Best VPNs to watch Canal+ outside of France

Want to watch Canal+ outside of France? A VPN for Canal+ lets you get an IP address in France to stream while on vacation. Plus, you can use a VPN to watch Canal+ at work.

Canal+ is a popular French streaming platform that is region-locked for licensing reasons. If you travel outside of France, then you will need a VPN to stream your account. Not all VPNs work to watch Canal+, but in this guide, we have pinpointed numerous compatible services.

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) for Canal+ encrypts your connection and lets you connect to a server in a remote location. By connecting to a server in France, you get a valid IP address in that country. This makes you appear to be in France, which means you can easily log in to stream Canal+ abroad. 

VPNs also give you watertight online privacy and protect your data against eavesdroppers and hackers, making it a crucial cybersecurity tool for internet users at home, at work, or while connected to public WiFi hotspots.

In this guide, we explain how to use a VPN to stream Canal+. To make your life easier, we have also recommended the best VPNs for Canal+. Our recommendations are fast VPNs suitable for streaming, gaming, and torrenting in France. They are also secure enough to watch Canal+ privately at work or on campus.

You can use the quick list below to start streaming right away. Alternatively, scroll down for detailed summaries that explain everything you need to know about the best VPNs for the task at hand.

Here are the best VPNs for Canal Plus:

1. NordVPN: The best VPN to watch Canal+ abroad. NordVPN is a popular VPN with an extensive server network in France and 60+ other countries. It excels at accessing numerous streaming platforms, including Netflix. NordLynx protocol offers impressive connection speeds. Comes with a risl-free 30-day money-back guarantee and 24/7 live chat support.
2. Surfshark: The best budget VPN for Canal+. Works to watch Canal Plus and other French platforms including 6Play. Known for its strong unblocking capabilities, robust security features, and excellent apps. Lets you connect unlimited devices with a single account. A reliable option for enjoying Canal Plus, Netflix, and many more.
3. ExpressVPN: Has reliable and fast servers located in France, to effortlessly access Canal Plus from anywhere. A versatile choice that also works well with various popular streaming platforms. Strong no-logs policy and AES encryption to prevent online snooping.
4. CyberGhost: Apps are perfect for VPN beginners. It delivers high-speed connections and boasts a wide selection of servers, including France to watch Canal Plus. Fewer advanced features, but has everything you need to stay secure and prevent ISP or government snooping.
5. PrivateVPN: PrivateVPN is perfect for streaming and torrenting. It has servers in 63+ countries, and it allows port forwarding. Can access more than 15 different Netflix regions. No-logs policy and robust 256-bit encryption. Not the fastest VPN on the list but works to stream without buffering.
6. AtlasVPN: AtlasVPN is known for its strong security features and the convenience of unlimited device connections. Its servers make accessing Canal Plus and other French services easy no matter where you go on vacation. Also compatible with TV5 Monde and other French services. includes ad blocking.

Summary Table

Finding the right VPN for streaming Canal+ outside of France can lead to frustration. The VPN market is packed with services that claim to be superior, which makes it easy to end up with a service that isn't suitable.

Many VPNs suffer from critical issues such as DNS leaks, inadequate encryption, and vulnerabilities that compromise your online privacy and security. Entrusting your data to an inferior VPN will result in a lack of privacy and online security. 

Few VPNs are capable of unblocking Canal+ from outside of France, but, in this guide, we've pinpointed reliable VPNs that offer both security and outstanding accessibility for streaming.

Here are some of our top criteria: 

• Servers located in France enable access to Canal+ and various other French services from any location around the globe.
• Dependable tunneling protocols and high-speed servers that allow seamless HD video streaming.
• Responsive customer support to assist you with VPN setup and usage.
• Robust security and privacy features to safeguard your online activities.
• Applications for all major platforms, ensure you can stream Canal+ on any device of your choice.
• A risk-free VPN experience with a money-back guarantee.
• A worldwide network of servers provides you with unrestricted access globally.
• Adherence to a strict no-logging policy.
• In order to qualify for one of the top three positions, the VPN must operate a 100% diskless server network and have had its infrastructure audited by a reputable third party.

