Best VPNs for France

If you want to access your favorite French content while out of the country, you will need a reliable VPN. This guide tells you everything you need to know.

Are you a French citizen who wants continued access to a geo-restricted service – like online banking – while traveling abroad? Or perhaps you’re hoping to hone your foreign language skills by watching French TV? In either case, a VPN can help. The best VPNs for France provide you with a French IP address and grant access to online services that are otherwise off-limits.

A virtual private network (VPN) creates encrypted tunnels to intermediary servers owned by the VPN provider. These tunnels protect internet traffic while offering a way to spoof the connecting device’s IP address. Users who want a French IP address will need to choose a VPN that has servers in France, though there are other things to consider beyond location. 

We’ll get into the specifics later, but, for now, here’s a summarized list of our top VPN providers for France.

Best VPNs for France in 2024:

1. NordVPN: Our top VPN for France. Has 230+ RAM-only servers in Paris and Marseille. Combines very fast connection speeds, powerful obfuscation, and easy access to the Tor network. Plans come with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee. 
2. Surfshark: Best budget VPN for France. Has fast, RAM-only servers in Paris, Marseille, and Bordeaux. Plans come with unlimited device connections and enable access to a multitude of streaming services as well as MultiHop and obfuscated servers. 
3. ExpressVPN: Excellent connection speeds and plenty of highly secure RAM-only servers in France. Users can sign up via a dedicated Onion site, and get connected in countries like China thanks to advanced obfuscation. 
4. Proton VPN: Has 125+ servers in Paris, fast connection speeds, and good access to a range of streaming platforms. Optimized servers are available for torrenting and accessing the Tor network. All apps are open-source and independently audited.
5. Mullvad: Privacy-focused provider with 15+ servers in France – nine of which are owned by the company. It has an audited software and security infrastructure. Users can sign up anonymously and pay in cash. 
6. CyberGhost: Very fast connection speeds and 830+ RAM-only servers in the French cities of Paris and Strasbourg. The company issues quarterly transparency reports and has an audited no-logs policy.
7. PrivateVPN: Offers fast, secure connections and a server in Paris that provides French IP addresses. It works well with all major streaming platforms and is a good option for torrenting, too. An effective stealth mode provides access from China.

Summary Table

Choosing the best VPNs from the hundreds on offer isn’t easy, which is why we used the following criteria to help narrow the field.

• Servers in France
• Fast connection speeds
• Ability to access French streaming services
• Strong privacy and security features
• Stable connections and unlimited bandwidth
• Good value for money
• Easy-to-use apps
• Responsive customer support

To be included as one of our top three providers, we also require VPNs to have independently audited software and infrastructure, a RAM-only server network, and effective obfuscation. You can read more about our testing methodology later in this article.

The best VPNs for France

Here's our list of the best VPNs for France:

NordVPN is our top French VPN. It works to remain accessible while also pushing the industry forward with technological innovations. It combines crowd-pleasing access to a host of streaming services – like Netflix France – while introducing features like MeshNet, enabling users to create their own networks and access linked devices from anywhere. As a side note, NordVPN recently made MeshNet free for anyone to use. 

The company has 230+ RAM-only servers located in Paris and Marseille, and thousands more worldwide. Its proprietary connection protocol is built on the already-speedy WireGuard, and helps ensure very fast connection speeds. 

Other NordVPN features include options to route internet traffic through two servers for additional security; one-click access to the Tor network; and powerful obfuscation that enables connections in places like China. Subscribers also get access to a kill switch, split-tunneling; and a dark web monitor.

NordVPN apps are pleasingly minimalist and available for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Amazon Fire TV, and Linux. Connections are protected using 256-bit AES channel encryption, in conjunction with SHA384 for authentication, and a 3072-bit DHE-RSA key exchange.

NordVPN upgraded its entire infrastructure to diskless servers following an attack on a third-party data center in Finland in 2018. It also began buying its own servers and housing them in purpose-built data centers that it could manage in-house.

The company has undergone several audits of both its infrastructure and software and has an ongoing bug bounty program.

BEST VPN FOR FRANCE: NordVPN is our top recommendation. It has 230+ servers in Paris and Marseilles, fast connection speeds, and excellent access to streaming platforms. You can try it risk-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee. 

Read our comprehensive NordVPN review.

