How to watch French TV online abroad

Unfortunately, a lot of French streaming services are geo-blocked and inaccessible abroad. This can be frustrating if you want to keep up with your favorite content while traveling or working abroad. Luckily you can bypass these restrictions and access French TV from anywhere by using a VPN to gain a French IP address.

A VPN or Virtual Private Network routes your internet traffic through an encrypted server in the location of your choosing. This protects your privacy and keeps your online activities safe from hackers and snoopers. What’s more, if you connect to a VPN server in France, you’ll be provided with a French IP address. This tricks websites into thinking you’re located in France, allowing you to access geo-blocked French content from anywhere in the world.

In this article, we’ll talk you through exactly how to use a VPN to watch French TV from anywhere, and we’ll list the best VPNs for the job. You can find full reviews of each of the providers we recommend later on in this article. However, below is a quick summary in case you’re in a hurry.

Best VPNs for watching French TV:

1. NordVPN: The best VPN for watching French TV anywhere. 200+ servers in France and 6,000 worldwide. No-logs VPN with Double VPN servers. Includes 24/7 live chat support and a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
   TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Basic) works perfectly for French TV.
2. Surfshark: The best budget VPN for French TV. Connect an unlimited number of devices simultaneously. Consistent speeds for watching French TV abroad. No-logs VPN with 24/7 live chat support.
3. IPVanish: Consistent speeds for watching French TV overseas. Allows any number of connections per account. Secure with encryption and zero-logs policy.
4. ExpressVPN: Fast, consistent servers in France. Over 3,000 servers in 100+ countries. Excellent apps, 24/7 support, and high-end encryption.
5. CyberGhost: 900+ servers in France and over 10,000 globally. High speeds and unlimited bandwidth for streaming. Strong security includes a strict no-logs policy.
6. PrivateVPN: High-speed service with servers in 63 countries, including France. Strong unblocking ability. Secure with encryption and offers very easy-to-use apps.
7. Private Internet Access: Speedy and reliable US-based VPN. Robust encryption and strong security features. Servers in France work to watch Canal+ and many others.

How to watch French TV abroad with a VPN

Don’t worry if you’ve never used a VPN before, it’s quite simple. Just follow this step-by-step guide, and you’ll be streaming your favorite French content in no time.

Here’s how to watch French TV abroad in 5 simple steps:

1. First, sign up with a reputable VPN provider with servers in France. We particularly recommend NordVPN.
2. Download the VPN, making sure to get the correct app for your device. Some of the VPNs listed also offer Chrome and Firefox browser extensions.
3. Open the newly installed VPN app and connect to a server in France. This will give you the French IP address necessary to access French content.
4. Navigate to your preferred streaming service or platform for watching French TV. Any geo-restricted content should now be unblocked and ready to watch!
5. If you’re struggling, we recommend clearing your browser’s cache and cookies before refreshing your browser. This ensures websites forget your previous IP address and location.

How we selected the top French TV VPNs

There are many VPNs on the market, and plenty of them have servers in France, but they don’t all provide the same level of service and aren’t all suitable for streaming. To save you some time, we’ve narrowed down the options by only recommending those VPNs that meet the following criteria:

• Fast and reliable servers in France for streaming French TV
• Unblocks the likes of TF1, 6Play, and France 2
• Strong security with encryption
• Protects your privacy with a no-logs policy
• Easy-to-use apps for a variety of operating systems
• Money-back guarantee so you can try it risk-free

This is just an overview, but you can read more about our testing process in the methodology section later in this article. For now, let’s take a closer look at the providers that impressed us.

The best VPNs for French TV: at a glance

We’ve compared the most important features of the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – our #1 choice for French TV.

Best VPNs for accessing French TV from anywhere

Comparitech aims to publish the most accurate and comprehensive VPN recommendations on the internet. To do that, our team personally uses and tests each VPN, and the following reviews are the result of those first-hand experiences.

Here’s our list of the best VPNs for watching French TV online from abroad:

1. NordVPN

Nov 2024

NordVPN is our number-one choice VPN for watching French TV. It provides you with plenty of choices, with over 200 servers in France. Better still, some of these are optimized for P2P file-sharing, while others (Double VPN) offer twice the level of encryption for extra security. This VPN has a huge network of over 6,000 servers which are located in 100 countries. This means you can use it to watch French TV on France 2 and France 3 as well as international streaming services such as Netflix and BBC iPlayer.

You can use NordVPN safely in the knowledge that your personal information is being kept private. That’s because it operates a strict no-logs policy and uses 256-bit AES encryption to secure your data. You’re also protected from DNS and IPv6 leaks, while a kill switch ensures no data is exposed should the VPN connection accidentally drop. A NordVPN subscription lets you connect 10 devices simultaneously while 24/7 live chat support is also available.

You can stream French TV abroad thanks to the NordVPN apps for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, and Android TV. Browser extensions are available to download for Chrome and Firefox. NordVPN can be used with compatible routers but requires manual configuration.

