Best VPNs for France in 2025
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As of April 2025, I strongly recommend NordVPN as the best VPN for France. Since NordVPN offers over 300 servers in France, and thousands of servers globally. Its high speeds make it great for streaming without interruptions, while strong security features ensure your browsing is as safe as it gets. Our tests have consistently shown that no matter what content you want to access, NordVPN is a reliable choice.
Our 5 best VPNs for France
- NordVPN – best VPN for France with 7400+ servers and top-tier security
- Surfshark – France VPN with next-gen security and unlimited devices
- Proton VPN – best freemium VPN for France
- IPVanish – reliable VPN with Paris servers for smooth access
- Bitdefender VPN – privacy-focused VPN with flexible features
Whether you live in France or are just passing through, you’ve probably encountered geo-blocked content or had concerns about public Wi-Fi security. With increasing internet censorship and regulations, you might feel that your online freedom in France is limited.
A VPN is the key to bypassing these restrictions, ensuring complete privacy, and unlocking French and global content. It can protect you from surveillance, allow you to access streaming services, and bypass torrenting restrictions.
After testing various VPNs, I’ve narrowed down 5 options to help you pick the best VPN for France in 2025. Keep reading to discover more VPNs that excel in security, speed, and performance, and choose the one that matches your needs.
Best France VPNs compared
| VPN for France | Rating | Has French servers | Kill switch | No-logs policy | Fastest protocol available | Simultaneous connections | Streaming services | Price | Money-back guarantee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | NordLynx | 10 | Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and more | From $3.09/month | 30 days | |
| Surfshark | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | WireGuard | Unlimited | Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and more | From $1.99/month | 30 days | |
| Proton VPN | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | WireGuard | 10 | Netflix, BBC iPlayer, YouTube, HBO Max, Disney+ | From $2.00/month | 30 days | |
| IPVanish | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | WireGuard | Unlimited | Netflix, BBC iPlayer, YouTube, Disney+, and more | From $2.19/month | 30 days | |
| Bitdefender VPN | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | WireGuard | 10 | BBC iPlayer, YouTube | From $2.92/month | 30 days |
Best VPNs for France: in-depth analysis
No matter what reason has pushed you to look for a VPN suitable for France, choosing the best VPN service based on your needs is always essential.
Together with our research team, I tested and reviewed each provider's capabilities to ensure they offer the best performance, security, and reliability. Explore the options below and select the one that best fits your needs.
1. NordVPN – best France VPN in 2025
| Rating: | |
| Based in: | Panama |
| Servers in France: | 300+ servers in Paris and Marseille |
| Streaming services: | Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and more |
| Current deal: | Get 77% OFF NordVPN + 3 months free |
Why I chose NordVPN
NordVPN stands out due to its impressive technical capabilities. It has 300+ French servers located in Paris and Marseille, which makes connecting to a French IP address effortless. Its NordLynx protocol, an enhanced version of WireGuard, ensures lightning-fast speeds and security. During our tests on French servers, NordVPN achieved outstanding performance with a download speed of 478Mbps and an upload speed of 462Mbps, retaining 95% and 92% of the base connection speeds, respectively. It also has useful features like the SOCKS5 proxy, split tunneling, and DNS leak protection. NordVPN also works great for unblocking content on streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and more, allowing you to enjoy the content without interruptions.
My experience using NordVPN
The setup process was straightforward – I opted for the Plus plan, then downloaded and configured the app in just a few minutes. I appreciate the intuitive interface and how seamlessly I could switch between servers in different locations. I primarily used it to stream Netflix and access geo-restricted French content. The experience was smooth, with no buffering or lag. One standout feature was the kill switch, which instantly protected my IP address during an unexpected connection drop.
NordVPN pricing
NordVPN's pricing starts at $3.09/month, making it competitive compared to other premium VPNs. Plus, the 30-day money-back guarantee provides a lot of time to explore the service risk-free. With its higher-tier plans, NordVPN also provides features like Threat Protection Pro, access to NordPass, and 1TB of cloud storage. While some competitors offer slightly lower entry-level pricing, NordVPN’s features justify the cost. Its plans also cover up to 10 devices simultaneously, making it a great option for families or friends.
