best vpn france

Quick Summary
In Short

  • Not all VPNs are a good fit for users in France. Some are too slow for streaming, others log user data, or fail to unblock popular platforms like France.tv, TF1, MyCanal, and Netflix France. A few VPNs even leak data or have outdated apps that don’t work well on modern devices.
  • We tested 78+ major VPNs to find the best VPNs for France in 2025 – and the ones you should avoid. The best VPNs provide fast speeds, strong privacy, and full access to streaming and web services, whether you’re at home, on public Wi-Fi, or traveling abroad.
  • NordVPN is our top recommendation for France. It offers high-speed French servers, advanced security features like Threat Protection and Double VPN, and works flawlessly with streaming, gaming, and browsing. It also includes a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it risk-free. 

Have you ever tried streaming your favorite shows from France when abroad? Getting the “not available in your region” error message is frustrating. We know how that feels. Whether you’re a native wanting to safeguard your online activities or an expat yearning for a slice of home through French TV and streaming, we’ve got you covered with our list of the best France VPNs.

Despite France’s strong commitment to privacy, there are still many reasons to consider using a VPN to safely and securely browse the web. Using a VPN will also unlock geo-restricted content on sites like Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer. For French residents traveling abroad, using a VPN is also an excellent option if you wish to continue streaming local premium services such as Eurosport, Canal+, and Play TV.

Come with us as we break down the best VPNs for France. If you’re pressed for time, here’s a summary of our recommendations:

Best VPNs for France:

  1. NordVPN: Our #1 choice for a VPN for France. Easy-to-use option with fast servers. Strong privacy policy and security to keep your online activities private. Unblocks Netflix and other popular streaming sites. Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
    TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly for France.
  2. Surfshark: Best budget France VPN. A privacy-first VPN that boasts excellent unblocking ability, a no-logs policy, and plenty of security options.
  3. Total VPN: Fast servers in France and 84+ other countries. Easy-to-use apps with strong encryption and effective leak protection. Great value subscriptions.
  4. ProtonVPN: Impressive speeds and gives advanced users plenty of customization options. Works with france.tv and many similar services.
  5. ExpressVPN: Plenty of French servers optimized for speed making it an excellent streaming VPN. Unblocks most major streaming content sites like Netflix France.
  6. IPVanish: Perfect for torrenters and Kodi users who need a lightweight, remote-control-friendly solution. Excellent security and decent speed.
  7. CyberGhost: A huge international server network, perfect for a French IP address. Fast and secure, perfect for streaming French TV channels.
  8. PureVPN: Fast servers, strong security tools, and the ability to access a huge range of streaming platforms. Perfect for anyone traveling in France.
  9. Private Internet Access: Servers in 91+ countries. Good speeds with unlimited bandwidth and no connection limit. Includes a strict no-logs policy and 256-bit AES encryption.
Get NordVPN - the #1 VPN for France
Warning

Many VPNs claim to protect your privacy and offer a fast, reliable connection but most (especially free VPNs) limit your connection speed or leak information.

We regularly test the top 70 VPNs for security and speed and this list only includes VPNs which are fast, reliable and are highly rated for privacy and security. Plus we only recommend VPNs which offer a full-money back guarantee allowing you to try them risk free.

WANT TO TRY THE TOP VPN RISK FREE?

NordVPN is offering a fully-featured risk-free 30-day trial if you sign up at this page. You can use the VPN rated #1 for France, free from any limits or restrictions, for a month. As such, it's perfect for using French services while abroad on vacation.

There are no hidden terms—just contact support within 30 days if you decide NordVPN isn't right for you and you'll get a full refund. Start your NordVPN trial here.

Best VPNs for France: Our hands-on review

We’ve compared the most important features for the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN — our #1 choice for France.

No valueNordVPNSurfsharkTotalVPNProton VPNExpressVPNIPVanishCyberGhostPureVPNPrivate Internet Access
WebsiteNordVPN.comSurfshark.comTotalVPN.comProtonVPN.comExpressVPN.comIPVanish.comCyberghost.comPureVPN.comPrivateInternetAccess.com
Ranking for France:123456789
Streaming ServicesNetflix
Amazon Prime
Hulu
BBC iPlayer
Canal+
ZDF
Netflix
Amazon Prime
Hulu
BBC iPlayer
Canal+
ZDF
Netflix
Amazon Prime
Hulu
BBC iPlayer
Netflix
Amazon Prime
Hulu
Netflix
Amazon Prime
Hulu
BBC iPlayer
Canal+
ZDF
Netflix
Amazon Prime
Hulu
Netflix
Amazon Prime
Hulu
BBC iPlayer
Netflix
Amazon Prime
Hulu
Netflix
Amazon Prime
Hulu
Popular Sites Unblocked95%88% 88%87%86%85%85%80%70%
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Our criteria for the best France VPNs

To select the best French VPNs, we tested them in the following areas:

  • Speed: VPNs that are too slow are a real pain. To find the fastest, we carried out multiple speed tests using each provider’s servers in France.
  • Server availability: We scored providers on how many server locations they had in France, as well as how many other countries they had a presence in..
  • Security and privacy: We used 16 different security and privacy criteria for ranking providers. We only included those who scored highly.
  • Ease of use: We looked for providers that were easy to use and scored highly against 10 related metrics.
  • Streaming: We tested providers’ streaming ability with both French and international platforms as well as evaluating them against six other streaming-related metrics.

