal. The color-coded system helps smokers choose a strength: Gauloises Bleu (blue packs) is the fullest-flavored variant, while Gauloises Red offers a smoother, lighter blend. The brand even offers mentholized options: for example, the Extra Ice Gauloises (with a mint crushball) let you enjoy a cool mint note in a fundamentally French blend.

Traditional Gauloises: Blondes & Brunes

Gauloises Brunes and Blondes are the brand’s classic lines. Gauloises Brunes (brown packs) stay true to the original Gauloises character: dark Turkish/Syrian tobacco with no filter, providing a genuine full-strength experience. European laws force the tar content down, but Brunes still deliver that signature bold taste. Gauloises Blondes (white packs), introduced in the mid-1980s, offer a milder alternative: they use a lighter American-style Virginia blend and a standard filter. Together, these classic Gauloises reflect the balance between traditional French strength and a smoother modern smoke.

Gauloises Bleu, Red & Menthol – Bold and Varied

Gauloises Bleu, Red and menthol variants give smokers even more choice. Gauloises Bleu (blue packs) is the highest-strength, full-flavor version, while Gauloises Red is crafted to be a smoother, lower-tar smoke. These options make it easy to select how intense a cigarette you want. Menthol fans can enjoy Gauloises Extra Ice (with a crushable menthol capsule) for a refreshing minty hit added to the classic full-bodied blend. In all its forms, Gauloises upholds its reputation for strong cigarettes and a bold flavor profile.

Whether you prefer full-strength or lighter smokes, Cheap Cigarettes makes it easy to buy gauloises online at discount tobacco prices. As a leading online cigarette shop (digital tobacco store) with worldwide cigarette delivery, we offer a vast catalog of affordable smokes, including all Gauloises varieties. Explore our selection of classic french cigarettes and related brands – and check out Glamour Cigarettes for another iconic Parisian brand. Don’t wait – buy gauloises today and enjoy that bold, French flavor with every puff!