English TV Channels in France: how to watch UK TV?

By Valentine B

SEO Project Manager

To watch UK TV channels in France, start with your Internet or TV box, most providers include channels like BBC News, Sky News, or Bloomberg TV. For more options, Orange and SFR offer dedicated Anglophone TV packs starting at €5/month, giving access to extra English channels. You can also use satellite services or legal streaming platforms to catch live or on-demand UK content from anywhere in France.

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Introduction to English TV in France

Watching English TV in France has never been easier, whether you want to keep up with UK news, enjoy your favorite shows, or follow live sports. Thanks to a range of options including streaming services, VPNs, satellite dishes, and international TV packages from French Internet providers, expats and english-speaking residents can access popular channels like BBC, ITV, and Channel 4 without leaving France. Many French providers even include English-language channels in their standard or add-on packages, giving viewers the chance to watch live broadcasts, movies, and on-demand content from the UK.

For those new to the French television landscape, here's a quick overview:

• Public French channels: TF1, France 2, France 3, France 5, and M6, which are available nationwide.
• Digital TV (TNT): Free channels such as France 4, France 5, ARTE, and LCP, accessible with a standard decoder available at electronics stores.
• International channels in French packages: BBC World News, CNN, Sky News, CNBC, and others often included in basic or premium Internet TV bundles.

How to Watch UK TV in France Online

Watching UK TV in France online is a convenient option for expats who want to stay connected with British news, entertainment, and sports. With a good internet connection, you can access a variety of streaming platforms and apps that allow you to watch your favorite shows from anywhere in France. Some services require a subscription, while others offer free access to certain content.

Streaming Services for UK TV in France

One of the easiest ways to watch UK TV in France online free or via subscription is through streaming services. Platforms like BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, and All 4 offer a wide range of British content, including dramas, comedies, and documentaries. Keep in mind that some of these services are geo-restricted, meaning they may only be available to viewers in the UK. In that case, a VPN is often necessary to enjoy uninterrupted access.

Popular options for UK TV streaming include:

• BBC iPlayer: Live TV, catch-up shows, and a wide range of series.
• ITV Hub: Free access to current ITV programming with on-demand episodes.
• All 4 (Channel 4): Offers full series, specials, and exclusive online content.
• Subscription platforms: Netflix UK or BritBox, which provide extensive libraries of UK TV shows and movies for a monthly fee.

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Best VPN for UK TV in France

If you're looking to watch UK TV in France via internet, choosing the right VPN is key. A solid VPN ensures you can connect to UK-based servers, bypass geo-blocking, and stream without lag or interruption. To pick the best one, pay attention to:

• The number and reliability of UK servers offered.
• Streaming-friendly speeds (HD or 4K), minimal buffering.
• Ability to unblock mainstream UK platforms like BBC iPlayer, ITV X, or All 4.

Here's a comparison of top VPNs updated for 2025 that work well for UK TV streaming from France:

Updated in november of 2025

English TV Bouquets and French Provider Options

When you subscribe to an Internet box from a French operator (a triple-play package including TV), you automatically get access to a few English-language channels in the basic package. You'll typically find Sky News, Bloomberg TV, BBC News, and other international news channels, which are perfect for keeping up with news from home. These channels are included at no extra cost.

If you want more English-language content, only Orange and SFR offer paid packages. Orange has the Bouquet Anglophone for €5/month, adding about 4 extra channels in English. SFR's Bouquet Anglais costs €5.99/month and includes roughly 8 additional English channels.

Bouygues Telecom and Free don't provide any paid English-language packages, so your options there are limited to the channels included in the base package.

