How to get Internet in France: cheap fibre & ADSL broadband options

By Valentine B

SEO Project Manager

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Need internet in France? The easiest way is to subscribe to a fibre or ADSL plan through a local provider. Fibre is the fastest and most common option, with speeds reaching up to 8 Gbps, while ADSL is being phased out. In areas without coverage, 4G/5G Box or satellite internet works well. Cheap plans start under €25/month (RED Box, Sosh). Compare offers, check coverage, and get English-speaking support to make setup easy.

Comparison of broadband operators

Criteria
Contract Length	❌12-month contract	❌ 12-month contract	❌12-month contract	✅ No contract	✅ No contract	✅ No contract
Cancellation fees	❌ 60€ + compensation for early termination	❌ 59€ + compensation for early termination	❌ 69€ + compensation for early termination	❌59€	❌50€	❌49€
Setup Fees	✅ 0€	❌ 49€	❌ 48€	❌49€	✅ 0€	❌39€
Fibre optic installation	✅ 0€	✅ 0€	✅ 0€	✅ 0€	✅ 0€	✅ 0€
Maximum fibre optic downstream speeds	✅ 8 Gbit/s	✅ 8 Gbit/s	✅ 8 Gbit/s	✅ 8 Gbit/s	❌2 Gbit/s	❌1 Gbit/s
Television	✅ Up to 200 TV channels included	✅ Up to 200 TV channels included	✅ Up to 180 TV channels included	✅ Up to 340 TV channels included	❌ TV box for €5/month	❌ TV box for €3/month
English-speaking Helpline	✅Yes	❌ No	❌ No	❌ No	❌ No	❌ No
Price range	From 26,99€/month to 44,99€/month	From 26,99€/month to 44,99€/month	From 23,99€/month to 44,99€/month	From 23,99€/month to 49,99€/month	From €24.99	From €19.99

Updated on 29 october of 2025

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How to get Internet in France?

Setting up home internet as an expat

Getting internet set up in France can feel confusing at first, especially if you’ve just moved and don’t yet have all the usual documents. To open a broadband contract, most internet providers (Orange, SFR, Bouygues Telecom, and Free) will ask for:

• proof of identity: passport or residence permit,
• proof of address: rental contract, utility bill, or proof of accommodation (attestation d’hébergement)
• a French IBAN for payments, though some providers now accept foreign bank accounts within the SEPA zone. Some may also ask for your bank card (carte bancaire) information, which is used for activation fees/deposit.

The installation process usually takes one to two weeks. Fibre broadband requires a technician visit, while ADSL can be activated remotely if your line is already set up. If you’re renting, it is best to check with your landlord whether the building is fibre-ready or still on ADSL.

💡 Pro tip: If you have a home in France and are responsible for utilities, you will likely want to set up the Internet (along with other utilities such as electricity or natural gas).

Connection types in France: Fibre, ADSL, 4G Box & Satellite

France offers several internet connection types, depending on your location. Fibre broadband is now the dominant technology in most towns and cities, offering the fastest speeds and the most reliable connection.

The ADSL network is gradually being phased out, as it is becoming obsolete. 4G/5G Box solutions and satellite internet are primarily used in rural or "white zone" areas where traditional broadband is not yet available.

Updated on 29 october of 2025

💡 Pro tip: Check fibre eligibility first. It’s the fastest and most future-proof option. Use 4G/5G Box or satellite only if fibre or ADSL aren’t available at your address.

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Temporary or flexible options for tourists & short-term stay

If you’re staying in France for a short period, as a student, digital nomad or tenant on a short lease, several no-contract internet options are available:

• 4G or 5G home routers (box 4G sans engagement): offered by Bouygues Telecom, SFR, Free and Orange. You plug in a SIM card and get instant Wi-Fi at home, with no technician visit.
• Prepaid or pay-as-you-go Wi-Fi dongles: These small USB devices or portable hotspots are perfect for temporary stays or shared accommodation.
• Rolling monthly contracts: Many low-cost operators (like RED by SFR or Free) now offer month-to-month fibre or ADSL plans that you can cancel anytime without penalties.

These options are more flexible than traditional broadband subscriptions, though data limits may apply.

💬 Good to know: No-contract offers always have fixed termination fees (around €40-50). However, they allow you to avoid the early termination fees that apply to contract offers.

Check Internet coverage and fibre availability

Before choosing an internet plan, it’s essential to check which technologies are available at your exact address: fibre, ADSL, 4G/5G Box or satellite. In France, coverage can vary a lot from one street or village to another, so running an eligibility test is the quickest way to find out what’s possible for your home.

