Purpose: this article examines sociodemographic correlates of initiation and quitting among French and American smokers. Methods: national surveys in France and the United States in 2000, 2005, and 2010 were analyzed of ever smokers, 20-75 years old. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted on age of initiation and quitting. Results: smoking prevalence decreased for Americans each survey year (25.2%, 22.9%, and 17.9%), whereas the comparable figures for the French were 33.9%, 31.5%, and 33.8%. French smokers consumed fewer cigarettes per day (12.9 vs. 14.4 in 2000, 13.5. vs. 16.8 in 2005, and 12.2 vs. 15.1 in 2010), began consuming at a later age, and smoked for a shorter duration. Multiple logistic regression results revealed significant differences in the odds ratios, indicating the relative influence of sociodemographic variables on age of initiation and quitting. Conclusions: quitting smoking continues to be a major challenge, varying by similar factors, particularly education, in both France and the United States. Policy implications: public policy initiatives to promote quitting must be strengthened, including the need to address population-specific inequalities and disparities in tobacco use and consequences.