NordVPN speed test data

BEST VPN FOR FRENCH TV:NordVPN has over 200 servers in France and 6,000 worldwide. Works well with many popular streaming services. Operates a strict no-logs policy and offers Double VPN servers for extra security. Secure 10 devices simultaneously. Try it risk-free thanks to its 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full NordVPN review.

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2. Surfshark

Surfshark has servers in three French cities: Bordeaux, Marseille, and Paris. As such, you should always be able to find a fast server that lets you watch French TV online from abroad. This VPN has strong unblocking ability and can be used to stream Gulli and France 2, among other popular services. However, one particularly noteworthy feature is that it allows unlimited simultaneous connections per account — great for sharing with family.

There’s no shortage of security options with Surfshark. For instance, it offers Double VPN servers for an extra layer of encryption. You can also take advantage of its 256-bit AES encryption, DNS leak protection, a kill switch, and strict no-logs policy. The CleanWeb feature blocks ads, trackers, and malware. Should you have any questions about Surfshark’s many features, 24/7 support is available via live chat as well as email.

Surfshark offers easy-to-use apps for Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, and Amazon Fire TV. Chrome and Firefox browser extensions can also be downloaded. Surfshark is compatible with select routers, but this requires manual setup.

Surfshark speed test data

BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark allows unlimited simultaneous connections. Offers good, reliable servers for streaming and torrenting. Has a very low price and a strict no-logs policy. 24/7 support. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full Surfshark review.

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3. IPVanish

IPVanish lets you stream your favorite French TV shows abroad. With around 30 servers in Paris, Marseille, and Bordeux, and exceptional speeds, it’s ideal for streaming. You can use this VPN to securely stream plenty of international content, as it has servers in dozens of countries and over 40,000 IP addresses available. When it comes to French TV, IPVanish works well with Arte and France 24, and Netflix.

One of the best features of IPVanish is that it lets you connect as many devices as you like via a single account. You’ll also have access to live chat support which you can contact 24/7. In terms of security, IPVanish uses 256-bit AES encryption and a kill switch, plus it protects you from DNS leaks. What’s more, it has a no-logs policy, allowing you to maintain your anonymity while browsing the web.

Secure all of your devices thanks to the IPVanish apps for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Amazon Fire TV. Use with Linux and compatible routers requires the VPN to be installed manually.

IPVanish speed test data

UNLIMITED BANDWIDTH:IPVanish offers good speeds and unlimited bandwidth for lag-free streaming of French TV. Use it on as many devices as you like. 24/7 support. Protects your privacy with a zero-logs policy and high-end encryption. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full IPVanish review.

4. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is perfectly suited to watching French TV abroad. This is down to its servers, which are as reliable as they are fast. This service has an impressive global network of roughly 3,000 servers spread across 100+ countries. Additionally, users’ bandwidth isn’t limited in any way, which is ideal for streaming as well as torrenting. Indeed, ExpressVPN unblocks many popular French streaming platforms, including TF1 and 6Play.

Should you have multiple devices to secure, ExpressVPN allows up to eight simultaneous connections on its long-term plans and five on its monthly plans. Another advantage of using this VPN service is its excellent customer support which is fast, friendly, and available 24/7 via live chat or email. ExpressVPN takes your online security seriously, using 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and protection from DNS, IPv6 leaks, and WebRTC leaks. Just as important, it doesn’t keep identifying logs of its users, allowing you to browse the web anonymously.

Connect to a server in France via ExpressVPN apps for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS. There are also custom router firmware and Chrome and Firefox browser extensions.

ExpressVPN speed test data

IMPRESSIVE SECURITY:ExpressVPN is fast and privacy-conscious, with servers in 100+ countries, France included. Great for streaming French TV overseas. Very strong security with high-end encryption. Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full ExpressVPN review.

5. CyberGhost

CyberGhost leads the way when it comes to server quantity. With over 900 servers in France, you won’t have any problems watching French TV overseas. This VPN has one of the largest networks around, with more than 10,000 servers in 100+ countries. It also offers high speeds and unlimited bandwidth, making it highly suitable for streaming channels like France 24 and Euronews, without buffering or lag.

If you have lots of devices to secure, you’ll be pleased to learn that CyberGhost allows up to seven simultaneous connections per account. It also has very strong security, using 256-bit AES encryption to protect your privacy. This is a no-logs VPN service that offers DNS leak protection, a kill switch, and automatic malware scanning. CyberGhost even offers independently operated servers to reduce the risk of third-party interference.

Secure all of your devices with CyberGhost’s VPN apps for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, and Amazon Fire TV. There’s also the option of browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox. Manual installation is required for use with compatible routers.

CyberGhost speed test data

HUNDREDS OF FRENCH SERVERS:CyberGhost has more servers than most of its rivals and over 900 in France alone. Very fast speeds and unlimited bandwidth. Lets you connect up to seven devices simultaneously. Strict no-logs policy. 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full CyberGhost review.

6. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN is one of the fastest VPNs we’ve tried, making it particularly suitable for streaming French TV overseas. Overall, it has servers in 63 countries, including Paris, France. The fast speeds mean you can stream at high resolutions without having to worry about lag or buffering. Indeed, this VPN offers unlimited bandwidth and works with many popular French streaming platforms, such as TF1 and BFM TV.

