5 Best FREE VPN for France (2023)
Lawrence Williams
For the longest time, France had been known for its pro-privacy stand. Unfortunately, this reputation didn’t hold up as well as we’d hoped over the recent years. In 2015, the French Constitutional Council passed provisions that allow internet service providers to legally monitor the online activity of individuals deemed suspicious and report the information to government agencies.
Nothing free is unproblematic, especially when it’s a free VPN (Virtual Private Network). Since you’re not paying for their services, free VPNs need other sources of revenue. Therefore, some will throw a ton of ads at you or invite themselves to look at your data. Others will slow down your bandwidth (internet speed) or even sell your browsing details.
The good news is the best VPN for France providers I’m talking about today won’t do that to you. Read more…
Best Free VPN for France
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#1 Best Overall
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| VPN Provider | ExpressVPN | NordVPN | Surfshark | Atlas VPN |
| Number of servers: | 3,000+ | 5,000+ | 3200+ | 750+ |
| No. of Server Countries | 94 | 59 | 65 | 37 |
| Zero-logs policy | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| 24/7 support | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Max connections | 5 | 6 | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Our Review |
Excellent – 9.8
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Excellent – 9.7
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Good – 9.6
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Good – 9.5
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| Free trial | 30 days | 30 days | 30 days | 30 days |
| Link | Try Free Now | Try Free Now | Try Free Now | Try Free Now |
1) ExpressVPN – Best Overall
ExpressVPN is one of the easiest to operate and secure VPN service for France. Its encryption standards are rock-solid, and it’s taken great strides when it comes to balancing speed with security. Express VPN is really easy to navigate despite its advanced features. You’ll figure it out in no time, even if you’re a newbie to the VPN world!
Key Specs:
| Supported Platforms: iOS, Android, Linux, macOS, and Microsoft Windows |
No of Servers: 3000+ | Server Countries: 94 | Split Tunneling: yes |
| Data Allowance: Unlimited | Torrenting: yes | Kill Switch: yes | |
| Able to unblock: YouTube TV, Netflix, iPlayer, Amazon Prime, Hulu etc. |
No-logging policy: yes | Ip addresses: Dynamic | Simultaneous Connection: 5 |
| Free Trial: Yes – 30 days | Today Best Deal’s: Check Now! | ||
Features:
✔️ Servers in France: ExpressVPN has 4 free French VPN locations. You can connect to several French VPN servers residing in Alsace, Marseille, Paris, and Strasbourg despite your current whereabouts. They have 3000+ servers in over 94 countries.
✔️ Security and privacy: This feature relies on trustworthy AES-256 encryption to conceal your IP address. It also tangles your traffic with other users’ traffic to keep your data safe and unrecognizable. Additionally, this VPN uses private DNS to hide your DNS requests from unwanted third parties, process DNS requests faster, and ignore activity logs.
✔️ Protocol supported: Besides standard protocols like IKEv2 and OpenVPN, ExpressVPN developed Lightway as a step-up. This protocol employs user certificates to block man-in-the-middle attacks. It also uses HMAC authentication to prevent data alteration and data-channel encryption, so your information stays invisible.
✔️ Threat Manager: ExpressVPN offers you additional control over your online privacy. It is possible by blocking communication between websites/apps on your device and malicious third parties. Any risky websites/servers are included on an up-to-date blocklist.
✔️ VPN split tunneling: This feature lets your traffic move through encrypted connections as opposed to direct internet access. It allows you to use LAN devices while connected to the VPN. You can also download without reducing speed and access local and foreign internet platforms at the same time.
✔️ TrustedServed: Independently audited, this feature ensures that your data is never written on a hard drive as the servers run exclusively on RAM. This means that the entire software is wiped and reinstalled with every reboot. So, there’s no chance of third parties obtaining your information.
Pros
Live chat support is available 24/7.
Can unblock streaming sites like YouTube TV, Netflix, iPlayer, Amazon Prime, Hulu.
Supports Torrenting.
Has a Kill Switch.
Cons
For the scale of the service, advanced features are lacking.
You can only connect 5 devices at a time.
One of the most expensive VPN providers.
How to get it Free?
