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What is the best VPN for France? Using a VPN in France is highly recommended, whether it’s for online privacy protection or accessing French TV and streaming platforms from outside of the country. France is a member of the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliances, which involves international sharing of intelligence information. This means local ISPs can be compelled to retain users’ data and disclose it upon request. Privacy and security have always been significant values for the French, extending to the digital realm, which is why VPNs are in high demand in France.
Choosing the most suitable VPN can be a daunting task. Rather than choosing the first option that catches your attention, it’s advisable to consider the features of each VPN.
At A Glance – Best VPNs for France
A VPN allows you to bypass geo-restrictions, browse safely on any device, and safeguard your privacy at the same time. While we will explore each VPN in detail, here’s a quick summary of our top three choices:
Best VPN for France: Top 5
1. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is the best VPN for France, an excellent choice for those who need fast streaming capabilities. Its Lightway VPN protocol results in a significant speed increase without jeopardizing security. It can smoothly stream 1080p videos without any lag, as well as provide a seamless online gaming experience. Its optimized servers also make it one of the most secure and fastest VPNs available. ExpressVPN provides multiple server options in cities such as Paris, Marseille, Alsace, and Strasbourg.
ExpressVPN allows users to unblock various regionally restricted streaming services, including Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer. Furthermore, ExpressVPN offers access to French streaming channels like ZDF, Canal+, and France.TV, making it an excellent option for those outside of France. If you’re someone who plans on using a VPN to download torrents, ExpressVPN is also a great choice.
This VPN is an excellent choice for both French residents and expats due to the high level of security it provides. Its 256-bit AES encryption and dependable automatic kill switch ensure that your privacy remains uncompromised by preventing any potential IP or DNS leaks. Also, this VPN does not log any of your internet traffic, IP address, or server network IP address.
Additionally, ExpressVPN offers top-notch 24/7 live chat support. In case you have any inquiries about their VPN service, you can simply ask a live chat agent and receive assistance promptly. Moreover, if you are not content with their VPN service, you can take advantage of their 30-day money-back guarantee.
PROS
- Unblocks Netflix, ZDF, Canal+, France.tv, and many more
- Provides high-speed connections for smooth HD streaming
- Ensures top-notch security and privacy for users
- Supports torrenting
- 30-day money-back guarantee
CONS
- Cost may be higher than other VPN providers
2. CyberGhost
CyberGhost has a vast network of servers, with over 9,000 spread across 91 countries (including more than 400 servers in France), making it a top choice for unblocking geo-restricted streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, or BBC iPlayer.
This VPN provider is based in Romania, a country known for its privacy-friendly laws. CyberGhost implements top-notch security measures, including 256-bit encryption, perfect forward secrecy, internet kill switch, and DNS leak protection, to safeguard all web traffic and ensure user privacy. Moreover, CyberGhost doesn’t keep any user data, including IP addresses. The provider also includes additional features like an ad blocker, anti-malware, and anti-tracking capabilities to enhance online security.
With its affordable pricing, fast speeds, robust encryption, and exceptional customer support, CyberGhost is a budget-friendly VPN that stands out in the market. Its compatibility with most streaming services also makes it a strong contender for users looking to bypass geo-restrictions.
Lastly, CyberGhost provides the longest guarantee in the VPN industry. You can avail of its 45-day money-back guarantee if you subscribe to the 6-month or 2-year plan.
PROS
- Has more than 400 servers in France
- Fast speeds
- Apps are user-friendly
- Offers good value for money
- 45-day money-back guarantee
CONS
- Lacks advanced features
3. Private Internet Access
Private Internet Access (PIA) has over 30,000 servers in 84 counties (147 servers in France), enabling you to watch movies and TV shows like TV5 Monde, Arte, France TV, France O, and many more. Its wide coverage allows users to unblock a variety of content, including streaming platforms such as Netflix and Hulu, regardless of their location.
All apps provided by this VPN have OpenVPN set as the default protocol. Users can choose between TCP and UDP connections, except for iOS, which features the IPsec protocol. Also, users can manually configure L2TP/IPsec, Socks5 proxy, and PPTP. Recently, the VPN introduced the latest protocol, WireGuard, which provides better speed.
Despite being headquartered in the USA, PIA does not record traffic logs, IP addresses, or anything else that could identify users. This helps preserve users’ privacy, even though the USA is a member of the 5 / 9 /14 Eyes Alliance.