The above is just a summary of our testing process. For a more expansive explanation and an analysis of the results, see the methodology section later in the article.

The best VPNs for France

Here are some in-depth reviews of the highest-rated VPNs for France:

1. NordVPN

NordVPN Aug 2025

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux
  • Background FireTV

VPN Ratings:

Overall score: 9.1 / 10
Ease of use: 9.6 / 10
France speed: 10.0 / 10
Security and privacy: 9.5 / 10
Server availability: 7.0 / 10
Streaming: 9.2 / 10

Website:  www.NordVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

NordVPN is our top recommended VPN for France. This veteran provider has more than 7,900 servers in 126 countries. These are all RAM-only, meaning they cannot store data long-term. In any case, the provider retains no data on its users’ visits when connected to its servers, nor the time, date, and duration of each session. In at least one case, its servers have been confiscated, but there was no stored data that authorities could use to pinpoint users. The provider has also had multiple third-party audits to independently verify its no-logs claims.

NordVPN has more than 300 servers in France, spread across two locations. Available servers are easy to locate using the country list, search function, or map.

NordVPN server locations.
NordVPN has servers in France and Marseille.

You’re in the right place if you’re looking for blazing-fast speeds in France. NordVPN didn’t fall below 210 Mbps in a single one of our tests, leading to an average speed of 220.25 Mbps.

In practical terms, this means you’ll be able to stream live or 4K video without interruption, download a 1GB file in about 36 seconds, or share your connection without worrying about a drop in performance.

NordVPN is great for viewing region-locked streaming services from abroad, such as Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video. It worked with all the platforms we tested it with, including those in France.

Streaming France TV.
Streaming France TV using NordVPN.

If you want to stream using a VPN-incompatible device, then NordVPN’s smart DNS service can help you access US-only content.

The provider has a range of specialty servers designed for double VPN, Tor over VPN, and obfuscation. Its obfuscated servers are available in 16 countries — one of which is France. They are useful if you’re trying to get online in a restrictive country like the UAE or China. If there are no obfuscated servers in the country you want to connect to, enabling the NordWhisper protocol will help your traffic evade VPN blocks.

NordVPN connection settings.
NordVPN has a choice of connection protocols.

If you’re connecting from a relatively free country, the NordLynx protocol is the faster option. It has the added bonus of allowing you to enable post-quantum encryption. This secures any captured data against future decryption by quantum computers.

Other features include a kill switch, split tunneling for apps, and built-in leak protection.

IP leak test.
Oure UK IP address wasn’t exposed while connected to a NordVPN server in France.

Automatic public Wi-Fi protection is available if you’re traveling in France and don’t want to unknowingly connect to a rogue Wi-Fi hotspot.

Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, and Fire TV. They are easy to use — even for those with no VPN experience. NordVPN allows up to 10 simultaneous device connections. It’s also compatible with many home routers.

Buy this VPN if:

  • You need consistently high speeds for streaming French TV in HD
  • You want access to 300+ French servers spread across Paris and Marseille
  • You need obfuscated servers in France to bypass VPN blocks
  • You want a VPN with proven no-logs policies and RAM-only servers
  • You need Smart DNS for use on VPN-incompatible platforms

Don’t buy this VPN if:

  • You get overwhelmed if there are lots of advanced settings

BEST VPN FOR FRANCE:NordVPN is our top choice. Extremely high speeds make it an ideal choice for streaming and torrenting. Connects up to 10 devices simultaneously. Provides a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can try it out risk-free.

Read our full NordVPN review.

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2. Surfshark

Surfshark

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

VPN Ratings:

Overall score: 9 / 10
Ease of use: 9.1 / 10
France speed: 9.9 / 10
Security and privacy: 9.5 / 10
Server availability: 7.5 / 10
Streaming: 9.2 / 10

Website:  www.Surfshark.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

Surfshark has thousands of servers across 100+ countries. This includes France, where it has more than 70 servers in Paris, Bordeaux, and Marseille.

Surfshark's servers in France.
Surfshark has three server locations in France.

Users can also create multi-hop connections, where traffic is routed through a server in a different country before reaching the French server. This increases security but at a cost to download speeds.

Surfshark was a solid performer speed-wise. It was fast enough to handle any day-to-day task, from live streaming TF1 to torrenting.

Across three tests, it provided an average speed of 218.99 Mbps, with less than 10 Mbps of difference between its highest and lowest results. Whether you’re hoping to watch French TV abroad or play online games, this VPN is up to the task.

The provider is also a great choice for streaming. It worked perfectly with French streaming services as well as the more stubborn international platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.

Streaming France TV.
Using one of Surfshark’s servers in France to stream France TV.

As Surfshark has no connection limit, you’ll be able to stream on every device you own simultaneously. Like NordVPN, Surfshark also has a smart DNS feature that’s useful for streaming on games consoles.

The provider uses 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and protection against IPv6, DNS, and WebRTC leaks to keep traffic secure.