You can find out more information about the criteria we used in the testing methodology section later in this article.

Best VPNs for Canal Plus: Detailed reviews

All our recommendations are secure and versatile VPNs that offer great value for money. Although they all work to stream Canal+, they have slight differences. The descriptions below will help you pick the best Canal+ VPN for all your needs.

NordVPN is the best option for accessing French TV services like Canal+, Molotov, TF1, and 6Play from abroad. The VPN has more than 230 servers in France, and you can pick between an IP address in Paris or Marseille. Those servers are optimized for data-intensive tasks such as streaming, gaming, and torrenting. Add to this its proprietary NordLynx protocol, which averaged download speeds of 196 Mbps in our tests, and you have a superb VPN that is perfect for streaming home TV on vacation or at work if Canal+ is blocked.

In addition to having servers in France, NordVPN can give you an IP address in 61+ countries. Those servers work to watch nearly 20 different Netflix regions, Hulu, HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, and tons of other popular streaming platforms. It allows torrenting throughout its network.

A no-logs policy ensures that NordVPN never tracks your IP address or the server you connect to. It keeps no records of the websites or services you access while connected. The entire network runs on diskless servers, which means they can be erased in an emergency. Plus, ExpressVPN service has completed a full third-party audit of its apps, network, and policies. This removes trust from the equation and means the VPN works as advertised.

Apps are available for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android. Those apps come with a kill switch, obfuscation, split tunneling, Double VPN, Tor over VPN, DNS leak protection, reliable AES encryption, and a free Smart DNS service. It includes ad blocking and tracker blocking to add additional protection to your surfing.

Live chat support lets you ask questions at any time of day, and you can try the VPN risk-free for 30 days to check how it works with all your favorite streaming services, or to gain privacy at work and on public WiFi.

BEST VPN FOR CANAL+: NordVPN has a fast network and a proprietary protocol that is perfect for data instance tasks like streaming. Easy to use, and has superb apps you can use on up to six devices simultaneously. Works to watch tons of French services and Netflix US. No-logs policy and strong encryption. Risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full NordVPN review.

Surfshark is a reliable VPN that offers access to a network of over 3,200 servers spanning 100+ countries, including France. It can stream Canal+, Netflix France, Molotov, TF1, Arte, BFM TV, France 24, TV5 Monde, and others. Plus, it works to watch international services such as BBC iPlayer, Netflix US, Hulu, and HBO Max.

A big advantage of Surfshark is that it allows unlimited connections with a single account. This means that paying just $2.50 per month will get you a VPN you can share with all your friends and family. The VPN is ideal for streaming, gaming, and torrenting thanks to the fast WireGuard protocol.

In terms of security, Surfshark provides 256-bit encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and automated malware scanning. It includes a kill switch that instantly cuts your internet if the connection drops out, obfuscation for OpenVPN, and a NoBorders mode to help you bypass blocks and prevent ISPs from detecting VPN use in countries like the UAE and China. It has a strict no-logs policy, and it accepts payments in three different cryptocurrencies for added anonymity.

Apps are available for Android, Windows, iOS, macOS, and Linux, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of devices. For those who prefer more flexibility, it can also be manually configured on select wireless routers. Superb value for money and well worth testing yourself using its 30-day money-back guarantee. 

BEST BUDGET OPTION: Surfshark is the best VPN to stream Canal+ on a budget. Works to watch French streaming services abroad and at work. Servers in 100+ countries can access Netflix US and other popular services. No-logs policy. Fast WireGuard connections for streaming and gaming. Live chat support. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of Surfshark.

ExpressVPN is a highly reliable VPN provider based in the British Virgin Islands that offers a network of servers in 105+ countries, including servers in France. It's an ideal option for accessing Canal+ and other French streams such as Molotov TV and Salto from outside of France. It can access international platforms like BBC iPlayer, Netflix US, Hulu, and BeIN Sports while in the country.

