Yes, Europeans tend to smoke much more than North Americans, although the numbers continue to decrease after years of restrictions, particularly on smoking indoors in public places. France in particular is in the top twenty countries in the world, although we notice it less now in major cities, like Paris. In France, over 35% of the population are still smokers, whereas in the USA it's only 25% and in Canada it's now less than 18%.

https://worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/smoking-rates-by-country

So yes, we notice it sometimes when we are on the island. The thoughtlessness (IMO) of not asking before lighting up does somewhat annoy us, particularly if they are upwind of you. Our reaction is usually to just go somewhere else or move further down the beach.