WebRTC leak test.
Surfshark passed the WebRTC leak test.

Other features include split tunneling for websites and apps, an ad, tracker, and malware blocker, and the option to have your IP address rotated while connected. If you want your IP address to stay the same between one session and the next, you can use Surfshark’s range of static IP addresses.

Surfshark's static IP addresses.
Surfshark has static IP addresses available in six countries.

If you’re connecting from a restrictive country, the NoBorders mode will obfuscate your traffic so that it can bypass any VPN blocks.

Our favorite feature, however, is the Alternative ID generator. This allows users to easily create a new persona, complete with a name, date of birth, and address. It can come in handy when online services press you for personal information that you’d rather not give them. Users can also generate a proxy email address.

Surfshark's Alternative ID generator.
Addresses are available in six countries — though not France.

While connected, Surfshark doesn’t log any data that could be traced back to you. Its no-log claims have been verified by independent auditors. The provider only uses RAM-only servers — adding further reassurance that user activity data isn’t being stored.

Subscriptions are competitively priced, with the cheapest two-year plans costing the equivalent of $2.19 a month. Privacy-conscious users have the option of paying in Bitcoin, Ripple, or Ethereum.

Surfshark has apps for iOS, MacOS, Android, Windows, and Linux. All of these have a full GUI that’s easy for new users to navigate productively. The software also works with select network routers, although these have to be configured manually.

Buy this VPN if:

  • You want to stream French content on an unlimited number of devices
  • You value strong unblocking performance for services like France.tv and TF1
  • You need static IP options or multi-hop routes for improved privacy
  • You prefer a budget-friendly plan that still includes advanced security features

Don’t buy this VPN if:

  • You primarily browse on mobile and don’t want to see CAPTCHAs

BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark lets you connect an unlimited number of devices, plus it unblocks major streaming platforms from abroad. With high speeds, powerful security features, a low price, and a 30-day money-back guarantee, this service is a great choice.

Read our full review of Surfshark here.

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3. Total VPN

TotalVPN

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

VPN Ratings:

Overall score: 8.3 / 10
Ease of use: 9.4 / 10
France speed: 8.8 / 10
Security and privacy: 9.1 / 10
Server availability: 5.3 / 10
Streaming: 8.8 / 10

Website:  TotalVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

Total VPN has servers in Paris that will give you an IP address in France. It also has a presence in a further 84+ countries, including Russia and China.

The provider works with a wide variety of streaming platforms. We had no issues watching CANAL+ or Netflix FR during testing. Total VPN is also able to access Amazon Prime Video and Disney Plus.

Streaming Netflix FR
Using Total VPN to stream Netflix FR

Speeds were impressively quick while connected to Total VPN’s servers in France. The average download speed of 210.08 Mbps was more than 18 Mbps faster than the combined average speeds of the other tested providers. In practice, this means you’re unlikely to notice any slowdown while connected, which is about as good as you could hope for.

Total VPN’s apps — which are available for Windows, Android, macOS, iOS, and tvOS — are easy-to-use and come with built-in leak protection and a kill switch. The provider uses 256-bit AES encryption and the speedy WireGuard protocol by default.

Total VPN's protocol options.
Users connecting from restrictive countries can switch to the HYDRA protocol for traffic obfuscation.

One of the best things about Total VPN is its price. A one-year subscription costs the equivalent of $1.59 a month and includes free ad-blocking and antivirus software (Total AdBLock and TotalAV).

Buy this VPN if:

  • You want a fast and affordable VPN that works with Netflix France and Canal+
  • You’re looking for a provider that includes ad-blocking and antivirus tools
  • You need strong leak protection and WireGuard support for secure browsing
  • You’re budget-conscious and want a fast VPN with solid French support

Don’t buy this VPN if:

  • You want a Smart DNS feature for streaming on consoles
  • You need advanced privacy features like double VPN or Tor over VPN

STRONG ENCRYPTION:TOTAL VPN uses 256-bit AES encryption and comes with built-in leak protection. High speed servers for France and low-cost subscriptions with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full Total VPN review.

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4. ProtonVPN

Proton VPN

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

VPN Ratings:

Overall score: 8.3 / 10
Ease of use: 9.6 / 10
France speed: 8.4 / 10
Security and privacy: 9.3 / 10
Server availability: 6.8 / 10
Streaming: 7.2 / 10

Website:  www.ProtonVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

ProtonVPN provides access to more than 13,000 servers in 122+ countries, giving it one of the largest networks available. Users can choose a sever straight from the dashboard using either the map, search bar, or country list.

The ProtonVPN dashboard.
The ProtonVPN dashboard makes it easy to find servers.

The provider has almost 300 servers in France, and it allows users to choose between individual servers. This makes it easier to find a faster option if you feel your connection isn’t quick enough.

ProtonVPN's servers in France.
ProtonVPN has servers in Paris and Marseille.

In addition to its regular servers, the provider has Tor over VPN servers for quick access to the Tor network. It also has hundreds of its own servers, which are housed in secure data centers that the provider owns and operates.

These Secure Core servers provide an additional stop for traffic that needs additional protection on the way to a regular VPN server. If the regular VPN server is somehow compromised, the Secure Core server prevents third parties from being able to discover users’ true IP addresses.