ExpressVPN is a highly respected VPN known for its unwavering commitment to online privacy. It enforces a strict no-logging policy, robust AES encryption, various protocol options, obfuscation features, and DNS leak protection. This makes it reliable for preventing ISP snooping, government surveillance, and the threat of hacking on public WiFi. 

ExpressVPN supports torrenting and ensures lightning-fast download speeds. Its proprietary Lightway protocol is tailored for seamless streaming, gaming, and making video calls. Apps are available for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Firestick, so you and your family can stream Canal+ and other French services on any device.

You can get help at any time of day using its 24/7 live chat, and you can try it risk-free using the 30-day money-back guarantee. The only minor drawback is that it is a touch more expensive compared to our top recommendations. However, it is great if you don’t mind paying a bit more. This highly reliable service runs on diskless services and has had a full third-party audit.

GREAT ALL-ROUNDER: ExpressVPN is fast and reliable. Has over 3,000 servers in 105+ countries. Works to watch Canal+ in any country and at work within France. No-logs policy and strong AES encryption. Protects you against hackers on public WiFi. Works with Netflix US and other international services. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of ExpressVPN.

CyberGhost is great for beginners looking to access Canal+ outside of France, or at work while maintaining robust privacy protections at all times. This VPN labels streaming services in its apps to make it easy to access tons of streaming content in over 15 different countries. 

With access to a vast network of over 10,000 servers worldwide, including an impressive selection in France, CyberGhost ensures smooth streaming of Canal+ and other French streams. It works to watch Netflix US, BBC iPlayer, BeIN Sports, and other international services.

CyberGhost ensures your online activities remain completely confidential thanks to a robust no-logging policy, 256-bit encryption, and a kill switch. It offers solid protection against online threats, including government surveillance, ISP snooping, website tracking, and the threat of hackers on public WiFi networks.

You can use CyberGhost on Android, iOS, Windows, Linux, and macOS, and get help setting it up on any of your devices thanks to 24/7 live chat support. Its 45-day money-back guarantee lets you test the VPN to watch Canal+ or to compare it to other VPNs.

GREAT FOR BEGINNERS: CyberGhost can easily access Canal+ and other French TV channels on vacation. Works to access Netflix US, Hulu, and many other popular services from France. Easy to use but still provides ample protection. 45-day money-back guarantee to test and compare the VPN to any other provider.

Read our full review of CyberGhost.

PrivateVPN was first launched with the help of activists who support consumer privacy rights, and the freedom to share files without retribution. The VPN lives up to this promise by providing solid encryption, access to a network of self-hosted servers, and a no-logs policy that ensures nothing you do online can ever be traced back to you.

Apps are available for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android. Those apps provide a kill switch, obfuscation, and port forwarding.

PrivateVPN’s network extends to 63+ countries, including servers in France. This service can let you access over 15 different Netflix regions and it works to watch Canal+, Salto, Molotov, and other French streaming platforms at work, in school, or on vacation.

The biggest drawback with this VPN is that it is not as fast as our top recommendations. However, in our tests, we could stream Netflix and Canal+ without issues, so the slightly slower speeds didn’t trouble us.

Despite this, we recommend that you try it to ensure you are satisfied by using its 30-day money-back guarantee. The VPN starts at just under $2 per month, which makes it a highly affordable VPN. You can get help at any time of day thanks to its live chat support and use it on up to 10 devices.

STRONG ON PRIVACY: PrivateVPN runs on a proprietary network and enforces a reliable no-logs policy. It works to access Canal+ and allows up to 10 devices on the same account. The network is smaller than our top picks. 30-day money-back guarantee lets you try it out to see if it suits you.

Read our full review of PrivateVPN.

Atlas VPN has servers in 44+ countries, which is fewer than our top recommendations However, it is great for streaming and works with Canal+, Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, Disney+, and many others. You can try this reliable low-cost VPN yourself using its 30-day money-back guarantee.

The WireGuard protocol uses robust ChaCha20 for encryption and provides exceptional speeds for gaming, streaming, and torrenting.

