Background: The use of e-cigarettes has developed dramatically in recent years. However, the role of e-cigarettes in helping cigarette cessation or in lowering social stigma of tobacco use remains controversial. It is therefore useful to assess beliefs and behavior about e-cigarettes. Methods: The 4th French nationwide observational survey, EDIFICE 4, was conducted among a representative sample of 1602 subjects aged 40 to 75 years, using the quota method, from June 12 to July 10, 2014. Profile, beliefs and behavior were assessed by phone interviews of the general population with no history of cancer (n = 1463), and compared with those of cigarette smokers and e-cigarette users (eC+). Results: Of the 1463 individuals analyzed, 93 (6%) were e-cigarette users (74 current and 19 former cigarette smokers), with a mean daily consumption of 9.9 (±11.0); 88% used nicotine-based e-liquid. Among cigarette users (C+), current C+/eC+ were more likely to be men, to have a lower socioeconomic status (56% vs 39%), and to be more dependent on nicotine according to the Fagerström test (58% vs 46%), in comparison with cigarette smokers alone (C+/eC-). In the general population, 58% believed that e-cigarettes are potentially useful in helping to reduce cigarette smoking, and for 31%, they can help to quit smoking. In contrast, these proportions were 24% and 69% respectively, among e-cigarette users (C+/eC+). In the general population, 42% and 54% believed that e-cigarette smoke is less toxic than cigarette smoke for the user and for passive smokers, respectively. These figures were both greater among e-cigarette users (C+/eC+), reaching 68% and 87% respectively. Of the total population, 12% felt that e-cigarettes are likely to be effective for controlling lung cancer mortality (18% among current smokers vs 9% and 12% in former- and never-smokers), compared to 33% of e-cigarette users (C+/eC+). Lastly, current C+/eC+ smokers believed they have a higher risk of lung cancer than that of current C+/eC- smokers. Conclusions: Current cigarette smokers and current e-cigarette smokers both tend to have a lower awareness of e-cigarette toxicity and to emphasize the potential benefit of e-cigarettes for quitting smoking.