Best VPNs for France in 2024 (Only 4 Passed All Tests)

Imagine yourself navigating the internet with total privacy, accessing content from around the globe without any barriers, and keeping your online data safe from curious eyes. Sounds like a dream, doesn't it? But it's closer to reality than you might think.

France, as a leader in digital innovation, boasts a vibrant online community. However, this digital freedom also brings with it potential risks like data surveillance and content restrictions. This means that your online activities could be monitored, your personal information might be vulnerable, and you might not have access to all the content you want due to geographical restrictions. All of this only highlights the importance of using a virtual private network (VPN) in France.

But with a sea of options out there, how do you pick the right one? Don't worry, in this in-depth guide, we'll walk you through the top VPNs for France, their features, and how they can enhance your online experience.

To ensure we're recommending the best VPNs, we've run extensive tests on each of these services, evaluating their speed, security, server coverage, and ability to bypass geo-restrictions. We've also considered user reviews and the company's reputation and track record.

Only the VPNs that excelled in all these areas have made it to our list. So, let's dive in and take a closer look at them.

Top VPNs for France

1. NordVPN – Best VPN for France with secure apps, 230+ French servers, extremely fast speeds, and excellent support for streaming (with a 74% off coupon)
2. Surfshark – Budget VPN for France with advanced features and great speeds
3. ExpressVPN – User-friendly VPN for France, but expensive
4. IPVanish – Fast and reliable VPN for France

For a more detailed comparison and information on other top VPN services, check out our comprehensive best VPN services guide.

Why do you need a VPN in France?

Living in France brings unique online challenges, including privacy, security, and content restrictions. A VPN can solve these, offering privacy, a secure connection, and access to geo-blocked content.

Now, let's delve into the core reasons why investing in a VPN for France is a smart move for your online activities.

Safeguard your personal data from prying eyes

In today's digital world, privacy is more of a privilege than a given. France, in recent years, has amped up its surveillance measures, leading many to worry about their online privacy. But here's the good news – with a VPN, you can effectively put a cloak over your online activities, keeping them hidden from the government's watchful eyes. After all, your personal information should stay just that – personal.

Believe us when we say, the consequences of government surveillance can extend way beyond just keeping tabs on your internet activities. For example, it could potentially lead to invasion of your private life, restriction of your freedom of speech, and even misuse of your personal data for various purposes.

However, it's not just about the government. Using a VPN when connected to public Wi-Fi in France is also a smart move. Public Wi-Fi networks are like an open book, leaving your device and data exposed to anyone curious enough to look. Thankfully, a VPN can scramble your connection and keep Wi-Fi hotspot providers from tracking your web visits, giving you peace of mind when browsing on-the-go.

If you're interested in further enhancing your online privacy, don't miss our guide on secure browsers that protect your privacy.

Escape the ISP aka “speed police”

Have you ever felt like your internet speed is being held hostage? Well, you're not alone. ISPs in France have a reputation for throttling internet speeds or prioritizing certain types of traffic, leading to slower connections and a less-than-stellar online experience. But here's the silver lining – by using a VPN, you can outsmart your ISP, keeping your browsing activities private and your internet speeds unhindered.

Moreover, French authorities have established extensive surveillance operations to monitor citizens’ phone and internet activities. But don't worry, a VPN can be your online stealth shield, covering your online actions from ISP scrutiny and allowing you to surf the web without a worry in the world.

Access blocked websites

While surfing the web in France, you might bump into certain digital roadblocks, known as geo-restrictions. These can keep you from accessing a wide range of websites and streaming services due to regional limitations. But fret not, a VPN can act like a digital passport, connecting you to a server in another country, and allowing you to take a virtual trip across borders to access content that would otherwise be off-limits.

Take this scenario, for instance. You're trying to access a popular international streaming service, but it's unavailable in France. A VPN can change your IP address, making it appear as though you're browsing from a country where the service is available. Just like that, you've bypassed the geo-restriction, and you're free to enjoy your favorite shows.

Bypass torrenting restrictions

While torrenting isn't illegal in France, downloading copyrighted material without permission can land you in hot water. But don't sweat it – a VPN can be your secret weapon, allowing you to download torrents without the fear of penalties.

Now, it's important to note that not all VPNs are created equal, especially when it comes to torrenting. That's why we recommend NordVPN and ExpressVPN . They offer dedicated P2P servers and top-notch security features to ensure your torrenting activities stay under the radar.

For a more detailed exploration of VPNs best suited for secure and anonymous torrenting, don't miss our comprehensive best VPN for torrenting guide.