Users can install and enjoy the VPN on an unlimited number of devices, which makes it exceptionally good value for money. The apps are available for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android, and provide useful features such as a kill switch, split tunneling, and MultiHop connections.

You can get help at any time of day via its live chat. However, it is only available for subscribers. 

FAST CONNECTIONS: AtlasVPN is fast, making it ideal for streaming, gaming, and making private video calls. It has servers in 44+ countries, including France to watch Canal+. Lets you connect an unlimited number of devices, perfect for sharing your account with friends and family. Comes with malware filtering and ad blocking. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of AtlasVPN.

Canal+ VPN testing methodology

At BleepingComputer, we take privacy extremely seriously. We only recommend VPNs that offer watertight data protection, meaning that they are suitable for preventing local networks, ISPs, government agencies, hackers, and other eavesdroppers from tracking your online activities.

Not all VPNs offer this kind of robust protection. In fact, dozens of consumer-facing VPNs claim to offer privacy but have been found to suffer from serious vulnerabilities, or even to harvest data to sell it for profit. Running into one of these VPNs could put your data at a huge amount of risk.

We completely understand that French internet users want to access Canal+ and other popular French services while traveling abroad, or on restrictive French networks such as at work. That is why we tested the market in search of reliable VPNs that offer both security and French servers optimized for streaming.

You can find out more about our in-depth VPN testing methodology by following the link. Below, we have included a list of important features we used to recommend the best VPNs for Canal+:

• Robust security: Our priority is to identify VPNs equipped with exceptional security and privacy features. Our recommendations have strong encryption, cutting-edge VPN protocols, well-crafted applications, a kill switch, and DNS leak protection. They also provide extras such as obfuscation and malware filtering.
• Privacy: Our recommendations run robust VPN services protected by a no-logging policy. They never track user data or keep any records of what users do while connected to the VPN. Our top three choices bolster this with diskless servers that can be erased remotely.
• Fast connections: All our recommendations have servers in France that are fast enough for HD streaming Canal+ without any buffering. To make them even more useful these VPNs have servers worldwide that work to access Netflix US, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and countless other international platforms. It should also offer unlimited bandwidth with premium subscriptions. 
• Global network. This lets you get an IP address not only in France but just about anywhere in the world. Perfect for bypassing censorship, and using services privately no matter where you travel.
• Apps for all platforms: We selected VPNs that don't implement any restrictions and have apps for smartphones, tablets, laptops, desktop computers, Firesticks, set-top boxes, consoles, and other popular devices. 
• Exceptional support: Our recommendations provide user-friendly support options, including email and live chat assistance, complemented by comprehensive setup guides and FAQs to address your queries and concerns effectively.

In addition to these features, our top three recommendations have completed third-party security audits of their service. This ensures that you can fully trust their policies, network, and apps to provide the privacy promised on their website. 

Additionally, each of our top three picks has a network of diskless servers that can be erased remotely in an emergency. This sets the top three VPNs apart, which is why we recommend sticking to those for the highest possible levels of protection.

How to stream Canal+ outside France with a VPN

Using a VPN to watch your Canal+ account on vacation is very easy. Just follow the steps below to connect to a server in France and start streaming your favorite shows:

1. Select a Canal+ VPN from this guide. We recommend NordVPN because of its exceptional speeds and robust data privacy features. It offers reliable streaming-optimized servers in France. Alternatively, you can consider Surfshark, which provides an excellent and budget-friendly option, or ExpressVPN, known for its well-rounded performance.
2. Follow our provided link to access the VPN provider's website, which ensures you receive the most affordable pricing thanks to our automatic coupon code.
3. Next, subscribe to the VPN service and download the app onto your device. Our recommendations have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Firestick.
4. Log in to the VPN app using the credentials you created during sign-up.
5. Select a VPN server in France and click the "Connect" button to start enjoying Canal+ content securely.

As soon as the VPN connects, you are ready to head over to the Canal+ website. If you have any problems logging in or streaming Canal+, we recommend that you clear your cache and cookies. Trackers lodged in your browser can conflict with your VPN, but clearing them or using Incognito mode will allow you to stream Canal+ without any issues.

