France has had a total ban of the niqab and burqa in public since September 2010, when it became illegal to wear face coverings. The law was passed in the French Senate by 246 votes to 1. There are 5 to 6 million Muslim people in France, making up about 10% of the French population.

The French ban is across the board; it applies to the whole public sphere; streets, shopping, workplace, schools, etc. It is not restricted as Bill 62 to obtaining public services. 

Fines are 150 euro for women wearing it and 30,000 euro for men forcing their wives to wear it, with up to one year in prison. The first fine was issued a year later in September 2011. 

No riots or public disobedience actions took place as a result of the French ban.