Surfshark is known for its rich array of features at a relatively low price. It has come a long way since releasing its first app in 2018. Indeed, it now has the backing of Nord Security, having announced a merger with the cybersecurity giant in 2022.

Surfshark is an excellent choice for watching content, and is able to access major streaming sites like Netflix France, as well as HBO, Amazon Prime Video, Hotstar, BBC iPlayer, and Disney+. The company’s smart DNS feature enables devices that are otherwise incompatible with VPNs to access geo-restricted content while users are traveling abroad.

Surfshark has RAM-only servers in Paris, Marseille, and Bordeaux, providing quick connections for streaming in 4K without buffering.

Other features include an ad, trackers and malware blocker, effective obfuscation, automatic connection to P2P servers when an open torrent client is detected, and unlimited device connections. Its Nexus technology links all of its servers and enables the rotation of users’ IP addresses in session. It also allows for the creation of bespoke MultiHop connections.

Surfshark has an audited no-logs policy and protects user traffic using a combination of 256-bit AES encryption, a SHA512 authentication hash, and 2048-bit DHE-RSA key exchange.

Apps are intuitive to use and available for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Amazon Fire TV, and Linux. These include a full GUI for Linux-users, and a GPS-spoofing feature for Android. Browser extensions are also available. 

GOOD VALUE: Surfshark has plenty of French IP addresses available, an audited no-logs policy, and good access to streaming services. Subscriptions come with unlimited device connections and a 30-day money-back guarantee. 

Read our full review of Surfshark.

ExpressVPN has a solid reputation for security and consistency, a fact that is reflected in its pricing. It offers a range of IP addresses in France, highly secure servers, fast connection speeds via a proprietary protocol, and easy access to a host of streaming platforms. 

Features include obfuscation that enables connections in China, Iran, and elsewhere, a dedicated Onion site for people trying to sign up in restrictive countries, split tunneling, a kill switch, and a built-in ad, tracker, and malware blocker.  

ExpressVPN’s Trusted Server technology means that in addition to its network being diskless, safety measures include reinstalling all servers' operating systems every week.

ExpressVPN performs admirably when accessing streaming platforms. It works with Netflix France, as well as popular streaming services like BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Sky TV, Disney+, HBO Max, and more. Its MediaStreamer tool helps devices like games consoles and smart TVs bypass location restrictions on streaming services.

Apps – including one for routers – are available for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Android TV, Nvidia Shield, Amazon Fire TV, and Linux. These are all free from DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leaks.

ExpressVPN was acquired by Kape Technologies in 2021, which previously operated under the name Crossrider. As Crossrider, the company sold software used to inject ad-ware into users’ browsers. Kape now specializes in cybersecurity and has bought up a range of companies to boost its share of the market. 

Since its acquisition, ExpressVPN has said that it continues to operate autonomously. It undergoes regular audits of both its infrastructure and apps, and announced a one-time $100,000 bug bounty for anyone able to compromise its systems.

TRUSTWORTHY PROVIDER: ExpressVPN has a global network of high-speed RAM-only servers, with several options available in France. It works well with streaming providers and plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of ExpressVPN.

Proton VPN has established a reputation among the activist community with its Proton email cliente. It nables subscribers to connect to the internet securely and privately. It has 125+ servers in France, some of which enable immediate access to the Tor network, while others are optimized for streaming. 

In addition to its regular servers, Proton VPN also has two Secure Core servers in France. These route traffic through highly secure data centers in Sweden or Switzerland that are owned and operated by Proton VPN.

Proton VPN works well with popular streaming platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, and BBC iPlayer. The provider also offers detailed guidance on its website for connecting to a host of others too, including France.tv, HBO, Hotstar, and Now TV.

Proton VPN is also a good option for torrenting. It has a range of dedicated P2P servers in France and also enables port forwarding, which enables users to connect to more peers and improve download speeds.

Open-source apps are available for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Android TV, and Linux. These come with a kill switch, built-in DNS leak protection, split-tunneling, and a tracker, ad and malware blocker.

Proton VPN adheres to a strict no-logs policy and has had both its security infrastructure and software independently audited. It protects users’ internet traffic using 256-bit AES encryption with a SHA384 hash and 4096-bit RSA keys for the OpenVPN and IKEv2 protocols. For WireGuard, it uses ChaCha20 for symmetric encryption, which is authenticated with Poly1305.