A particularly beginner-friendly VPN, PrivateVPN makes it quick and easy to connect to a server in France or any other location. It can be used on 10 devices simultaneously and comes with live chat support. PrivateVPN’s security features include 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and DNS leak protection. Furthermore, it doesn’t keep any logs, so you can browse, stream, and torrent without having to worry about who can see your data.

PrivateVPN offers apps for the following operating systems: Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS. If you’d like to use it with your Linux system or router, you’ll need to follow manual setup instructions.

PrivateVPN speed test data

BEGINNER-FRIENDLY:PrivateVPN has high-speed servers for streaming French TV abroad. Works with many popular streaming services. Very easy-to-use desktop and mobile apps. Offers a strict no-logs policy and live chat support. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full PrivateVPN review.

7. Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access (PIA) is a US-based VPN provider well-known for its strong commitment to user privacy. With customizable applications, users can tailor encryption and network settings to meet their specific needs. Despite being under the jurisdiction of US surveillance laws, PIA upholds a stringent no-logging policy that has been judicially confirmed multiple times.

For those seeking to access regional internet services in France, PIA provides servers that facilitate watching popular French streaming services such as Canal+, ARTE, France TV, and TF1 from abroad or on restrictive networks, such as schools, colleges, and workplaces in France. This VPN is also effective for protecting against ISP snooping and ensuring security on public Wi-Fi networks.

PIA supports P2P activities like torrenting and boasts a large server network across over 80 countries, which enables robust access to geo-restricted content worldwide. Our tests confirmed its ability to access major US streaming services like Netflix and Hulu from France.

The VPN is equipped with advanced security features, including a kill switch, DNS leak protection, and an ad blocker. Users have the flexibility to customize encryption, port settings, and DNS configurations. Although PIA generally provides decent speeds for streaming and other data-intensive activities, speeds can vary between different servers. Therefore, it is recommended to test the servers you need to access international services or content. You can do this risk fee using its money-back guarantee.

PIA’s setup process is straightforward across all major operating systems and supports unlimited simultaneous connections, making it an excellent option for families or groups, particularly for French expats wanting to access domestic services from abroad.

Private Internet Access speed test data

HIGHLY CUSTOMIZABLE:PIA is a fast VPN with a robust privacy policy and servers in France. Top-notch security features, including AES-256 encryption, a kill switch, obfuscation, and DNS leak protection. Works to access international services in France. PIA allows unlimited simultaneous connections and provides a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Check out our full Private Internet Access review to find out more.

Methodology: How we found the best VPNs for French TV

There are subtle differences between every VPN. This means that the most secure service isn’t necessarily the best for streaming, and vice versa. The key is to find a well-rounded VPN that can handle whatever you throw at it. To find the best VPNs for streaming French TV, we identified a few non-negotiable features and used these to thin out the competition:

• French servers: Since many French streaming services require users to have a French IP address, these are vital. We’d like to see servers in multiple cities too, since this lets travelers in places far from Paris (such as Toulouse) get a low-latency connection too.
• Connection speed: For uninterrupted live streaming, you’ll need steady speeds and a stable connection. With this in mind, we’ve only recommended VPNs that delivered impressive results in our most recent speed testing.
• Streaming ability: It’s no use if your VPN only works with a handful of French channels. That’s why we pit them against platforms like TF1, France 2, Netflix France, and TV5Monde to see which is best for streaming overall.
• Security features: It’s important that you’re able to browse and stream without worrying about being monitored. As such, all of our top VPNs must include a no-logs policy, 256-bit encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and a kill switch at a bare minimum.
• Ease of use: VPNs might seem complex, but using them shouldn’t be. We look for beginner-friendly apps, live chat-based support, and streaming-optimized servers, among other quality-of-life features.
• Pricing: We don’t want you to pay more than is absolutely necessary, which is why we only highlight VPNs that are well-priced for what they offer. Further, if there’s a deal, discount, free trial, or money-back guarantee available, we’ll always let you know.

Our testing doesn’t stop here! Find out more in our full testing methodology post.

Using a free VPN to watch French TV abroad

A free VPN may be a tempting option, but unfortunately, many free VPNs are more trouble than they’re worth. For starters, free VPNs are notoriously unreliable when it comes to unblocking geo-restricted content. This is particularly the case with major streaming services such as Netflix. Furthermore, most free VPNs don’t have many servers and may even throttle your bandwidth. As such, you’re likely to encounter a lot of lag and buffering when streaming.

Poor performance is a key reason why we don’t recommend you use free VPNs. However, they’re also lacking in the area of security. In particular, many don’t use encryption to secure your data. As such, you may find your data compromised due to a lack of security features in place. In order to make money, some free VPNs log user data (including your browsing history). This is then sold to third parties, often without your knowledge or consent.

For these reasons, we suggest avoiding the allure of a free VPN and opting for the security of a quality, paid provider instead.

Watching French TV online: FAQs