Canal+ VPN FAQs

Can I use a free VPN to watch Canal+?

No. Streaming platforms like Canal+ know that internet users attempt to bypass region locks using a VPN. As a result, French and international streaming services block VPNs. Free VPNs have few servers and are usually the first to be blocked.

Besides this issue, we know of no secure free VPNs that have a server in France. Thus, even if you find a reliable free VPN, it will not work to watch Canal+ or other French platforms. Trustworthy VPNs only provide a limited free plan to let people try their service.

Providers like ProtonVPN and AtlasVPN are secure and can provide you with privacy whether you use them at home, at work, or on public WiFi, and this includes when you use the free plan. However, the free plan is slower than the premium version and purposefully blocks access to streaming services like Canal+. Thus, these free VPNs are not suitable for streaming (even in the locations where they have servers).

We urge you to remember that most of the free VPNs available in app stores are dangerous. They have dodgy privacy policies that allow them to track everything you do online, and they suffer from app and server vulnerabilities and leaks that make them useful for gaining online privacy. Free VPNs can expose your devices and data to huge risks.

Why is Canal+ blocked abroad?

Canal+ licenses content exclusively for the French market. The contract it enters with copyright holders and publishers specifies that Canal+ must prevent anybody outside of France from streaming those shows and movies. 

To enforce these agreements, Canal+ must monitor each visitor’s IP address. If you are found to be outside of France, the player will serve you a location error message. You need a VPN to watch Canal+ and other French streaming services from outside France.

Can I watch Canal+ at work with a VPN?

If you are in France and are being blocked from watching Canal+, Netflix, Salto, Molotov TV, or any other platform, you can use a VPN to bypass these blocks.

Many employers, schools, and even public WiFi hotspots block access to streaming services like Canal+, YouTube, etc. They also block social media, Twitch, Discord, game servers, and other “distractions”.

When you connect to a VPN server in France, you appear to be outside of the local WiFi network. This bypasses any restrictions placed on the local networks. As a result, you can access any content or service that has been blocked by your employer or school.

The encryption provided by a VPN means that nobody can see what you are doing online. You can watch Canal+ at work with complete privacy. With that said, we still recommend that you exercise caution.

Using a VPN to watch TV at work is probably a breach of company rules, and if you are caught you could get in trouble. We recommend only using VPNs on your personal devices, and sticking to using them during lunch breaks to ensure you don't face any consequences.

What can I watch on Canal+?

Canal+ provides access to tons of shows that are popular in France. Below, we have included some of the content you can watch on Canal+ right now:

• Braquo
• Versailles
• Engrenages
• Bref
• Gangs of London
• Waco
• Loki
• Snowfall
• What we do in the shadows
• This is Us
• Baptiste
• UEFA Champions League soccer
• Ligue 1 soccer
• MotoGP

Is it legal to use a VPN for Canal+?

Yes. In most countries around the globe, it is perfectly legal to use a VPN to access regional TV platforms like Canal+. 

That said, most streaming services state that using any technology (including VPNs) to bypass geo-restrictions is technically against the rules. You could theoretically have your account suspended or terminated for breaking the rules.

In our experience, however, streaming services do not penalize individuals. Streaming services like Canal+ spend their time and effort blocking VPNs rather than users. Only a few VPNs still work to watch Canal+ abroad, so stick to our recommendations to avoid disappointment.

Remember that the legality of VPN use varies around the world. In countries like the UAE, Russia, and China, VPN use is frowned upon. For this reason, we recommend that you research local laws before using a VPN. Use of a VPN is at your own risk and nothing in this guide should be taken as legal advice.

Do I need a fast VPN to stream Canal+?

Yes. The vast majority of VPNs have slow servers that are not suitable for streaming. These VPNs cause a huge amount of buffering and reduce the quality of video playback.

The VPNs we have recommended in this guide offer fast servers and protocols such as WireGuard. These are specially optimized to keep your internet running at its usual speed, and can stream Canal+ in HD.