SPEED BOOST: Proton VPN has 125+ servers in France, with optimizations for torrenting, MultiHop and accessing the Tor network. It has fast connection speeds and subscription plans that come with a 30-day money-back guarantee. 

Read our full review of Proton VPN.

Mullvad is a great choice for anyone suspicious of the entangled interests of the larger VPNs. It is a small Swedish company that values privacy and has 15+ servers in Marseilles and Paris. Nine of these servers are owned by Mullvad, which gives it absolute control over who has access.  

While connection speeds are fast – particularly using the WireGuard protocol – Mullvad isn’t the best choice for streaming. In tests, it was only able to access Amazon Prime. 

It is good for torrenting, however, with instructions on how to set up port forwarding available on its website. Users can always keep their torrent client protected using split-tunneling, while a kill switch ensures that data isn’t exposed if the VPN connection drops out. 

Other features include access to MultiHop servers and the Shadowsocks proxy, obfuscation, and automatic WireGuard key rotation.

Mullvad apps – all of which have a full GUI – are available for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux. Alternatively, users can download configuration files to use with the official WireGuard or OpenVPN clients.

Internet traffic is protected using AES-256 encryption, with perfect forward secrecy provided by a DHE-4096 Diffie Hellman key exchange.  Mullvad has a strict and transparent no-logs policy, which has been verified via independent audits of both its security infrastructure and software.

Users can sign up to a subscription without an email address and can pay with cash or cryptocurrency. Mullvad charges a flat fee – which hasn’t increased since 2009 – regardless of subscription length.

The company is based in Sweden, which is a member of the SIGINT Seniors Europe international intelligence-sharing alliance. But Mullvad states that no existing Swedish regulations could be used to force it to secretly collect traffic-related data. 

PRIVATE AND SECURE: With 15+ servers in France and an unwavering dedication to transparency, Mullvad VPN is popular with privacy-conscious users. Subscriptions don’t require an email address to set up and come with a 30-day money-back guarantee. 

Read our full review of Mullvad.

CyberGhost is a popular VPN provider with a global network of 9,154+ RAM-only servers and some of the fastest connection speeds available. In France, it has 830+ servers located in the French cities of Paris and Strasbourg. 

CyberGhost works well with Netflix France, as well as accessing international content via platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Crunchyroll, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer. It has optimized servers for streaming, as well as for gaming and torrenting. 

Other features include built-in DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leak protection, a kill switch, and 24/7 customer support via live chat. Split tunneling is possible on the Android app. 

Apps are consistently easy-to-use across platforms, and are available for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Amazon Fire TV, and Apple TV. When in use, internet traffic is protected using 256-bit AES encryption, together with 2,048-bit RSA keys, and SHA256 authentication. 

Users who are willing to pay a little extra can also get access to CyberGhost's high-security NoSpy servers. These provide yet faster speeds, additional bandwidth, and a dedicated uplink. Dedicated IP addresses are also available as a paid add-on to subscriptions. 

Like ExpressVPN, CyberGhost has been acquired by Kape Technologies. Although Kape has something of a dark past, its current position as a provider of cybersecurity solutions seems valid. For its part, CyberGhost has, since being acquired, continued to issue quarterly transparency reports detailing third-party data requests, as well as undergoing external audits of its infrastructure and no-logs policy.

FAST CONNECTIONS: CyberGhost has 830+ RAM-only servers in France. It also has very fast connection speeds, excellent access to streaming services, and an audited no-logs policy. Plans come with a 45-day money-back guarantee. 

Read our full review of CyberGhost.

PrivateVPN offers secure connections to France, courtesy of a server in Paris. Although it does have a relatively small server network overall, it is nevertheless still able to spoof your location and allow you to access all of the major streaming platforms, including Netflix France, Amazon Prime, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Disney+, and HBO.

PrivateVPN is a good option for torrenting, too. It has dedicated P2P servers in Sweden and allows port forwarding, which enables users to download and upload files more efficiently. 

Other features include app-specific and system-wide kill switches, protection against IPv6 leaks and DNS leaks, and access to a SOCKS5 and HTTP Proxy. It also has an effective stealth mode that enables it to bypass the Great Firewall and provide access from China.