- To use ExpressVPN for free, sign up for the cheapest plan they offer.
- Once you pay, start using ExpressVPN, you become eligible for its 30-day money-back guarantee.
- You can get a full refund by contacting the support team within that period.
30-Day Free Trial
2) NordVPN – Best Performance
NordVPN is one of the most reliable VPN providers in France. It’s known for its devoted protection of its users’ data. With the help of this VPN, you can unblock Netflix to watch your favourite shows or find new shows by accessing Netflix through other country servers to watch their exclusive and region-locked content in France.
Key Specs:
| Supported Platforms: Linux, Windows, macOS, iOS |
No of Servers: 5000+ | Server Countries: 59 | Split Tunneling: yes |
| Data Allowance: Unlimited | Torrenting: yes | Kill Switch: yes | |
| Able to unblock: YouTube TV, Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu |
No-logging policy: yes | Ip addresses: Static | Simultaneous Connection: 6 |
| Free Trial: Yes – 30 days | Today Best Deal’s: Check Now! | ||
Features:
✔️ Servers in France: NordVPN has 3 free French VPN locations. While in France, you can connect to a French VPN server located in either Paris or Marseille with a mere tap. It has more than 5,300 servers residing in 60 countries around the globe, including Canada, Germany, Mexico, and Japan.
✔️ Security and privacy: NordVPN is committed to protecting user data through several features. It uses multi-factor authentication to secure your Nord account. It also implements a strict no-logs policy to keep your information private. Additionally, it offers Kill Switch to prevent even momentarily data exposure. Not to mention, it operates with private DNS and provides tests to ensure DNS leak protection.
✔️ Protocol supported: NordVPN promises next-generation encryption. It uses the NSA-recommended AES-256 standard, IKEv2/IPsec, and OpenVPN protocol. Additionally, the company designed NordLynx based on the cutting-edge technology of WireGuard. This helps deliver premium speed, security, and performance.
✔️ Threat protection: NordVPN engineered this security solution to keep your online presence safe. No more cyber threats such as trackers, intrusive ads, and malware. Threat Protection is the upgraded version of the previous CyberSec. It features the added function of scanning files like an antivirus.
✔️ Dark Web Monitor: This is a cybersecurity feature that keeps a watchful eye on your account details. The goal is to prevent them from getting transferred to the vicious dark web. Dark Web Monitor involves 24/7 scans of sites on the dark web. It sends you notifications of any findings so you can take the necessary security steps.
✔️ Meshnet: Instead of accessing devices via VPN servers, NordVPN’s Meshnet allows you to connect to other devices without the VPN server. You can connect to the enabled devices no matter where they are using their IP addresses or Nord names.
Pros
Security and privacy features are top tier.
Its server network is quite massive.
Effectively prevents DNS leaks.
Accepts payments in cryptocurrency.
Cons
A bit pricier than other competitors.
Navigating the app can be smoother.
Let’s you connect only 6 devices at the same time.
How to get it Free?
- To use NordVPN for free, download and install the app first.
- Then, you’ll sign up for the cheapest plan they offer, so you become eligible for its 30-day money-back guarantee.
- You can now try NordVPN risk-free and get a full refund by contacting the customer support team within the specified period.
30-Day Free Trial
3) Surfshark – Best Privacy Suite
Surfshark is one of the most reliable VPN for France. Combined with its consistent streaming performance, powerful security features, and high speed, Surfshark stands as a worthy candidate.
Key Specs:
| Supported Platforms: Mac, Windows, iOS, Linux, and Android |
No of Servers: 3200 | Server Countries: 65 | Split Tunneling: yes |
| Data Allowance: Unlimited | Torrenting: yes | Kill Switch: yes | |
| Able to unblock: YouTube TV, Netflix, iPlayer, Amazon Prime, Hulu |
No-logging policy: yes | Ip addresses: Static | Simultaneous Connection: Unlimited |
| Free Trial: Yes – 30-day free trial | Today Best Deal’s: Check Now! | ||
Features:
✔️ Servers in France: Surfshark has 3 locations for a free VPN France edition. Whenever you want to connect to a French server, simply choose one of the locations in Paris, Bordeaux, or Marseille. Surfshark has a network of more than 3,200 servers in over 100 countries worldwide including Albania, Argentina, India, and Saudi Arabia.
