French cryptocurrency startup Keplerk has announced it is now accepting Bitcoin payments in more than 5,200 shops in France.

Following suspension of the service less than two months since the January launch, Keplerk says that its customers will be able to purchase Bitcoin – the world’s largest cryptocurrency by market capitalisation – from tobacconists in 50, 100 or 250-euro coupons.

This is according to a report from French news channel BFM TV.

As per the report, Bitcoin payments in each of the 5,200 locations will be available via Keplerk’s partner Bimedia, which will supply the payment terminals.

The firm’s initial launch in January this year, Coin Telegraph reports, involved just six tobacco shops. At the time, the co-founder of Keplerk, Adil Zakhar stated that the company was planning to expand the project to 6,500 tobacco shops by February, even though the French central bank did not back the initiative.

However, France is now seemingly seeing a rise in the adoption of cryptocurrency. At the end of last month, it was reported by Coin Telegraph that over 25,000 points-of-sale of 30 French retailers will start to accept Bitcoin payments by early next year.

Some of the retailers include cosmetics chain Sephora, and sportswear giant Decathlon.

Stéphane Djiane, CEO and founder of point-of-sale technology provider Global POS commented: "This is an important symbolic step in the evolution of payment methods in France. However, more than a symbol, what we bring to 25,000 outlets is the ability to safely enter the world of Economy 3.0.”

The report stated: “By enabling consumers to use their cryptocurrency holdings at physical retail locations within a legalised and regulated framework, the initiative aims to broaden adoption beyond the currently estimated 4 million French crypto owners.”

In addition, in early September it was reported that the French arm of Domino’s Pizza launched an ordering competition with the prize being $110,000 in Bitcoin or cash.