Unblock streaming platforms

Imagine your favorite streaming platforms – let's say Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and France TV – being just a fingertip away, but regional restrictions are keeping them out of reach. Fortunately, by utilizing a VPN, you can leap over these digital hurdles and access Netflix France, binge-watching your favorite shows and movies without anything standing in your way.

Here's how it works – a VPN server located in the country where the streaming service is available can unlock a whole universe of content that was previously out of reach. For instance, if you connect to a US server, you'll be able to access the US Netflix library, dramatically expanding your viewing options and transforming your streaming experience into something truly spectacular.

For more information on how to enhance your streaming experience with a VPN, check out our comprehensive best VPN for streaming guide.

Testing criteria for finding the best VPNs for France

Choosing the right VPN for your needs in France might seem like a daunting task, given the multitude of options out there. However, by considering key factors such as server coverage, security features, and money-back guarantees, you can navigate your way to a wise choice. A rock-solid VPN solution should offer a wide range of server locations, robust encryption protocols, and a strict no-logs policy.

Here are some handy tips to keep in mind when choosing a VPN:

• Has servers in France: A VPN with servers in France is crucial for maintaining high-speed connections and low latency.

• Powerful performance: Look for a VPN that offers quick and stable connections for a smooth browsing experience.

• Compatibility: Make sure that the VPN works well with the devices you plan to use it on. This includes not just your computer but your smartphone, tablet, and even your router.

• Content unblocking capabilities: Check if the VPN can bypass geo-restrictions and access restricted content. This is particularly important for users who want to access streaming services or websites that are not available in their current location.

• Positive customer feedback: Take some time to read reviews from other users to get a sense of the VPN’s quality and reliability. Look for consistent positive feedback and pay attention to comments about speed, reliability, and customer service.

By keeping these factors in mind and doing your homework, you can confidently choose the best VPN for your needs in France. Remember, a VPN is an investment in your online privacy and security, so it's worth taking the time to find the right one for you.

If you're concerned about your personal data being exposed online and want to learn more about how to remove it, check out our best online data removal services guide.

Top 5 VPNs for unrivaled online freedom in France

To help you navigate the sea of choices, we've handpicked the top five best VPN options for France. These VPNs strike the perfect balance between privacy, security, and streaming capabilities, ensuring a smooth and safe online journey.

NordVPN – The pinnacle of privacy with French servers

NordVPN is not just a basic VPN service, but an all-inclusive security suite with a variety of top-tier features that enhance both security and privacy. This makes it an ideal choice for users in France and beyond. With a massive network of over 5,800 servers in 60 countries, including over 230 servers spread across Paris and Marseille, NordVPN ensures fast connections by preventing overcrowding on their servers.

One of its standout features is Threat Protection, which blocks ads, trackers, malware, and phishing domains across your entire operating system (a VPN ad blocker on steroids). For those seeking an extra layer of protection, NordVPN offers Double VPN servers. This unique feature encrypts your traffic over two different server locations, providing an additional layer of security and distributing trust over two VPN servers.

If you're after the added protection and anonymity of the Tor network, NordVPN has you covered with its Tor-over-VPN servers. This feature layers the protection of a VPN connection with the anonymity of the Tor network, offering enhanced privacy for users in France.

NordVPN also provides obfuscated servers that conceal your VPN connection, making it possible to evade VPN blocks such as those encountered when using a VPN for China or when trying to bypass work networks that block VPNs.

See all NordVPN features here >

Security is further enhanced by NordVPN's large and secure server network, which operates entirely in RAM-disk mode. This ensures that no data is written to a hard drive, increasing both security and performance, which is crucial for users in France who prioritize speed and security.

Built-in kill switches are a standard feature in all NordVPN apps. These ensure that your traffic remains encrypted and protected at all times, even if your VPN connection drops momentarily. NordVPN also offers split tunneling, a feature that allows you to route specific apps outside of the VPN server network. This can be useful for accessing local French services while remaining connected to the VPN for other activities.

To sum it up, NordVPN remains a top-tier choice for a VPN service in France, continuously evolving and improving its features to maintain its leading position in the industry. To get the best deal, don't forget to check out their two-year plan using the coupon below.

See our NordVPN review for more test results and in-depth analysis.

For those interested in the WireGuard protocol, which NordVPN supports, we recommend checking out our best VPNs that support WireGuard guide for more information.

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Surfshark – Unlimited connections and top-tier privacy

Surfshark is a big fish in the VPN ocean, offering a budget-friendly yet robust VPN service that stands out due to its unlimited simultaneous connections. This feature makes it a top choice for those who have a multitude of devices or big families. With a variety of French IP addresses at your disposal, including servers in Marseille, Bordeaux, and Paris, and an audited no-log policy, Surfshark ensures your online privacy and security are never compromised.