✔️ Security and privacy: You can definitely see how serious Surfshark is about protecting its users. Among many features, it uses Kill Switch to prevent instances of exposure. It also employs private DNS and lead protection while following a strict no-logs policy to keep your information for only your eyes.
✔️ Protocol supported: Surfshark is affordable, but it doesn’t cut back when it comes to connection technology. This VPN service runs thanks to WireGuard and fast thanks to IKEv2 lightly. Its steady performance is mostly courtesy of OpenVPN. You’re free to choose your preferred protocol on any Surfshark app.
✔️ Camouflage Mode: Otherwise referred to as Obfuscation, the Camouflage Mode is designed to overcome content filtering. It effectively conceals your traffic details to make your activity virtually invisible.
✔️ Bypasser: This feature is Surfshark’s take on split tunneling. It enables you to decide what data will pass through traditional internet gateways and which will be transmitted via the VPN. This gives you more control over sensitive information.
✔️ NoBorders Mode: This feature from Surfshark allows you to access VPN services despite network restrictions. When the app detects an attempt to limit your connection, the NoBorders Mode automatically turns on to protect your online freedom.
Pros
Very low prices and great value for money.
Navigation of the service is simple.
No restrictions on the number of connected devices.
Offers impressive unblocking capabilities.
Cons
The connection can be slow on some occasions.
The privacy policy needs to be polished.
More advanced features are in order.
How to get it Free?
- To try Surfshark VPN services for free, subscribe to one of its plans.
- Once your payment goes through, you can take advantage of Surfshark’s 30-day money-back guarantee.
- It lets you use all the features for a month and get a full refund when you contact customer support.
30-Day Free Trial
4) AtlasVPN – Best Free VPN France
When in need of a high-quality French IP address, AtlasVPN is one of the best options available for free. It offers advanced protection features and easy access to popular local services. The company also invests a massive chunk of resources in providing users with impressive connection speed and stability.
Key Specs:
| Supported Platforms: Mac, Windows, iOS, Linux, and Android |
No of Servers: 750+ | Server Countries: 37 | Split Tunneling: yes |
| Data Allowance: Unlimited | Torrenting: yes | Kill Switch: yes | |
| Able to unblock: YouTube TV, Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu |
No-logging policy: yes | Ip addresses: Dynamic | Simultaneous Connection: Unlimited |
| Free Trial: Yes- 30 days | Today Best Deal’s: Check Now! | ||
Features:
✔️ Servers in France: AtlasVPN relies on an impressive network of about 750 servers in 45 countries including Chile, Australia, Singapore, and Sweden. Whenever you want to browse through a French IP address, click or tap one of the servers residing in Paris.
✔️ Security and privacy: AtlasVPN diligently guard user data using various protection features. These include a solid no-log policy and Network Kill Switch. It also relies on a data breach monitor that runs continuous scans of all databases for credentials tied to your emails. If something triggers it, you’ll receive an alert.
✔️ Protocol supported: To ensure its users a faster and more convenient online experience, AtlasVPN adopts the WireGuard protocol with its state-of-the-art performance. Additionally, this VPN relies on the time-tested IPSec/IKEv2 protocol to preserve top-level stability. It also benefits from WireGuard’s advanced cryptography and lightweight structure.
✔️ SafeSwap: This is an additional layer of privacy that grants IPVanish users a bunch of different IP addresses. As you browse, your connection hops from one address to the next.
✔️ MultiHop+: To give a truly untraceable connection, AtlasVPN used MultiHop+. This feature tunnels and rotates your online activity between a pool of VPN gateways. The result is you stay hidden behind various walls of encryption and locations.
✔️ SafeBrowse: This security tool blocks malware and third-party tracking by disguising your location and traffic. It also keeps you from wandering into malicious websites and helps you avoid phishing.
Pros
Offers a surprisingly fast performance.
Impressive rotation of online traffic.
Streaming is very smooth.
The premium plan prices are reasonable.
Cons
The server network is smaller than its competitors.
Torrenting doesn’t always go smoothly.
Linux users can’t connect.
How to get it Free?
