CAROTTE TABAC.
This street photography project takes a closer look at a humble yet iconic symbol of French life: the '‘carotte tabac”. Officially called the carotte rouge (red carrot), this emblem has marked Bureaux de Tabacs—France's specialist tobacco shops—since 1906. Though the signs today are often elongated diamonds in a bright red hue, the "carrot" shape likely traces back to the 17th and 18th centuries when chewing tobacco was sold in rolls of compressed leaves that resembled a carrot.
Bayonne
SYMBOL OF FRENCH CULTURE
Bureaux de Tabacs are unique fixtures in French society, and their presence is carefully regulated. Each bureau is licensed by the state, and anyone wishing to open one must apply through the Customs Department. Yet, with rising tobacco prices and a decline in smoking, these institutions are slowly disappearing. In 1970, nearly 49 000 bureaux dotted the streets of France; today, that number has dropped to around 23 000. Recently, in a bid to preserve the tradition of the Bureaux de Tabacs and their symbolic carrot signs, an agreement was created to allow buralistes (those who run these shops) to apply for grants and receive guidance on diversifying their businesses. It’s an effort to keep the flame of the Bureaux de Tabacs alive, even as times change.
La Rochelle
Cherbourg
Bayonne
Wimereux
“Travelling across cities and villages, I became increasingly captivated by the subtle differences in each ‘carotte tabac’. Some glow brightly, freshly installed or carefully maintained, while others have a faded charm, worn by years of rain, sun and seen by countless passersby. Every sign reflects the unique character of its neighbourhood and hints at the stories and histories carried within each Bureaux de Tabacs.”
La Rochelle
Rouen
Royan
Calais
SMALL BUT POWERFUL
This project is an invitation to see the beauty in the everyday and the resilience in tradition. The ‘carotte tabac’ may be a simple fixture, but it symbolizes much more—a slice of French culture, a window into a cherished way of life, and a marker of continuity in a rapidly changing world. Each photograph in this series captures a distinct carotte, each sign a small but powerful emblem of French identity.
Le Havre
Cherbourg
Lille
Biarritz
LOVE LETTER
Ultimately, ‘carotte tabac’ is a visual love letter to the small details that define a place, and to the understated yet enduring charm of the Bureaux de Tabacs. These red beacons illuminate France's streets corner by corner, reminding us of the depth found in ordinary things and of the quiet but powerful role these symbols play in the fabric of French life.
Source: project inspired by The Connection
Bordeaux