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How to cancel your Internet contract in France: procedures & cancellation fees
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Need to cancel your internet contract in France? Whether you're moving abroad or switching internet providers, cancelling your French internet service (résiliation d’un contrat Internet) is quite simple. You'll just need to send a registered letter (lettre recommandée avec AR) to your provider and return your equipment. Notice periods usually last around 10 days. Depending on your plan, some cancellation fees may apply, but there are exceptions.
How to cancel an Internet contract in France (Main Steps)
Cancelling an internet contract in France is fairly easy once you know what to expect. Most providers require you to send a registered cancellation letter (lettre recommandée avec AR) that includes your personal details and contract information. Once your provider receives it, the cancellation takes effect within about 10 days.
If you have a no-commitment plan (offre sans engagement), you can cancel at any time with no penalty (except fixed cancellation fees). But if your contract includes a minimum duration (12 or 24 months), you might have to pay cancellation fees (frais de résiliation), unless you qualify for an exemption, such as moving abroad or losing your job.
Here’s what to include in your cancellation request:
Your full name (first name, family name)
Your account number (identifiant abonné)
Your account ID (numéro de ligne de l’abonné)
The date you wish to close your account (make sure to provide at least 10 days warning)
Once your cancellation is confirmed, you’ll usually receive instructions to return your equipment (modem, router, cables). Make sure to send everything back within the required timeframe to avoid extra fees.
💡 The 3-Click cancellation rule
Since June 1st, 2023, all French internet providers must allow customers who signed up online to cancel their contract directly online, in just three clicks. This rule makes it much easier to cancel without paperwork or phone calls, perfect for expats who prefer handling everything online.
Here's how it works:
Go to your provider's website and log into your customer area.
Click on "Cancel your contract" and confirm the information shown.
Wait for your provider to confirm your request and give you the exact end date of your contract.
What happens when you cancel your Internet service?
After your provider receives your cancellation request, your internet service will usually end within 10 days. You'll get a confirmation email or letter with the exact end date and details on how to return your equipment.
Most providers (Orange, SFR, Bouygues, Free) will ask you to send back all the devices they supplied:
router
modem
TV box
power cables
WiFi repeater
etc...
You'll typically receive a prepaid shipping label or be asked to drop them off at a specific delivery point (point relais). If you don't return the equipment on time, you may be charged an additional fee, often around €100-€150 for a missing modem or TV decoder for example.
Your customer account usually stays active for up to 12 months after cancellation. That means you can still access your invoices and monitor the status of your cancellation online, even after the internet service itself is disconnected.
💡 Tip
If you're planning to switch to another provider, don't rush to cancel your current contract. The new provider can often handle the cancellation for you: this avoids downtime and ensures a smooth transition between services.
🙌 Ditch your old plan Our English-speaking advisors guide you through cancelling or changing your plan, quickly and easily. Call us now for free help!
Do you need to pay cancellation fees when cancelling your French Internet plan?
Estimate your Internet cancellation fees
In France, cancellation fees depend on the type of contract you have. It's important to understand how they work so you can plan your exit without surprises.
No-commitment plans (offres sans engagement): You can cancel anytime without facing early termination fees. However, most providers still charge a fixed cancellation fee, usually between €50 and €60. These are standard administrative fees, not penalties for leaving early.
12-month contracts: If you cancel before the end of the 12-month period, you are generally responsible for paying all remaining monthly fees until the contract term ends + fixed cancellation fee.
24-month contracts: Early termination costs are calculated as all monthly fees remaining in the first year, +20% of the monthly fees for the second year + fixed cancellation fee. This method is standard under French telecom regulations (Loi Chatel).
Many providers also offer reimbursement for cancellation fees if you switch to a new operator. Most reimburse up to €100, and some, like Orange, may cover up to €150.
How to avoid or reduce cancellation fees
You may be able to avoid or reduce fees if you're switching providers: your new Internet provider can usually handle the cancellation and reimburse up to €100 of your old provider's fees.
On the other hand, French law allows you to be exempt from cancellation fees if you have a valid reason, such as:
Reason for cancellation (Motif de résiliation)
Supporting documentation (Justificatifs à fournir)
Moving to an area in France where the operator does not provide service
A copy of your new lease agreement or property ownership
Moving out of the country
A copy of your new lease agreement or property ownership, or a copy of your new work contract For students, a copy of a certificate of your enrollment into a foreign academic establishment
You were fired from an indefinite contract (CDI)
Your "attestation de licenciement" (letter confirming you're being fired/laid off)
Serious injury leading to hospitalisation (inpatient more than 3 months)
Hospital stay form indicating date of admission and/or discharge
Cancelling Your Internet plan by operator
While you can end an Internet plan that is sans engagement at any time, in most cases you will still be responsible for a cancellation charge (frais de résiliation), along with any billing up to the point of cancellation.