Why I recommend NordVPN for France
NordVPN is an excellent choice, whether you’re in France and need to access international content, or abroad and want to stream French shows. Its security features, like AES-256 encryption and a strict no-logs policy, ensure safe browsing. Additionally, features like P2P support and split tunneling make it ideal for torrenting and customizing your VPN experience. NordVPN is a reliable tool for security, privacy, and online performance.
2. Surfshark – advanced VPN protection for all of your devices
| Rating: | |
| Based in: | The Netherlands |
| Servers in France: | 76 servers in Paris, Marseille, and Bordeaux |
| Streaming services: | Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and more |
| Current deal: | Now up to 87% OFF Surfshark + 3 months FREE |
Why I chose Surfshark
Surfshark is an excellent choice for VPN users in France, with 76 servers across Paris, Marseille, and Bordeaux. Our tests using French servers show that this VPN consistently delivers top-notch speeds. We recorded a download speed of 481Mbps and an upload speed of 395Mbps, with retention rates of 96% and 79%, respectively. This performance is driven by the WireGuard tunneling protocol, which ensures fast and reliable connections. Surfshark also comes with useful features like obfuscated servers for bypassing restrictions in highly censored locations, MultiHop for extra privacy, and split tunneling to choose which apps use the VPN. It’s also great for unblocking streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, and French platforms.
My experience using Surfshark
Using Surfshark was a smooth experience. I opted for the Surfshark One plan which includes additional features I wanted to try. The setup process was quick, and the app interface felt modern and intuitive, making it easy to navigate and choose servers. During my testing, I appreciated the consistent performance – it handled streaming Netflix and Disney+ in HD without buffering and seamlessly unblocked French content from abroad. I found the MultiHop feature particularly useful when I wanted an extra layer of privacy, though I didn’t use it all the time. One thing I noticed was that while speeds were excellent overall, the upload retention was slightly lower than expected compared to download speeds, but it didn’t impact regular use.
Surfshark pricing
Surfshark has one of the most affordable pricing plans on the market, with prices starting at $1.99/month. This low cost makes it a very attractive option, especially since it allows you to connect unlimited devices. Surfshark also offers a 7-day free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee, giving you plenty of time to evaluate the service yourself without risk. Their most expensive plan is $3.99/month with the 24-month option and includes extra features like data removal, ad-free search results, and Alternative-ID.
Why I recommend Surfshark for France
Throughout our tests, Surfshark proved to be an excellent VPN for users in France or those who need a French server. It offers fast speeds for smooth browsing, streaming, and downloading, while security features like AES-256 encryption and a kill switch will keep your data safe. Surfshark can unblock local French sites and global streaming services, providing flexibility and reliable performance.
3. Proton VPN – best freemium VPN with unlimited bandwidth
| Rating: | |
| Based in: | Switzerland |
| Servers in France: | 294 servers in Paris and Marseille |
| Streaming services: | Netflix, BBC iPlayer, YouTube, HBO Max, Disney+ |
| Current deal: | Get up to 64% OFF Proton VPN |
Why I chose Proton VPN
Proton VPN focuses on privacy and security and offers features like Secure Core servers for added protection and an independently verified no-logs policy. It’s also one of the few trustworthy VPNs with both free and paid plans. What makes the free version stand out is that it has no ads, no activity logging, and no data limits, which is rare to find. Its speed performance was great, providing a download speed of 447Mbps with a retention rate of 89%, and an upload speed of 443Mbps with 88% retention. Features like the VPN Accelerator, which can boost speeds by up to 400%, also enhance its performance.
My experience using Proton VPN
I tested Proton VPN using the Proton VPN Plus plan, and the setup process was quick and straightforward. What stood out during my experience was how customizable Proton VPN is. The app lets you create multiple VPN profiles, which you can edit and use for different activities like streaming, gaming, or torrenting. You can customize each profile with options like server type, protocol preferences, and even profile colors to make them easier to organize. I also appreciated the Quick Connect button, which connects you to the fastest server with a single tap, and the DNS and IPv6 Leak Protection, which can be turned on and off in the Advanced Settings. There’s also a kill switch for extra security, plus support for port forwarding to improve performance for P2P users or gamers.
Proton VPN pricing
Proton VPN’s paid plans start at $3.59/month. Their Proton Unlimited plan is particularly appealing, as it includes Proton Mail Plus, Proton Drive Plus, and Proton Calendar. It also has a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to try the service risk-free.