A ProtonVPN Secure Core connection.
Connecting to France via a Secure Core server in Switzerland.

ProtonVPN is another provider with exceptionally high performance. This is great news, considering that only paying customers can use its full speeds. In our tests, we recorded an average speed of 206.68 Mbps when using ProtonVPN’s French servers.

This means its suitable for torrenting, watching TV, gaming, video calling, or really anything else you have in mind.

This service stands out from the crowd by offering a high level of customization. For instance, you can configure split tunneling or port forwarding functionality, block ads and trackers automatically, or activate an accelerator feature that boosts your speeds even further. There’s also optional DNS and IPv6 leak protection.

IP leak test.
ProtonVPN didn’t leak our IPv4 or IPv6 addresses while connected.

Users can choose between the WireGuard, OpenVPN and Stealth protocols. As its name suggests, the Stealth protocol disguises VPN traffic so that it looks like regular internet traffic — thus helping it evade detection.

ProtonVPN doesn’t keep logs, has been independently audited, and uses effectively uncrackable encryption to keep you safe. There are also multiple anonymous payment options for users who’d like to register without revealing any identifiable information.

The provider — which has apps for Android, iOS, Windows, MacOS, and Linux — allows up to 10 simultaneous device connections. It can also be manually installed on a wide range of different router firmware.

Subscriptions aren’t the cheapest, but you do get a lot for your money. You can get a taste of the service by trying out the free plan, though this restricts your server choice. A better option is to sign up for a subscription and take advantage of the 30-day money-back guarantee. If you don’t like it, just make sure to cancel within 30 days, and you’ll get a refund.

Buy this VPN if:

  • You want port forwarding, split tunneling, and Secure Core routing
  • You need stealth protocols for bypassing censorship or VPN blocks
  • You’re highly privacy-conscious and prefer a provider based in Switzerland
  • You want to torrent, stream, and game on the same connection

Don’t buy this VPN if:

  • You’re primarily focused on ease-of-use over control and customization
  • You’re a beginner that want a simple experience

GREAT SECURITY TOOLKIT:ProtonVPN comes packed with security features so you can browse the web without worrying about who might be watching. Better still, it offers very fast speeds, strong streaming abilities, and a 30-day money-back guarantee on all plans.

Check out our complete ProtonVPN review.

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5. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

VPN Ratings:

Overall score: 8.2 / 10
Ease of use: 9.0 / 10
France speed: 4.1 / 10
Security and privacy: 9.2 / 10
Server availability: 9.7 / 10
Streaming: 9.2 / 10

Website:  www.ExpressVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

ExpressVPN has around 3,000 servers in its network, which covers 105 countries. In France, it has servers in four cities. Connections are quick and easy to establish, partially thanks to the provider’s homegrown Lightway protocol.

ExpressVPN's servers in France.
Most of ExpressVPN’s French servers are in Paris.

ExpressVPN is excellent at unblocking a wide range of streaming platforms. In our tests, it worked with everything from BBC iPlayer and Netflix, through to France TV and TF1. Its MediaStreamer tool can help devices that don’t natively support VPN software access geo-restricted content.

Streaming France TV.
Streaming France TV with ExpressVPN.

ExpressVPN has a stated policy of not storing any user logs except for “dates (not times) when connected to our service, choice of server locations, and the total amount of data transferred per day.” Furthermore, it uses RAM-only servers throughout its network and has undergone independent audits to confirm its privacy claims.

In our speed tests, ExpressVPN was a little slower than most of the other VPNs. Nevertheless, it was still more than fast enough for everyday tasks like streaming and gaming. In fact, its average speed of 169.35 Mbps means that you could stream and game at the same time without issue.

ExpressVPN doesn’t have quite as many features as some providers in this list, but it does cover everything the average user needs. There’s a kill switch, an ad, tracker, malware, and adult-site-blocker, and a split tunneling option that allows you to choose which apps use the VPN and which use a direct, unencrypted connection.

ExpressVPN's split tunneling feature.
Split tunneling allows you to use the VPN selectively.

The provider is a great option if you’re connecting from a country such as China, which tries to block VPN usage. This is because the software automatically obfuscates all traffic rather than relying on the user to enable a stealth function.

Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, and Fire TV. These are all easy to use, thanks to ExpressVPN’s well-designed dashboard and the simple check-box control over features.

ExpressVPN options.
ExpressVPN has a straightforward approach to presenting the various options.

In keeping with its overall user-friendliness, the provider has its own router app. This is essentially custom firmware that users can switch with their existing firmware to use the VPN across their home network. It’s much easier than trying to configure a connection manually, which can easily go wrong.

Subscriptions are at the pricier end of the spectrum, though you do get a slick service and easily accessible customer support for your money. Plans allow up to eight simultaneous device connections.

Buy this VPN if:

  • You want servers in five French cities for reliable connections
  • You want to unblock French platforms like France.tv, TF1, and MyCanal
  • You prefer a consistent, user-friendly app experience across all devices
  • You need automatic obfuscation for bypassing VPN detection

Don’t buy this VPN if:

  • You want a more feature-rich VPN with port forwarding or multi-hop
  • You prefer the lowest-cost VPN option

FAST, SECURE CONNECTIONS:ExpressVPN is a speedy, privacy-focused service. Excels at unblocking French streaming channels with its entire French network of servers. Hard to beat on privacy and security. There is a 30-day money-back guarantee with all plans.