Use our interactive tool below to test your address. Simply enter your French address (or future one, if you’re moving soon) to see:

• whether fibre broadband is available in your building,
• which internet providers operate in your area,
• and what maximum speeds you can expect.

If fibre isn’t yet available where you live, the tool will show you the best ADSL or 4G Box alternatives, so you can still get reliable Wi-Fi while waiting for the fibre rollout.

📖 See also: Test your current internet connection speed.

Best Internet providers in France & prices in 2025

Cheap Internet Plans in France

For expats looking to keep monthly bills low, France offers several minimalistic broadband plans that still include unlimited internet access. Popular options include RED Box, Boîte Sosh, B&YOU Pure Fibre, SFR Box Starter, and Freebox Pop S.

These plans are ideal for small households, students, or anyone who doesn’t need a TV package or additional services. They often come with no long-term contract, making them flexible if you plan to move within a year. Speeds vary depending on your location, with fibre available in many urban areas and ADSL as a fallback in less connected zones.

Offers valid as of 29/10/2025

Offer	Included services	Price
RED Box Fibre No contract Frais d'ouverture offerts sur demande	Up to 1 Gbit/s download   Up to 1 Gbit/s upload   TV decoder not included   Landline calls + mobile calls	20,99€/month +33 9 77 55 72 27 Subscribe online Selectra service
B&You Pure Fibre No contract Répéteur offert 1 mois	Up to 8 Gbit/s download   Up to 1 Gbit/s upload   TV decoder not included   Calls not included	23,99€/month Subscribe online Partner offer
Freebox Pop S No contract	Up to 5 Gbit/s download   Up to 900 Mbit/s upload   TV decoder not included   Calls not included	23,99€/month +33 9 77 55 72 27 Subscribe online Selectra service
Boîte Sosh Fibre No contract	Up to 2 Gbit/s download   Up to 800 Mbit/s upload   TV decoder not included   Landline calls	24,99€/month +33 9 77 55 72 27 Subscribe online Selectra service
Box SFR Fibre Starter 12-month contract	Up to 1 Gbit/s download   Up to 1 Gbit/s upload   160 TV channels included   Landline calls	26,99€/month +33 9 77 55 72 27 Subscribe online Selectra service

Non-exhaustive selection of telecom offers, sorted by price.

Fastest Internet Plans in France

If speed is your top priority for streaming, gaming, or multiple users, French providers have you covered. The fastest plans include Freebox Ultra, Livebox Max, Bbox Ultym, and SFR Box Premium.

These offers usually come with fibre connections offering up to 8 Gbps, low latency, and excellent stability. While they may be pricier than basic plans, they are perfect for families, shared flats, or expats who work from home and rely on a fast and reliable connection. Optional extras like TV bundles, landline, or even mobile phone plans are often included.

Offers valid as of 29/10/2025

Offer	Included services	Price
Bbox Ultym Fibre 12-month contract	Up to 8 Gbit/s download   Up to 8 Gbit/s upload   180 TV channels included   2 écrans en simultané   Landline calls + mobile calls	From 44,99€/month Subscribe online Partner offer
Livebox Up Fibre 12-month contract	Up to 8 Gbit/s download   Up to 8 Gbit/s upload   200 TV channels included   Landline calls + mobile calls	From 39,99€/month +33 9 77 55 72 27 Subscribe online Selectra service
Livebox Max Fibre 12-month contract	Up to 8 Gbit/s download   Up to 8 Gbit/s upload   200 TV channels included   -5€ sur Netflix/Disney/Paramount   Landline calls + mobile calls	From 47,99€/month +33 9 77 55 72 27 Subscribe online Selectra service
Freebox Ultra No contract	Up to 8 Gbit/s download   Up to 8 Gbit/s upload   340 TV channels included   Netflix et Prime Vidéo inclus   Landline calls + mobile calls	From 49,99€/month +33 9 77 55 72 27 Subscribe online Selectra service
Freebox Ultra Essentiel No contract	Up to 8 Gbit/s download   Up to 8 Gbit/s upload   340 TV channels included   CANAL+ Live inclus 3 mois   Landline calls + mobile calls	From 39,99€/month +33 9 77 55 72 27 Subscribe online Selectra service
Box SFR Fibre Premium No contract	Up to 8 Gbit/s download   Up to 8 Gbit/s upload   200 TV channels included   Netflix, Prime ou Max pendant 9 mois   Landline calls + mobile calls	44,99€/month +33 9 77 55 72 27 Subscribe online Selectra service

Non-exhaustive selection of telecom offers, sorted by price.