But it's not just about privacy. Surfshark also offers impressive speeds, thanks to its robust network of servers, providing a smooth and delay-free online experience, whether you're streaming your favorite show, gaming, or just browsing through your social media feeds. Plus, Surfshark can reliably unblock popular streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, and more, allowing you to enjoy your favorite content without being hindered by geographical restrictions.

When it comes to security, Surfshark is no slouch. It offers industry-leading AES-256-GCM encryption, a CleanWeb feature that keeps ads, trackers, and malware at bay, and a Whitelister function that lets you select apps or websites to bypass the VPN. This is particularly useful if you want to access local French services while keeping your VPN connected for other online activities.

Moreover, Surfshark offers a MultiHop feature, which routes your connection through two different VPN servers for an added layer of privacy and security.

With a 30-day money-back guarantee, you can try Surfshark risk-free and experience its benefits for yourself. This gives you plenty of time to test out its features and see if it's the right VPN for your needs in France.

Check out our detailed Surfshark review for comprehensive test results and analysis.

If you're interested in additional security, consider VPNs with MultiHop or double VPN features. Learn more in our best Multi-Hop and double VPNs guide.

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ExpressVPN – High-speed streaming and security

ExpressVPN has managed to carve out a solid reputation in the VPN industry, and it's not hard to understand why. It's particularly renowned for its lightning-fast streaming capabilities, which are a boon for users in France who want to enjoy their favorite shows without the annoyance of buffering.

ExpressVPN, with its vast network of servers in 105 countries, including several in France's key locations such as Paris, Marseille, Alsace, and Strasbourg, ensures a smooth, high-speed connection for its users. What's best, these speedy servers run entirely on RAM, which not only boost performance but also security.

ExpressVPN also works seamlessly with popular streaming platforms, providing a smooth, buffer-free experience. So whether you're catching up on the latest Netflix series or streaming live sports, ExpressVPN has got your back. ExpressVPN is consistently ranked as one of the best VPNs for Netflix and also best VPN for BBC iPlayer.

Now, let's talk about the security features of ExpressVPN. It uses military-grade 256-bit AES encryption, which ensures your data is secure from prying eyes. It also operates a strict no-logs policy, which means it doesn't keep any records of your online activities, as noted in the ExpressVPN vs NordVPN comparison.

ExpressVPN also incorporates a Network Lock kill switch into its apps. This feature automatically cuts off your internet connection if your VPN connection drops, preventing your real IP address and online activities from being exposed.

Finally, ExpressVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. So you can test out the service and all its features without any risk. If you're not satisfied for any reason, you can get a full refund, no questions asked.

Dive into our extensive ExpressVPN review for in-depth test results and analysis.

If you want to be sure that your VPN provider doesn't keep any records of your online activities, then you might find our best no logs VPNs guide extremely useful.

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IPVanish – A Powerhouse for streamers and torrenters

IPVanish is a VPN service that come with a superb range of security features that work together to ensure your online activities remain private and secure, even when you're torrenting or streaming content.

One of the standout features of IPVanish is its impressive speed performance. This VPN service is designed to deliver high-speed connections that are perfect for streaming and torrenting. With IPVanish, you can enjoy your favorite content without any buffering or lag. An added advantage is the presence of more than 30 servers located in key French locations like Paris, Bordeaux, and Marseille, ensuring fast and reliable connections for users in France.

IPVanish also boasts powerful unblocking capabilities, making it an optimal choice for accessing a variety of streaming platforms. Whether you're trying to access Netflix, Hulu, or any other streaming service, IPVanish can help you bypass geographical restrictions and enjoy your favorite content.

In addition to its performance and unblocking capabilities, IPVanish also offers strong security features. These include AES-256 encryption, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch. These features work together to ensure your online activities remain private and secure, even when you're connected to a public Wi-Fi network.

IPVanish also operates a strict no-log policy, which means it doesn't keep any records of your online activities. This is an important feature for anyone who values their online privacy and doesn't want their VPN provider to keep any logs of their online activities.

Given that the USA is part of the Five Eyes (FVEY) intelligence alliance, some users might find its base location a concern due to the country's stringent surveillance laws and data retention practices. This alliance could potentially expose user privacy, as the VPN provider may be legally obliged to share user data with government agencies, including those from other FVEY countries.

For a thorough examination of test results and analysis, explore our IPVanish review.

If you're in the hunt for a VPN that offers the split tunneling feature, you can learn more about this in our best VPNs with split tunneling guide.