- AtlasVPN offers a free version that includes 3 locations but none of them is in France (one in Netherlands and two in the United States).
- To get access to all servers, you’ll first have to subscribe to a premium plan.
- From there, you can enjoy all AtlasVPN features and get a full refund within a month courtesy of its 30-day money-back guarantee.
30-Day Free Trial
5) IPVanish
IPVanish can be your best ally in the mission of maintaining online anonymity. It actually owns the physical entirety of its network servers instead of renting them. This eliminates any chance of third-party involvement to view your connections or steal your data.
Key Specs:
| Supported Platforms: Windows, iOS, Android, Mac, and FireOS. |
No of Servers: 1,300 | Server Countries: 75 | Split Tunneling: yes |
| Data Allowance: Unlimited | Torrenting: yes | Kill Switch: yes | |
| Able to unblock: Netflix: Yes- US and UK only |
No-logging policy: yes | Ip addresses: Dynamic | Simultaneous Connection: Unlimited |
| Best for: Streaming high-quality video content | |||
| Free Trial: Yes- 30 days | Today Best Deal’s: Check Now! | ||
Features:
✔️ Servers in France: IPVanish works through a growing network of at least 2,000 servers in more than 75 countries around the world. It includes 3 locations for a free VPN France edition. You can pick a French server in either Bordeaux, Marseille, or Paris, no matter your location.
✔️ Security and privacy: IPVanish protect you against snoopers and hackers with solid encryption, a verified no-logs policy, and shared IP addresses. It also features a dependable Kill Switch and consistent DNS leak protection to keep your online details safely tucked away.
✔️ Protocol supported: IPVanish employs multiple protocols to make its connections as strong and adaptable as possible. There’s the lightweight and faster WireGuard, the more secure IKEv2, the versatile IPSec, and the widely trusted OpenVPN.
✔️ Automatic startup: When you enable this feature, IPVanish will automatically activate and connect you to a suitable VPN whenever it detects internet activity.
✔️ SOCKS5 proxy: Instead of a conventional proxy, a SOCKS5 proxy offers more targeted privacy protection. It also maximizes speed, reduces errors, and provides extra flexibility for traffic compatibility.
✔️ Unmetered connections: IPVanish allows you to establish as many connections per account as you want. As such, you can use multiple devices on the VPN network at the same time. There’s no limit to the number of devices, so you can go crazy!
Pros
Great performance in unblocking geo-restricted services.
This network of servers is private property.
You can connect an unlimited number of devices.
SOCKS5 proxy supports P2P activity.
Cons
Blocking more extensive platforms could use some improvement.
Sometimes, customer support can drag on.
Subject to yearly price spikes.
How to get it Free?
IPVanish doesn’t offer a free version, but there’s a way you can use its services for free for up to 30 days.
- First, sign up for a yearly or 2-year plan. This will let you try the full potential of IPVanish on all your devices.
- From there, you can take advantage of its 30-day money-back guarantee for a 100% refund, no questions asked.
30-Day Free Trial
FAQs
Best Free VPN for France
|
#1 Best Overall
|
|
|
|
|
| VPN Provider | ExpressVPN | NordVPN | Surfshark | Atlas VPN |
| Number of servers: | 3,000+ | 5,000+ | 3200+ | 750+ |
| No. of Server Countries | 94 | 59 | 65 | 37 |
| Zero-logs policy | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| 24/7 support | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Max connections | 5 | 6 | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Our Review |
Excellent – 9.8
|
Excellent – 9.7
|
Good – 9.6
|
Good – 9.5
|
| Free trial | 30 days | 30 days | 30 days | 30 days |
| Link | Try Free Now | Try Free Now | Try Free Now | Try Free Now |
Final Thoughts
French online restrictions may not be a big deal for some, but most users prefer a secure connection to support their freedom on the internet. While the online restrictions in France aren’t as bad as in some countries, they can still interfere with your internet experience or even get abused to conduct online surveillance on French residents.
The future doesn’t look promising as the French government is getting more intrusive with its data monitoring laws. This is where a France VPN in ExpressVPN and NordVPN comes in handy. Not only will it protect your online privacy, but it’ll also make your browsing experience much more convenient