Internet in France: best value for money

For those who want a balanced combination of speed, features, and cost, the best value plans are Freebox Pop, Bbox Must, SFR Box Fibre Power, and Livebox Up Fibre.

These plans provide high-speed connection, include Wi-Fi routers, as well as TV and phone bundles, without breaking the bank. They are particularly suited for long-term stays, offering a good compromise between monthly cost and performance, while giving access to a full set of services that make life in France easier.

Offers valid as of 29/10/2025

Offer	Included services	Price
Freebox Pop Fibre No contract	Up to 5 Gbit/s download   Up to 900 Mbit/s upload   300 TV channels included   Canal+ Live offert 3 mois   Landline calls + mobile calls	From 29,99€/month +33 9 77 55 72 27 Subscribe online Selectra service
Box SFR Fibre Power S 12-month contract	Up to 1 Gbit/s download   Up to 1 Gbit/s upload   160 TV channels included   Landline calls + mobile calls	29,99€/month +33 9 77 55 72 27 Subscribe online Selectra service
Bbox Must Fibre 12-month contract -50% pour foyers non fibrés	Up to 2 Gbit/s download   Up to 900 Mbit/s upload   180 TV channels included   Landline calls + mobile calls	From 35,99€/month Subscribe online Partner offer
Box SFR Fibre Power 12-month contract	Up to 2 Gbit/s download   Up to 1 Gbit/s upload   200 TV channels included   Netflix, Prime ou Max pendant 6 mois   Landline calls + mobile calls	36,99€/month +33 9 77 55 72 27 Subscribe online Selectra service
Livebox Up Fibre 12-month contract	Up to 8 Gbit/s download   Up to 8 Gbit/s upload   200 TV channels included   Landline calls + mobile calls	From 39,99€/month +33 9 77 55 72 27 Subscribe online Selectra service
Freebox Ultra Essentiel No contract	Up to 8 Gbit/s download   Up to 8 Gbit/s upload   340 TV channels included   CANAL+ Live inclus 3 mois   Landline calls + mobile calls	From 39,99€/month +33 9 77 55 72 27 Subscribe online Selectra service

Non-exhaustive selection of telecom offers, sorted by price.

💡 Pro tip: Check if your provider offers English-speaking support. It can save time and avoid confusion when dealing with installation, billing, or technical issues.

How to compare French broadband offers and save money

Choosing the right internet plan in France can be confusing, especially for expats. Prices, speeds, contracts, and extras vary a lot, but a few tips can help you save money.

When looking at broadband offers, consider the following points:

• Connection type & speed: Fibre is fastest, ADSL or 4G Box may be needed in some areas. Check your address for availability.
• Price & contract: No-commitment plans suit short stays; longer contracts often come with lower monthly rates. Watch for early termination fees.
• Included services: Many plans bundle TV, landline, or mobile. Box + mobile bundles often bring exclusive discounts.
• Setup fees & support: Some providers include free installation; English-speaking support can save you time.

Useful tips for expats setting up Internet

Opening a contract without a French bank account

Many providers require a French bank account to set up a broadband contract, but there are ways around this:

• Prepaid options or no-contract plans: Some low-cost providers like RED by SFR or Sosh allow you to subscribe without a full French bank account.
• International bank documents: A few providers accept a bank statement or IBAN from your home country if you don’t yet have a French account.
• Third-party assistance: Services like Selectra can guide you through the process and sometimes help you subscribe even without a local bank account.

💡 Pro tip: Always check eligibility and contract requirements before committing. It can save you a lot of paperwork and delays.

Cancelling or changing provider easily

Switching or cancelling Internet plans in France is relatively simple, but it helps to know the rules:

• Most providers charge early termination fees if you cancel before the contract ends, but some offers, especially no-commitment plans, are free to terminate.
• If you’re moving, providers often allow cancellation without fees: just send your request 10 days in advance and provide proof of your move.
• In the case of bundle offers (broadband + mobile), you can choose to cancel all or part of the offer.

💡 Pro tip: Keep track of your contract dates and any promotional periods. Cancelling at the right time can avoid extra charges.

🙌 Ditch your old plan
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How to get English-speaking assistance in France

For expats, having help in English can make all the difference. Selectra’s English-speaking advisors are available to guide you through the entire process, from checking fibre eligibility to comparing offers, subscribing, and even handling cancellations.

They know which providers are easiest to deal with for expats and can clarify all fees, contracts, and installation procedures.

Using our service means no language barriers, fewer mistakes, and a faster setup, letting you enjoy your internet connection without stress.