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Ensuring your online safety: Core VPN security features

When choosing a VPN for use in France, it's important to keep an eye out for certain security features. These include:

1. Secure encryption: Think of encryption as a secret code that protects your internet traffic. Protocols like AES-256 create this code, preventing unauthorized access to your data.

2. No-logs policies: A strong no-logs policy means your VPN provider doesn't keep any records of your online activities.

3. Kill switch: A kill switch is like a safety net for your internet connection. If your VPN connection drops, the kill switch automatically disconnects your internet and prevents your real IP address and online activities from being exposed.

So, when it comes to selecting the best VPNs for France, NordVPN, Surfshark, ExpressVPN, and IPVanish all make the cut. We find lots of extra privacy features with NordVPN and Surfshark.

Maximize your VPN experience: Extra features to look for

To make the most of your VPN service in France, why not take advantage of some advanced features and techniques? One such feature is split tunneling, which gives you the power to choose which specific apps or websites you want to route through the VPN while leaving others untouched. This can help optimize your connection speeds and reduce bandwidth usage, making your online activities more efficient.

Another technique you might find useful is switching between different tunneling protocols. Different protocols can affect your connection speed, level of security, and ability to bypass network restrictions. By playing around with these settings and features, you can customize your VPN experience to better suit your specific needs and enhance your online experience.

Free vs paid: Making the right choice for a France VPN

When it comes to choosing a VPN for France, you might be tempted by the idea of a free service. However, it's worth noting that free VPNs often have their downsides, such as slower connection speeds, limited server choices, and less-than-ideal privacy policies. On the flip side, opting for a paid VPN service typically means you'll benefit from advanced security features, reliable performance, and a wide array of virtual server locations.

Also, most top-tier paid VPNs offer free trials or money-back guarantees, so you can give their service a whirl before fully committing to a subscription.

For those who are interested in exploring free VPN options, check out our best free VPN services guide.

Legalities and limitations: Understanding VPN use in France

Is using a VPN in France legal? Yes, as long as you're not doing anything illegal while connected to the VPN, you're good to go. But remember, while a VPN can protect your online privacy and help you bypass content restrictions, it's not a free pass to engage in illegal activities.

Things like hacking or unauthorized downloading of copyrighted material are still illegal, VPN or no VPN. So, always make sure you're using your VPN responsibly and in accordance with local laws and regulations. That way, you can enjoy all the benefits of a VPN without any legal headaches.

Best VPNs for France FAQ

What is the best VPN for France in 2024?

If you're looking for the top VPN for France, NordVPN should be your go-to choice. It's not only dedicated to keeping your online activities private and secure, but it also effortlessly unblocks Netflix and other popular streaming services. Plus, with a 30-day money-back guarantee, you can take it for a test drive with peace of mind.

Which VPN has the most servers in France?

NordVPN has the most servers in France. With over 230 servers spread across Paris and Marseille, it ensures fast connections by preventing overcrowding on its servers.

Are there any free VPNs with servers in France?

Yes, there are free VPNs with servers in France, like ProtonVPN and TunnelBear. However, they often have limitations in terms of speed, data usage, and server locations when compared to paid options.

Is it legal to use a VPN in France?

Yes, using a VPN in France is legal. However, it's important to note that while the use of a VPN is legal, conducting illegal activities while using a VPN, such as hacking or unauthorized downloading of copyrighted material, is still illegal.

Are torrents illegal in France?

Torrenting itself isn't illegal in France. However, downloading or sharing copyrighted material without permission is. That's why using a VPN is recommended when torrenting, to protect your privacy and security.

Conclusion: Choose one of the best VPNs for France right now

Just like any other place in the world, the digital landscape in France comes with its own set of challenges. You might have to deal with surveillance, content restrictions, and data security risks. Fortunately, with the right VPN, you can overcome these obstacles and enjoy a safe, private, and unrestricted online experience.

Based on our tests and analysis, NordVPN comes out on top as the best VPN for France. That said, you should be good with any of the other VPNs in this guide as well.

When picking the perfect VPN for France, there are few things you should consider. Look for a VPN with extensive server coverage, robust security features, reliable performance, and user-friendly interfaces. A VPN that ticks all these boxes will definitely enhance your online experience.

Top-tier VPNs like NordVPN, Surfshark, and ExpressVPN are all excellent choices. They not only secure your connection but also protect your personal data from prying eyes. Plus, they can help you bypass geographical restrictions, giving you access to a wider range of content.

So, why wait? Equip yourself with a reliable VPN and start enjoying a more free, secure, and peaceful internet experience in France.

This best VPNs for France guide was last updated on January 22, 2024.