Read our full review of ExpressVPN.

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6. IPVanish

IPVanish

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

VPN Ratings:

Overall score: 8.2 / 10
Ease of use: 8.1 / 10
France speed: 8.7 / 10
Security and privacy: 8.7 / 10
Server availability: 7.7 / 10
Streaming: 7.8 / 10

Website:  www.IPVanish.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

IPVanish is one of the few VPN providers that physically owns the majority of its server network, making it a valuable ally in the quest to maintain anonymity on the web.

It has approximately 2,400 servers in more than 140 locations. Users can choose a location from the map on the app’s dashboard or go to the location page for a more finely tuned choice.

The IPVanish dashboard.
IPVanish has server in three French cities.

Using the drop-down menus next to each location, users can see the available servers for a particular city and choose between them based on their relative load and ping time. This is particularly useful when you care about the amount of lag you’re getting.

IPVanish server availability.
IPVanish has 47 servers in France overall.

IPVanish delivered high speeds that never went below 200 Mbps. Overall, it averaged 208.8 Mbps.

There was a minimal degree of variability, too, meaning whether you use the service at noon or night, you can expect the same level of performance.

The VPN works well with a range of streaming platforms. We were able to access Netflix, Disney Plus, and Hulu, as well as platforms in France. The provider is also a good option for torrenting and makes our list of the best VPNs for torrenting.

Streaming France TV.
Streaming France TV using IPVanish.

The provider keeps no records or logs about user browsing history except when people register for the first time. Independent auditors have checked these claims.

IPVanish uses 256-bit encryption and has the WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2 connection protocols available. Users connecting with OpenVPN have the Scramble function available to them. This can help disguise traffic so that it isn’t noticed and blocked on restrictive networks.

Split tunneling is available for apps and domains, and there’s an ad, tracker, and malware-blocker to keep your browsing clean. Other features include public Wi-Fi protection, a kill switch, and leak protection.

IP leak test.
IPVanish didn’t leak our IP address in the UK while connected.

Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android. This provider allows unlimited device connections, so you can use as many apps as you like simultaneously. Connections can be configured manually for Linux and select routers.

Basic subscriptions start at the equivalent of $2.19 a month. The Advanced plan costs $3.29 a month and includes an additional 1TB of cloud storage and a secure, sandboxed browser.

Buy this VPN if:

  • You want control over server selection with real-time load and ping stats
  • You want consistently high speeds (208.8 Mbps average)
  • You need a VPN that owns its infrastructure for better privacy assurance
  • You want a Kodi-compatible app with a remote-control-friendly design

Don’t buy this VPN if:

  • You need port forwarding for advanced torrenting or P2P seeding
  • You prefer a provider with more tools for bypassing censorship

VALUE AND PERFORMANCE:IPVanish offers strong privacy and excellent security with a huge number of IPs and servers plus additional protection against DNS leaks. Also popular with Kodi and torrent users. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of IPVanish here.

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7. CyberGhost

CyberGhost

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

VPN Ratings:

Overall score: 8.1 / 10
Ease of use: 9.1 / 10
France speed: 6.3 / 10
Security and privacy: 8.9 / 10
Server availability: 8.5 / 10
Streaming: 7.8 / 10

Website:  www.Cyberghost.com

Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS

CyberGhost, which is based in privacy-friendly Romania, offers robust encryption, fast speeds, and excellent customer support.

It has a large network, comprising more than 10,000 servers in 100 countries. This includes France, where it has approximately 400 servers in Paris, Marseille, and Strasbourg.

CyberGhost servers in France.
Most of CyberGhost’s French servers are in the country’s capital city.

Notably, CyberGhost also has a list of servers, especially for gaming, torrenting, and streaming. The streaming servers are the most handy as they list the particular platforms they’re optimized for.

CyberGhost's streaming servers.
CyberGhost has 12 servers for streaming French content.

During testing, we used these servers to access everything from Netflix and Amazon Prime France through to Canal+ and France TV.

Streaming France TV.
Streaming France TV using CyberGhost.

When it comes to speed, CyberGhost performed solidly, with an overall average of 188.31 Mbps. This was a little slower than the combined average speeds of the other tested providers, but still more than fast enough to stream seven 4K videos at the same time.

This provider secures all web traffic with 256-bit encryption, perfect forward secrecy, an internet kill switch, and DNS leak protection.

WebRTC leak test.
CyberGhost passed the WebRTC leak test.

It does not store user data of any nature, including IP addresses. Several third-party audits have confirmed this. The provider issues quarterly transparency reports that detail any external requests for its users’ information.

Additional security features include an ad blocker, anti-malware defense, and anti-tracking. Users traveling in France can set up public wi-fi protection. The provider also has options for tailoring the launch process.

The Smart Rules section of the app allows users to specify an app that should launch when CyberGhost is first started. Alternatively, users can make CyberGhost launch and connect when they open a particular app. Linking a favorite geo-restricted streaming service to the appropriate streaming-optimized server is a good use of this feature.