Why I recommend Proton VPN for France
Proton VPN is a great choice for users in France, as it has 290+ servers in France, offers good privacy features, and reliable speeds. Its independently verified no-logs policy ensures your online activities remain private, and its Secure Core servers add an extra layer of security when accessing sensitive content. The free plan with no limits also makes it accessible to all users, while the paid plans offer excellent value and features.
4. IPVanish – feature-rich VPN for France
| Rating: | |
| Based in: | United States |
| Servers in France: | 30+ servers in Paris, Marseille, and Bordeaux |
| Streaming services: | Netflix, BBC iPlayer, YouTube, Disney+, and more |
| Current deal: | Now up to 83% OFF IPVanish |
Why I chose IPVanish
IPVanish is a great all-around VPN for users in France, with impressive performance in key areas like security, speed, and streaming. It uses AES-256 encryption and has a no-logs policy that’s been audited, ensuring your privacy is protected. Its French servers delivered excellent speeds during our tests, with download speeds reaching 461Mbps and upload speeds at 410Mbps, along with a download retention rate of 92% and upload retention at 82%. Whether you're streaming, browsing, or torrenting, IPVanish offers solid performance with minimal lag, making it a reliable choice.
My experience using IPVanish
Setting up IPVanish was quick and easy, and I found the app simple to use. I mainly tested it for streaming and torrenting in France, and it performed well. I had no issues streaming Netflix and Disney+ in HD, and downloads were fast. I also tried the SOCKS5 proxy for torrenting, which worked smoothly and sped up my downloads. I was pleased to find that the obfuscated servers let me bypass restrictions easily. The kill switch feature also gave me extra peace of mind when using public Wi-Fi. However, I was disappointed that there was no free trial, and the price increase after the first year is worth considering. Despite this, IPVanish's overall performance and security features made it a reliable choice
IPVanish pricing
Unfortunately, this VPN doesn’t offer a free version or a trial. However, you can take advantage of a 30-day money-back guarantee, but only for long-term plans – you won't be eligible for a refund if you choose the monthly option. Pricing starts from $2.19/month.
Why I recommend IPVanish for France
IPVanish is a great choice for connecting to French servers and accessing French content from outside the country. It works well for streaming, torrenting, and secure browsing, without any lag or interruptions. With its strong security features, including AES-256 encryption and a kill switch, plus reliable performance, you can trust it to get the job done. IPVanish also provides 24/7 support, which means that no matter your time zone, you can get help pretty quickly. If you need a VPN that balances performance, security, and streaming, IPVanish is a solid option for France.
5. Bitdefender VPN – well-rounded VPN for privacy and convenience
| Rating: | |
| Based in: | Romania |
| Servers in France: | Undisclosed number of servers in France |
| Streaming services: | BBC iPlayer, YouTube |
| Current deal: | Get up to 50% OFF Bitdefender VPN |
Why I chose Bitdefender VPN
Bitdefender VPN is a side product of one of the top-rated antivirus providers in the market, and it offers great value, especially when bundled with their antivirus. While Bitdefender doesn’t disclose how many servers it has in France, the overall server count of 4000 worldwide is very appealing. It also has some useful features I found particularly useful. One of them is Auto-connect, which allows you to customize when the VPN activates. You can set it to connect only when using specific apps, websites, or categories like adult content or file-sharing platforms. Another one I liked is the App Traffic Optimizer, which lets you prioritize up to three apps for better performance with the VPN. Other features like split tunneling, an ad blocker, anti-tracker, and a kill switch make this VPN a well-rounded option for privacy and convenience.
My experience using Bitdefender VPN
Using the Bitdefender VPN was a straightforward process. The app was easy to navigate, with all the main features easily accessible. During testing, I really liked how customizable and flexible it is. For example, the Auto-connect feature allowed me to control when and where the VPN connects. The App Traffic Optimizer also made streaming and browsing faster for the apps I chose to prioritize. The download speeds in France reached 449Mbps with 89.8% retention, while upload speeds were 390Mbps with a retention rate of 78%. These speeds are good overall but not quite as fast as some other VPNs.