Apps are available for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Amazon Fire TV. Experienced users will appreciate the opportunity to configure these to their liking, with options for changing the level of encryption and connection protocol. The choice of protocol includes OpenVPN with UDP/TCP, L2TP, IPsec, PPTP, and IKEv2.

PrivateVPN can be manually installed on compatible routers, and there are detailed guides available for doing just that. If users come unstuck, the customer support team is able to provide remote control assistance. 

Although PrivateVPN has a detailed and transparent no-logs policy, this has yet to be independently audited. The company is based in Sweden, which is a member of the SIGINT Seniors Europe international intelligence-sharing alliance.

STEALTH MODE: Great for both streaming and torrenting, with a server in Paris for French IP addresses. An effective stealth mode enables connections in China and other restrictive countries. Plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee. 

Read our full review of PrivateVPN.

Methodology for choosing the best VPNs for France

Numerous VPNs claim to be the best for France – with the fastest speeds or most secure connections. However, while it’s good for companies to be confident in their product, such exaggeration can make it confusing for buyers. With this in mind, we objectively compare VPN services using our testing methodology, which we discuss below.  

• Servers in France: To get a French IP address, users need to connect to a server in France – ideally one physically located in the country. The best VPNs have multiple servers in France – 100+ in some cases – providing consistent connections from several locations in the country. As well as its French network, we've factored in for servers found elsewhere. 
• Connection speeds: With an average download speed just shy of 200 Mbps, France was ranked among the top countries in the world for fixed-line broadband connection speed by Freedom House in 2023. With such good connections, it would be a shame to bog them down by using a sluggish VPN. We regularly test all of the top providers to ensure we only recommend the fastest. At the very least, providers should be able to stream in HD without buffering.
• Ability to access French streaming services: While most VPNs with French servers should have no problem accessing the likes of MolotovTV and TF1, it’s a different story when it comes to international streaming platforms. Very few VPNs are able to bypass the blocks put in place by services such as Netflix and Amazon Prime. We regularly test the top VPN providers to check which of the major platforms they work with. 
• Strong privacy and security features: There are numerous features that are needed to create a VPN service that we’d consider safe and secure. At the very minimum, VPNs should offer a clearly defined no-logs policy, 256-AES encryption, leak-protection, and a kill switch. Ideally, they should also offer split tunneling, obfuscation, MultiHop servers, and port forwarding. It should protect against online activities.
• Good value for money: Some VPN companies charge a premium without offering much in return. We ensure that subscription fees are in line with what we’d expect for that particular price. We only recommend those that provide good value for money.  
• Easy-to-use apps: There’s little point paying for a VPN if the app deters you from using it. The better VPN companies make apps that are intuitive to use, consistent across platforms, and have a clean and functional GUI. 
• Responsive customer support: Good quality customer support not only helps users resolve issues quickly, but is a good indication that a VPN company is invested in its own longevity. We prioritize VPNs that offer 24/7 live chat, as well as those with searchable and comprehensive knowledge bases. 

Bonus points

In addition to the criteria above, we award extra points to those providers that offer any of the following:

• Access to China: The Chinese government has sophisticated tools for blocking VPNs, so very few of them work from inside the country. Those VPNs that do still work are therefore highly prized.  

• Diskless servers: Servers able to retain customer data are an undoubted security risk. The better VPN companies appreciate this and have been moving to RAM-only networks. These servers run completely on volatile memory so are essentially wiped clean at every reboot. Furthermore, they can run more efficiently by all using the same copies of the most up-to-date software. 

• Incorporation outside the scope of intelligence alliances: International intelligence-sharing alliances have been in place since World War 2, but the scope of their reach has only relatively recently been appreciated. In 2013, former National Security Agency (NSA) employee, Edward Snowden, revealed the existence of several global surveillance programs – many of which were run by an alliance of the US, UK, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. In response, some VPNs now choose to register their companies in places like the British Virgin Islands and Panama, which are not members of any publicly-known intelligence alliance.

• Audited software and infrastructure: Although virtually all VPN providers claim to have a no-logs policy, there have been several instances where this has proven to be untrue – primarily when pressure has been applied by the justice system. To try and regain consumer trust, the better VPN providers now bring in third-party auditors to check both their software and infrastructure. These audits can verify no-logs claims as well as helping to identify any potential vulnerabilities or exploits. 

