Gauloises Cigarettes first appeared in 1910, but it was only 40 years later when Filtered Gauloises Cigarettes appeared in the 1950's. At the beginning these cigarettes used dark tobacco, but in 1984 the brand was relaunched to an American type blend of light tobacco and renamed Gauloises Blondes.

The brand is most famous for its very cigarettes' strength, especially in its original unfiltered version. A lower tar version of Gauloises Cigarettes are also available, sold in red and golden/white packets. Gauloises Cigarettes strong taste and romantic associations of France, make Gauloises a popular brand among many famous writers and artists.

Today Gauloise Cigarettes remain a popular brand worldwide, as many smokers recognize their strong, pleasant taste and high-quality tobacco smoke.