Bitdefender VPN pricing
Bitdefender VPN offers two pricing plans – monthly and annual. The 1-year plan is the most affordable option priced at $2.92/month. Bitdefender VPN also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to test the service risk-free. If you already use Bitdefender’s antivirus software, bundling it with the VPN is a budget-friendly way to enhance your online security.
Why I recommend Bitdefender VPN for France
Bitdefender VPN is a solid option for anyone looking for a feature-packed VPN. Although it doesn’t include DNS/IPv6 leak protection or port forwarding, Bitdefender delivers strong performance for browsing, streaming, and everyday tasks. Its customer support includes a knowledge base, live chat, email, and phone options, so you’re covered whenever you need assistance. Its vast global server network, intuitive interface, and easy setup make it a reliable choice.
What to look for in a VPN for France?
Not all VPNs are created equal, especially when it comes to accessing content and maintaining privacy in France. To help you find the best VPN for your needs, here are the key factors to consider when choosing a VPN for France.
| Strong security features: | Kill switch, threat protection, obfuscation |
| Privacy: | No-logs policy |
| Unblocks: | Gambling and sports betting sites, streaming platforms |
| Encryption: | AES-256, ChaCha20 |
| Performance: | Multiple servers in France |
- Security and privacy. A VPN for France should prioritize your privacy with a strict no-logs policy and robust security features. Make sure the provider you choose protects your data and doesn’t track your online activity. Additionally, a kill switch feature is essential to protect your IP in case the VPN connection drops unexpectedly.
- Server fleet. Look for a provider with multiple servers in France to ensure quick access to local content. Servers outside France are also useful to bypass geo-restrictions or access global streaming platforms and region-specific sites. A diverse server network offers better performance, more connection options, and better speed.
- Unblocking capabilities. Accessing geo-restricted content is a major reason to use a VPN. Ensure the provider you select can unblock popular streaming services and bypass restrictions around torrenting. Look for a VPN that consistently works with major streaming platforms and supports P2P connections without issues.
- Performance. To enjoy seamless browsing, streaming, or downloading, your VPN needs to have reliable performance. Look for fast connection speeds and minimal latency, especially if you're using services like video streaming or torrenting. A provider with multiple servers in France will help ensure a stable and fast connection.
- Ease of use. Choose a VPN that’s user-friendly, with a straightforward interface and easy installation. Ideally, it should offer apps for all your devices and be simple to set up, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced user.
- Price. While the best VPNs for France offer top-tier security and performance, the price is an important factor. Consider your budget and find a VPN that provides good value for the features offered, without compromising on privacy or speed.
Why do you need a VPN in France?
Each country has some frustrating online restrictions, and France isn’t an exception. While the situation isn’t as severe as in Russia, China, or Cuba, these restrictions still interfere with the online experience. So, here are the primary reasons why getting a France VPN is a fantastic idea:
- Keep your data hidden from the government. First and foremost, France is a member of the Nine Eyes surveillance alliance. That’s why your online data can be shared with other countries and third parties. Additionally, since 2015, France has increased the monitoring of its citizens and their online activities. With a VPN, your data gets encrypted and is nearly impossible to access for strangers.
- Avoid having an ISP hovering over your head. It is like a bridge for the government to learn about your online activity. Plus, ISPs themselves tend to throttle your connection speed whenever it detects suspicious activity, like P2P connections. A VPN connection hides your online traffic, and the ISP can’t interfere with it.
- Access blacklisted websites. The French government mainly blocks websites promoting terrorism, racial inequality, and other genuinely harmful content. However, among many threatful sites, there are also innocent ones. With a VPN, you can change your IP location and access whatever website you want.
- Unblock streaming platforms. While France is rich with excellent movies, several streaming platforms and massive libraries are still unavailable. A streaming VPN can unblock many popular global streaming services.
- Bypass torrenting restrictions. France has strict laws against piracy; therefore, torrenting is one of the most significant issues, according to the government. To download stuff without fear, using a torrenting VPN is your solution. It offers a decent amount of protection and anonymity.
How to get a France IP address with a VPN?