How to use a VPN for France

It’s easy to protect yourself online and access otherwise restricted services by using a VPN. Just follow these steps:

1. Choose a VPN with servers in France – we recommend NordVPN as the best option for most people.
2. Decide on a subscription length and sign up. 
3. Download and install the relevant app for your device.
4. Restart the device when the installation is complete.
5. Open the app and choose “France” from the list of available countries.
6. Choose a location within France. The most common options are Paris, Marseille, and Bordeaux. Choose whichever is nearest for optimum connection speeds.
7. Click the “connect” button.
8. Wait until the app lets you know that a connection has been established.
9. Enjoy using the internet with encrypted data and an IP address in France.

Can I use a free VPN for France?

You can, but it’s unlikely to be a satisfactory experience. Connections with free VPNs tend to be slow – sometimes painfully so. Because they’re free, they tend to attract a lot of users. However, their server network is limited, and congestion is commonplace. Some operate a queuing system before connections are even established.

Worse still, most free VPNs have some form of logging policy, and most use trackers. The less scrupulous sell user data to third parties, while others act as vectors for malware. In many cases, users are more at risk using a free VPN than they are without one. 

Best VPNs for France: FAQs

What TV can I watch with a VPN for France?

France has a variety of national TV that can be accessed using a VPN. Available channels include:

• M6 (6Play)
• MolotovTV
• TF1
• FranceTV
• Canal+

Should I use a VPN in France?

France is part of the Nine Eyes international intelligence-sharing alliance, which means it participates in the surveillance of other countries’ citizens and allows for its own citizens to be monitored. Surveillance is typically carried out via telecommunication companies and internet service providers (ISPs). In 2013, the Guardian reported that the NSA had been engaged in widespread phone and internet surveillance of French citizens. 

Furthermore, the 2015 Intelligence Law allows French intelligence agencies to conduct electronic surveillance without needing a court order. According to a report by advocacy group – Freedom House – a further amendment allows real-time collection of metadata from anyone likely to be related to a terrorist threat. 

To help prevent such unwanted intrusions, anyone living in France – or even visiting the country – should use a VPN. This prevents ISPs from being able to see which websites are visited and what happens during those visits. It’s not enough to simply browse in private or incognito, as these features don’t encrypt traffic or change your IP address.

Is it legal to use a VPN in France?

Yes, it’s perfectly legal to use a VPN in France – though that doesn’t mean it should be used to carry out illegal activities. France has numerous laws designed  – or able to be applied – to make the internet safer. 

For example, defamation directed against a class of people based on their race, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation or handicap, is a criminal offense, as is doxing. The country’s counterterrorism laws make online speech deemed to sympathize with terrorist groups or acts an offense, as is frequently visiting sites that glorify or incite terrorist acts. 

Do I need a VPN for public WiFi in France?

Yes. If you regularly connect to public WiFi hotspots, it is vital that you protect your device and its data by using a VPN. A VPN encrypts your data to stop any eavesdroppers from monitoring your web visits. This protects your privacy by preventing WiFi hotspot providers in coffee shops, hotels, airports, etc, from being able to track all your web visits for profiling purposes.

The important thing to remember is that surveillance capitalism is extremely prolific, and hotspot providers will gather data and even sell it on to marketing companies and data brokers for profiling purposes. This means that you should always protect your data privacy and digital footprint with a VPN.

Besides being tracked by French WiFi providers, a VPN is also important to protect you against hackers. When you connect to public WiFi, you may inadvertently connect to a hotspot that has been set up insecurely. This could mean that the hotpot lacks encryption and that your data is vulnerable to being intercepted by other users on the network. A VPN encrypts your data so that you don't have to worry about potentially malicious actors on the network.

A VPN also protects you against Evil Twin attacks that hackers set up in locations where you would expect to find public WiFi. This allows you to connect to public WiFi without fear that you could accidentally connect to a fake hotspot controlled by a hacker.

Can I bypass blocks at work with a VPN for France?

Yes. If your employer is blocking YouTube, Netflix, French TV services, game servers, social media – or any other websites and services – you can regain access with a VPN. The encryption provided by a VPN means that you can access any of these services at work in complete privacy. As a result, you can use the internet as if you were back home.

The same is true of any other network in France that has imposed restrictions. A VPN will allow you easily to sidestep those blocks to access the websites and services you want.