How to cancel Orange contract France?
Orange charges €60 for cancelling an Internet plan, in addition to the remaining monthly fee in the rest of your contract, if you are on a plan with a 12 or 24-month contract. However, as is the law in France, early termination fees are quartered after the 13th month of staying on the plan.
You can cancel your Internet plan with Orange by contacting customer service in one of the following ways:
Over the phone: dial 3900 (or 0800 383 884 for fibre optic)
Online: in your personal space (espace client)
By registered letter (lettre recommandée avec avis de réception) to: Orange Service Clients Internet Orange TSA 10018, 59878 LILLE Cedex 9
Note that you cannot make a cancellation request in an Orange boutique.
After receiving your cancellation request, Orange will send you a box into which you will send back any equipment, along with directions on how to return it. Typically you will be asked to return it to a specific delivery point (point relais) that will be indicated in the instructions. You have 30 days to return the equipment.
NEED INTERNET FOR YOUR HOME IN FRANCE? Selectra is a comparator that allows you to subscribe to the best offer for you. Our service is 100% free and our advisors speak English.
NEED INTERNET FOR YOUR HOME IN FRANCE? Selectra is a comparator. Our service is 100% free and our advisors speak English. The callcenter is currently closed. Please, ask for a free callback.
Selectra is a comparator that allows you to subscribe to the best offer for you. Our service is 100% free and our advisors speak English. The callcenter is currently closed. Please, ask for a free callback.
SFR charges €59 for cancelling an Internet plan, in addition to the remaining monthly fee in the rest of your contract, if you are on a plan with a 12 or 24-month contract. As is the law in France, early termination fees are quartered after the 13th month of staying on the plan.
You can cancel an SFR Internet plan by contacting SFR Customer Service in one of the following ways:
Over the phone: dial 1023
By registered post (lettre recommandée avec avis de réception) to: SFR Service Résiliation, TSA 30103, 69947 LYON Cedex 20
You have three weeks (21 days) following the cancellation of your plan during which you must return your equipment, after which SFR may charge you additional fees.
Free charges €59 for cancelling an Internet plan, though as their plans are sans engagement (without a contract), you are not responsible for any other charges. You can cancel your Internet plan with Free either:
Online in your espace client
By letter through registered post (lettre recommandée avec avis de réception), to Publidispatch Free Résiliation BP 40090 91003 Évry Cedex.
Switching Internet providers: when to cancel your current contract?
If you're switching internet providers in France, don't cancel your current contract yourself. In most cases, your new provider takes care of everything, including the termination of your old plan. This ensures you won't lose connection or end up paying for two subscriptions at once.
When you subscribe to a new internet plan, the new provider will contact your old one directly to manage the cancellation and transfer of the line. This process is automatic: you just need to give them your details and, if you want to keep your current landline or mobile number, your RIO code (Relevé d'Identité Opérateur). The RIO only applies to number portability, not to the general cancellation of an internet contract.
Most internet providers also reimburse termination fees when you switch. Depending on the offer, you can typically get:
Up to €100 with SFR, Free and Bouygues Telecom
Up to €150 with Orange
To receive this refund, you'll usually need to send a copy of your final bill showing the cancellation fees within a few weeks of activating your new plan.
💡 Tip : Avoid cancelling your old plan yourself before signing up with a new provider. Otherwise, you could lose your internet connection for several days. To stay connected and avoid extra fees, always let your new provider handle the cancellation.
Your shortcut to French telecom plans Skip the French forms and hold music: our advisors can handle the setup for you in a few minutes. Call our English-speaking team today!
👌 Your shortcut to French Internet & mobile plans. Skip the French forms and hold music: our advisors can handle the setup for you in a few minutes. Call our English-speaking team today!
Cancelling your Internet contract in France: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cancel my French internet contract from abroad?
Yes, if you've already left France, you can cancel remotely by sending a termination letter with your account details and proof of your move abroad (such as a new residence certificate or work contract). Most providers accept digital copies by email or through their online customer area.
How long does it take for cancellation to take effect?
Once your provider receives your cancellation request, it usually takes around 10 working days for the service to be fully disconnected. You'll receive a final bill showing any remaining fees or refunds due.
Do I need to return my internet box or router?
Yes, after cancellation, most French ISPs require you to return their equipment (box, router, decoder) within 15 to 30 days. If not returned in time, you may be charged up to €200 or more. The return address and process are usually detailed in your confirmation email.
Can I keep my French number when switching providers?
Yes, if you want to keep your landline or mobile number, ask your new provider to handle the cancellation and give them your RIO code (Relevé d'Identité Opérateur). This ensures a smooth transition and no interruption in service.
What happens if I don't cancel properly?
If you simply stop paying without official cancellation, your contract will remain active and you could be charged extra fees or even sent to debt collection. Always send a written termination notice or let your new provider handle the process for you.