CyberGhost's Smart Rules.
CyberGhost’s Smart Rules can help stop users launching apps without first being connected to a VPN server.

CyberGhost has apps for Android, iOS, Windows, and MacOS. A single subscription allows for seven devices to connect concurrently. The software is compatible with some home routers, but connections must be configured manually.

Subscriptions start at the equivalent of $2.19 a month for a two-year plan. If you want to try the service out, plans include a generous 45-day money-back guarantee.

Buy this VPN if:

  • You think task-specific servers would be helpful
  • You want a user-friendly VPN with a blend of speed and security
  • Having a large number of locations to choose from is important to you

Don’t buy this VPN if:

  • You want a VPN that’ll work anywhere in the world
  • You want advanced configuration or custom routing options

beginner friendly apps:CyberGhost has a simple set-up. Works well in France and for unblocking French content with no speed caps. Good option if you are looking for a fast, reliable connection and an easy-to-use interface. 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of CyberGhost.

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8. PureVPN

PureVPN

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

VPN Ratings:

Overall score: 7.1 / 10
Ease of use: 9.1 / 10
France speed: 5.5 / 10
Security and privacy: 8.7 / 10
Server availability: 5.0 / 10
Streaming: 7.3 / 10

Website:  www.PureVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 31 DAYS

PureVPN operates roughly 6,000 servers in 65+ countries. This includes France, where it has servers in the country’s capital, Paris.

In addition to its list of locations, PureVPN has a list of what it calls ‘shortcuts’. These are servers that work with particular streaming platforms and, when clicked, will establish a VPN connection and automatically launch the streaming platform’s website.

PureVPN's Shortcuts list.
PureVPN has shortcuts to many of the most popular streaming platforms.

There are shortcuts to the French versions of Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, and the option of creating shortcuts of your own. In practice, we had no problem streaming a range of platforms using these servers.

Streaming France TV.
Streaming France TV using PureVPN.

Speeds are certainly competitive. In our tests we recorded an average speed of 181.49 Mbps, with less than 10 Mbps of variance throughout.

In simple terms, this service is fast enough to support an entire family’s browsing habits with no noticeable lag.

PureVPN has lightweight apps with a clean, beginner-friendly design. Even the Linux app has a full GUI, though the purists can still use the command-line version if they wish.

The PureVPN dashboard.
PureVPN apps can be navigated intuitively.

Features include a tracker-blocker, a kill switch, app-based split tunneling, and leak protection. PureVPN has a strict no-logs policy in place, which has been verified multiple times by external auditors.

WebRTC leak test.
PureVPN passed the WebRTC leak test.

This provider supports the OpenVPN, IKEv2 and WireGuard protocols. There’s no stealth mode as traffic is obfuscated by default, which is great news if you need to connect from China or another similarly restrictive country.

PureVPN apps are available for Windows, Android, MacOS, iOS, and Linux. Alternatively, you can follow manual setup instructions to get the service running on just about any router.

Subscriptions are priced at the lower end of the spectrum. The five-year plan is particularly good value, costing the equivalent of $2.14 a month. If you’re unsure about committing for that long, you can try the service out for up to 31 days and get a full refund if you don’t like it.

The more expensive Plus and Max plans get you a file encryption tool, password manager, dark web monitoring, and a password manager. Port forwarding and a dedicated IP address are available as add-ons to any plan.

Buy this VPN if:

  • You’re in the market for a speedy, reliable VPN with a strong track record
  • You want to stream French TV in the highest possible quality
  • You’d like a strong security toolkit, including port forwarding

Don’t buy this VPN if:

  • You want to be able to block ads automatically
  • You want a Smart DNS service for streaming on consoles or smart TVs

SAFE AND AFFORDABLE:PureVPN is a novice-friendly service that doesn’t compromise on security. With fast French servers and exceptional streaming ability, there’s almost nothing it can’t do. Every paid subscription includes a 31-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of PureVPN to learn more.

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9. Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux
  • Background FireTV

VPN Ratings:

Overall score: 6.6 / 10
Ease of use: 8.6 / 10
France speed: 1.0 / 10
Security and privacy: 9.3 / 10
Server availability: 5.5 / 10
Streaming: 8.6 / 10

Website:  www.PrivateInternetAccess.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

Private Internet Access (PIA) has servers covering 91 countries. In some of these — Germany, Denmark, the Netherlands, the UK, US, Sweden, Italy, Finland, Canada, Australia, and Japan — there are streaming-optimized servers available.

Using the streaming-optimized servers, we were able to watch the US version of Netflix and stream BBC iPlayer without issue. Using a server in France, we could watch national streaming services such as Canal+ and France TV.

Streaming France TV.
Streaming France TV with PIA.

PIA doesn’t throttle your bandwidth, and allows unlimited device connections. This means you can stream from as many devices as you like or share an account with friends and family.

Apps are particularly easy to use, with a nifty interface that hides all the connection information without making it feel inaccessible. Pressing the ‘down’ symbol expands the app so that users are given access to the quick settings, the snooze option, and details such as the protocol and encryption being used.