Getting a France IP address doesn't necessarily require you to be there. It’s an easy task that you can complete within minutes. Here’s how:
- Select a VPN that has French servers. I recommend NordVPN which has 300+ French servers
- Sign up for a NordVPN account
- Download the app
- Open the NordVPN app and head to Settings
- Enable the kill switch feature
- Return to the main page and search for France
- Select the server of your choice or choose the Quick connect method
You can head to the official NordVPN website to double-check whether the IP has changed. There, at the top of the page, you can see your IP address and where it is located.
Internet censorship in France
Even though France is known to be very privacy and law-oriented to ensure a liberal environment,within years, France has become more intrusive with surveillance mechanisms regarding the online activity of its citizens.
France is also a member of the Nine Eyes alliance. Consequently, a big privacy issue concerns VPN services and other encryption providers. It must hand over decryption keys if authorities are investigating criminal cases. Even foreign institutions can access your data.
To conclude, French citizens can’t fully maintain their online freedom. Your ISP tracks your online activity. There are many blacklisted websites. Torrenting and streaming are also restricted. Consequently, a VPN becomes the all-in-one solution for your online life.
Torrenting in France
Torrenting in France is legal for sharing original content, like, personal photos, software patches in companies, and more. However, it’s forbidden to torrent copyrighted material and intellectual property.
A French organization called ACROM (Regulatory Authority for Audiovisual and Digital Communication) is responsible for the protection of copyright and the fight against online piracy. It protects rights holders and works closely with ISPs. If your ISP finds out you are using a P2P connection, it forwards this info to Arcom.
French content you can watch with a VPN
France has quite a list to offer in terms of streaming content. Whether you’re a snob with exceptional taste in cinema, a sports lover, or a regular person who loves to relax by watching Netflix after work.
Here, you can see what to expect from connecting to a France VPN:
- Access Netflix France. There are popular TV series available, such as High Heat, Rick and Morty, Manifest, or you can enjoy a massive array of great movies, like Gran Torino, The Fall, Hostel, and many more.
- Disney+ is available in France. With a French IP address, you can enjoy a rich Disney+ library. Watch series like Grey’s Anatomy and Prison Break, or tune into cinematic wonders, such as Jojo Rabbit and Prey.
- Enjoy Amazon Prime Video. French Amazon Prime Video is excellent for a good cinema experience as you can watch The Intouchables, Les Misérables, Black Venus, and more.
- Dive into French events. French Open, Tour de France, Ligue 1, the Cannes Film Festival – France offers multiple streaming options for these and many other globally adored events.
Final thoughts
Whether you live in France, or want to access French content from abroad, picking the right VPN is crucial. After reviewing 41, it’s clear to me that NordVPN is the best VPN for France.
Our tests show that it has the fastest connection speeds, while offering a large selection of servers in France and around the world. Its advanced security features will keep your internet activity private and secure, while also letting you easily bypass geo-restrictions. NordVPN is the perfect balance of privacy, performance, and price. You can get NordVPN for as low as $3.09/month, with a 30-day money back guaranteeing ensuring you can try it risk free.
If you’re looking for alternatives Surfshark and Proton VPN may be better suited for your needs. Whatever you choose, a reliable french VPN will ensure you’ll get a secure, private, and unrestricted browsing experience.
FAQ
What's the best VPN for France?
NordVPN is the best VPN for France. It offers a large server fleet that includes 300+ French servers, the market-leading suite of security, and it’s also one of the best VPNs for streaming. With it, online security and privacy are guaranteed.
How do I get a French VPN?
Start by choosing a reliable VPN provider, such as NordVPN, and downloading the app onto your device. Once installed, open the app and select France as your desired server location. Now you’re ready to browse with a French IP address.
Is using a VPN legal in France?
Yes, using a VPN in France is safe and highly recommended. A reliable VPN encrypts your internet traffic, keeping it secure from ISPs, hackers, and government surveillance. For example, NordVPN uses AES-256 encryption to ensure your online activities remain private.
Which VPN has the most servers in France?
NordVPN has the largest number of servers in France, offering over 300 options to choose from. While only a few VPNs disclose their server counts in specific locations, NordVPN stands out with its extensive network, providing reliable and secure connections throughout France.
Can an ISP in France see that I am using a VPN?
Yes, your ISP knows when you are using a VPN. It sees that encrypted traffic is going from your device to VPN servers. Nevertheless, it can’t see what you’re doing online, thanks to VPN encryption.
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