Internet traffic is routed through a 256 bit AES encrypted tunnel when using Private Internet Access. Other notable features include an ad blocker, which can be activated via the settings. This feature not only blocks annoying advertisements but also thwarts malware and trackers through the MACE feature. PIA also provides DNS leak protection and a kill switch.
Connecting to a PIA server is easy, whether you’re using Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, or Amazon Fire TV. Users can also use the Chrome and Firefox browser extensions, although configuring PIA with routers requires manual setup.
Overall, PIA is a great option, especially because it’s one of the most budget-friendly VPNs on the market, with the 2-year plan costing only $2.19 per month. The said plan also comes with 2 months free.
PROS
- 30,000 servers in 84 countries (including France)
- Consistently good speeds allow lag-free streaming
- Supports up to 10 devices using a single PIA account
- Supports anonymous payment methods
- 30-day money-back guarantee
CONS
- Based in the USA, but has a strict no-log policy
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4. NordVPN
NordVPN is known for its fast speed. Its exceptional streaming performance is evident regardless of your location, be it France or anywhere else. You’ll have the ability to unblock and stream a majority of content that you want. Its NordLynx protocol is particularly effective in this regard, providing blazing-fast speeds that eliminate buffering.
This VPN is committed to ensuring user privacy by retaining no data on its users’ visits, including time, date, and duration of each session while connected to its servers. Despite authorities confiscating its servers in at least one case, there was no stored data that authorities could use to pinpoint users.
Moreover, NordVPN is renowned for its robust security measures, such as Double VPN, which adds an extra layer of protection by routing your traffic through two servers, and Onion over VPN, which uses the Tor network to ensure complete anonymity. With a kill switch and an independent audit to its credit, NordVPN is a reliable choice for safeguarding your privacy.
PROS
- Has plenty of servers in France
- Fast speeds
- Excellent security
- Maintains a strict no-logs policy
- 30-day money-back guarantee
CONS
- App interface can be awkward
5. IPVanish
IPVanish allows unlimited simultaneous connections and is compatible with various operating systems, including media streaming devices like Amazon Fire Stick and Kodi. Moreover, the VPN enables you to quickly find the best server for your requirements, categorized by latency and region.
IPVanish provides fast speeds that are suitable for high-bandwidth activities like streaming, gaming, and video calling. With P2P support and no data caps, you can also enjoy unrestricted torrenting.
To protect your data, IPVanish employs AES 256-bit encryption and Perfect Forward Secrecy. It also uses advanced security protocols such as OpenVPN, IPSec, and WireGuard, as well as an automatic kill switch. If you need to bypass strict geo-blocks, you can use OpenVPN Scramble. Additionally, IPVanish offers Tor/Onion over VPN for secure Tor access. The VPN is committed to safeguarding your privacy with a strict zero-logs policy, which means that it does not collect your logs except when you register for the first time.
One disadvantage of IPVanish is that it doesn’t support cryptocurrency payments. That said, you can use other payment options such as credit card, PayPal, iTunes, and Google Pay.
PROS
- Fast enough to stream local and global content
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- OpenVPN Scramble to bypass strict geo-restrictions
- Zero-logs policy
- 30-day money-back guarantee
CONS
- Doesn’t support cryptocurrency payments
Best VPN for France FAQs
Can VPNs be legally used in France?
In France, using a VPN is legal for legitimate purposes, as it is in most countries. The primary function of VPNs is to safeguard your online activity, and you can choose a VPN that provides robust security features. However, it’s always prudent to check local laws beforehand since they can change over time.
How to use a VPN for France?
Using a VPN is a simple process that involves subscribing, downloading the app onto your device, and connecting to a server. If your objective is to bypass geo-restrictions while in France, you should connect to a server located outside the country.
Alternatively, if you’re located outside France and want to access local content like TV channels, streaming platforms, online bookies, and other geo-restricted websites, you can connect to French servers. After connecting to a server, you can safely browse and access content from all over the world, including France.
Should one use a free VPN in France?
While it’s possible to use a free VPN, it’s important to understand that most free VPNs do not provide sufficient online safety. Typically, free VPNs lack advanced encryption or reliable no-logs policies. Furthermore, they often track your online activities and share your data with third-party entities. Instead, it’s better to use a VPN that provides a trustworthy money-back guarantee.
Moreover, free VPNs usually have limited server networks and slow speeds, which may cause buffering issues while streaming your favorite shows. Many of these services offer proxy servers that do not offer proper data protection. In some instances, free VPNs may bombard you with ads or contain malware in their applications, rendering them unreliable for secure online activity.
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Disclaimer: Some pages on this site may include an affiliate link. This does not effect our editorial in any way.