PIA expanded dashboard.
Users can monitor the amount of data being transferred in the performance window.

In our tests, Private Internet Access had the lowest average speed of any provider. However, at 135.67 Mbps, this VPN is still faster than the majority of other providers on the market – it’s just that the level of competition was so high. To its credit, it was the most consistent service we saw, with less than 5 Mbps of variance across all of our tests.

PIA routes your internet traffic through a 256-bit AES encrypted tunnel by default, though it allows users to reduce the key length to 128-bit if they want or need a faster connection.

Obfuscation is available with the help of a Shadowsocks proxy. Note, however, that this won’t work for users connecting from China.

PIA's multi-hop options.
PIA uses a proxy server rather than another VPN server for its multi-hop connections.

PIA is one of the few providers that allows port forwarding, making it a good option for torrenters who want more efficient seeding and leaching. The split tunneling feature allows users to choose which apps and domains use the VPN tunnel, and which connect with a regular internet connection.

Users will also benefit from features including a kill switch, an ad, tracker, and malware blocker, and leak protection.

IP leak test.
PIA didn’t leak our UK-based IP address while connected.

The provider takes user-privacy seriously, and doesn’t keep records of users’ IP addresses, browsing history, session timestamps, or bandwidth consumption. These claims have been independently audited.

Users who want to sign up can do so with nothing more than an email address and valid payment method — which includes cryptocurrency. Plans are excellent value, with a three-year subscription costing the equivalent of $2.03 a month.

Buy this VPN if:

  • You’d like a service with a novice-friendly design
  • You want to stay secure without giving up on performance

Don’t buy this VPN if:

  • You want access to multiple locations in France
  • You need to be able to beat country-wide censorship

SERVERS WORLDWIDE:Private Internet Access offers fast, unthrottled connections and servers in 91+ countries including France. Lightweight apps with 24/7 support included. No device connection limit. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full Private Internet Access review.

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Recent VPN Product Updates

Our comprehensive VPN monitoring ensures reviews stay current with provider innovations. Here are the latest changes:

NordVPN

  • Connection stability advanced through smart reconnection algorithms (June 2025)
  • Collaboration workflow enhanced via Meshnet’s drag-and-drop file sharing (June 2025)
  • Privacy surveillance expanded to monitor 50 email addresses through Dark Web Monitor (June 2025)
  • Cybersecurity fortified with Threat Protection Pro’s advanced malware filtering (May 2025)
  • Linux desktop experience revolutionized with graphical user interface (May 2025)

Surfshark

  • Market leadership demonstrated through Nexus technology’s software-defined networking innovation (February 2025)
  • Traffic management perfected via Bypasser’s cross-platform implementation (April 2025)
  • Geographic coverage enhanced with seven new dedicated IP cities: Istanbul, Warsaw, Las Vegas, and additional locations (April 2025)
  • Linux accessibility streamlined through Flatpak package manager integration (October 2024)
  • iOS platform enriched with Bypasser functionality for granular traffic control (October 2024)

Total VPN

  • Apple TV compatibility established through tvOS application launch
  • Android security reinforced via “always on” killswitch protection mechanism
  • iOS and macOS intelligence leveraged through “connect on demand” features
  • Universal optimization achieved through WireGuard protocol deployment
  • Traffic sophistication enhanced via Android split tunneling implementation

ProtonVPN

  • Big-screen entertainment secured through Apple TV app introduction (October 2024)
  • Network protocol advancement via IPv6 support in extensions and Linux applications (2024)
  • Instant connectivity enabled through Android guest mode without registration (2024)
  • Threat detection enhanced via NetShield’s anti-phishing capabilities (Spring 2025)
  • Content accessibility expanded to encompass approximately 100 streaming platforms (Spring 2025)

ExpressVPN

  • Technological advancement supported through Windows Copilot+ hardware compatibility (September 2024)
  • Privacy protection expanded via Identity Defender service for United States users (November 2024)
  • Service quality improved through account deletion procedure enhancements (March 2025)

Using a free VPN for France

There’s always the option of finding a free VPN service – they’re hiding in plain sight and a casual search on Google or Reddit will definitely do the job. Technically such services don’t charge you any money for usage but that doesn’t mean they’re free by any yardstick.

Our recommendation is to avoid such options like the plague. They’re businesses too – meaning they need to make money in order to stay afloat – so they’ll bombard you with all sorts of nasty advertisements and sell your data to third-party companies for monetary compensation.

Contracting a malware infection is a definite possibility and forget about getting the same speed or customer service that paid VPN options offer. In the long run, you’re better off spending a few dollars and getting exemplary service – trust us, it’s worth it.

How to get a French IP address

If you’re a French resident that’s planning on living abroad for a bit, it’s likely that a bunch of local content will remain inaccessible if you log in from a foreign country. One way to circumvent this issue is by connecting to a VPN recommended above – all you have to do is select a French server before opening your internet browser and you should be good to go.

The advantages of getting a French IP address also go beyond accessing geo-restricted content. Your search engine will assume you’re in France – so it’ll show you the results most relevant to you and in your local language if you prefer. Some French banking and financial institutions also require a local IP before allowing internet access to online services.

How to test if your IP address has been changed to France

You can use a website like http://www.ip-tracker.org to determine if your IP address has changed to France. Simply type in your IP address on the website and it will tell you what country your IP address is currently located in.

The future of French internet

France is often regarded as pro-privacy. For example, French regulators imposed a fine of US$166,777 on Facebook purportedly because of concerns over the way it tracks user data “without legal cover.” Authorities added that the social media leviathan didn’t offer users sufficient warning about the methods it uses to extract personal information about their browsing habits.

However, recent years have seen an erosion of privacy rights.

Emergency powers put in place by President Hollande in 2015 gave authorities sweeping powers to conduct house arrests, raids, and searches of electronic devices such as laptops, PCs, smartphones, and tablets without any warrants.

The same year, the French Constitutional Council approved most provisions of a new law that forces internet service providers to monitor the online behavior of suspicious users and relay that information back to intelligence agencies.

There are concerns that this law can be abused to establish a far-reaching online surveillance apparatus that will directly impact the lives of all French residents, whether they like it or not.

These troubling developments make a compelling argument for using a VPN when browsing the web in France. Short for Virtual Private Network, a VPN encrypts your internet traffic and routes it through a remote server, thereby shielding its content and destination from internet service providers, hackers, and government agencies like the NSA.

Even the United Nations Committee for Human Rights has warned against the tenets of the law – saying it “grants overly broad powers for very intrusive surveillance on the basis of vast and broadly defined objectives.” It added that French authorities must balance the subsequent interference in private life according to defined principles of legality, proportionality, and necessity.

Not only does the law allow electronic monitoring of mobile devices, it also gives intelligence agencies the right to install secret cameras and recording devices in people’s homes. It’s also possible to install keylogger devices, and metadata can be stored for up to five years.

Other advocacy bodies, such as Privacy International and La Quadrature du Net, also sharply criticized the developments, saying the poorly drafted bill makes no provision for judicial authorization and that the French parliament had “endorsed a fundamental decline in human rights.”

Watching French television when abroad

The use of a VPN can also unlock French television. This means French residents traveling abroad can obfuscate their location by signing up for a VPN (we recommend one of the paid ones on this list), selecting a server in France, clearing the cookies in their web browser, and then accessing the individual streaming links.

The following channels allow free access to anyone with a French IP address. Please note that this is not an exhaustive list and more may be added:

  • Euronews
  • France24
  • TV5 Monde
  • Arte
  • RTBF
  • BFM TV
  • LCP
  • Eurosport
  • Pluzz
  • TF1
  • M6
  • France2
  • France3
  • France4
  • Gulli
  • PlayTV

VPNs for France: FAQ

Is using a VPN legal in France?

It’s perfectly legal to use a VPN in France. In fact, VPNs are legal in most countries. There may be cases where using a VPN goes against the terms of service of a particular website, such as Netflix France. However, it’s doubtful any action will be taken against you. Of course, using a VPN for any illegal activities (such as distributing copyrighted material) is a different question. It may result in legal repercussions as a result.

Will my ISP know I'm using a VPN from France?

Yes, your ISP does know when you’re using a VPN. That’s because it can see that encrypted data is traveling from your device to a VPN server. It receives some basic information, such as the IP address of the VPN server. However, it will no longer be able to see what you’re doing online due to the encryption in place. Furthermore, it’s likely that your ISP will be okay if you’re using a VPN as long as all activity remains legal.

How do you get Netflix shows in French?

Netflix actually lets you watch a ton of content in French, including every Netflix Original title. Here’s how:

  1. First, start playing a show. 
  2. In the bottom-right, you’ll see a speech bubble icon — hover over it,
  3. Now, select French in the list on the left. 
  4. Click on your user icon in the top-right of the screen and choose Manage profiles.
  5. Select your profile and change the default audio language to French.

Are torrents illegal in France?

Torrenting isn’t illegal in France: after all, it’s just a different way of downloading content. Issues arise if you torrent content that you don’t have the right to, such as movies, TV shows, or games. If caught, you could face a fine, although following the repeal of the HADOPI graduated response law, there’s no longer any risk of your Internet Service Provider shutting off your services.

Which mobile network is best in France?

Roughly 80% of French people are with Orange, making it by far the largest network in the country. This makes it less likely you’ll run into spots that lack coverage, but with SFR rapidly expandings its 4G capabilities and Bouygues Telecom moving into the streaming space, each has something unique to offer. Ultimately, there’s no objectively “best” network, so go with whichever meets your needs and budget.

Which VPN server should I connect to in Paris?

There is no single one server that you should connect to — there are too many factors at play for that to be the case. Regardless, NordVPN is the best VPN for France and provides servers in Paris. Simply select this option from the server list and you’ll benefit from fast server speeds and unlimited bandwidth. If there’s an issue with your connection, you can always connect to another server.

How do I watch Ligue 1 from outside France?

The French football league, also known as Ligue 1, is massively popular with French residents. Naturally, this translates into an eagerness to watch the matches live as they’re broadcasted. We recommend using a VPN to change your IP address to French and logging into channels like Eurosport who show the games live. You might need to register and sign up for the service with a French credit card beforehand, please consult with individual broadcasters before proceeding.