English channels with French TV providers

Operator	English channels included in base TV package	Paid option
	BBC World, CNN International, Sky News, Bloomberg TV	Bouquet Anglais (8 additional English channels) €5.99/month
	CNN, BBC World News, Sky News	Bouquet Anglophone (4 additional English channels) €5/month
	France 24 English, Sky News, Bloomberg TV, BBC News, CNN International, CNBC Europe	-
	Disney Channel, Nat Geo Live, National Geographic, BBC World News, Sky News International	-

Updated in november of 2025

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Satellite Options for English TV in France

Accessing UK Channels via Satellite

For many expats, satellite remains the most reliable way to get UK channels in France, especially in rural areas where terrestrial TV or internet streaming may be limited. A dish aligned to Astra 2 (28.2°E) combined with a compatible receiver allows you to receive free-to-air channels like BBC, ITV, and Channel 4.

Paid subscriptions can add additional channels, giving access to a full UK lineup including Sky News, Sky Sports, and more. The quality of reception depends heavily on your location: northern France often works with dishes around 80–100 cm, while southern regions may require 125–160 cm for a stable signal.

Installation requires careful positioning of the dish, mounting on a roof or pole, connecting the LNB and coax to your receiver, and possibly adding a subscription card. For seasonal second homes, you can opt for a removable mount, making it easier to take down the dish when not in use. This setup gives you access to all the channels you would expect in the UK without relying on internet speeds, which is especially useful in areas where broadband may be slow or unreliable.

Good practices for expats in France:

• Verify your property allows a dish installation, especially in heritage or condo settings.
• Test the signal location before purchasing equipment.
• Compare free-to-air options with subscription services to find the best mix for your viewing habits.

💡 Pro-tip: Even if you mostly watch free-to-air channels, a small extra subscription may be worth it if you want full Sky or UK sports content without interruptions.

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+33 9 77 55 72 27  
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NEED AN INTERNET PLAN WITH TV?
 

Call an English-speaking Selectra advisor at +33 9 77 55 72 27 (Mon. to Friday, from 8 am to 9 pm and 9:30 am to 6:30 pm on Saturdays and on Sundays 9 am to 5 pm) to help you sign up for an internet plan with TV. 
 

+33 9 77 55 72 27  
Free Callback 

NEED AN INTERNET PLAN WITH TV?
Call an English-speaking Selectra advisor at +33 9 77 55 72 27 . Our call-center is currently closed. Ask for a free callback to help you sign up for an internet plan with TV. 
 

 Free Callback 

NEED AN INTERNET PLAN WITH TV?
 

Call an English-speaking Selectra advisor at +33 9 77 55 72 27 . Our call-center is currently closed. Ask for a free callback to help you sign up for an internet plan with TV.
 

 Free Callback 

Using Internet-based UK TV Boxes

If installing a satellite dish isn't feasible, internet-based UK TV boxes provide a convenient alternative. These devices stream UK channels directly over your French broadband connection, often using a plug-and-play system that requires minimal setup.

They are ideal for smaller apartments, urban areas, or seasonal use where a large dish would be impractical. For HD streaming, a stable connection of at least 20 Mb/s is recommended, and some services offer multi-device access so the whole family can watch simultaneously.

This option also reduces the complexity of subscription management. While you still need a UK TV subscription, many expat-friendly services simplify billing and activation for residents abroad. It is also more flexible: you can take the box with you if you move between homes or rent it temporarily. The trade-off is that your viewing quality will depend entirely on your internet speed, and buffering can occur during peak usage.

⚠️ Legal note: Avoid hacks, card-sharing, or methods that circumvent UK provider rules. Stick to legitimate UK TV boxes or expat-friendly subscriptions to stay within the law.

How to Watch American TV in France?

Missing your favorite US shows or news channels? You're not alone. While French TV doesn't include many American networks, there are easy ways to keep up with what's happening back home. Most expats rely on streaming platforms like Netflix, Disney+ or Prime Video, which offer a large US-style catalog in France. For live news, CNN International and Bloomberg TV are often included in French TV boxes or available through apps like Molotov or MyCanal.

If you want access to US-only services such as Hulu, Peacock, or YouTube TV, you'll need a VPN to connect via an American server. This lets you keep your subscriptions active while living abroad. Just make sure to choose a reliable provider: free VPNs often cause buffering or privacy issues.

💡 Good to know: Some American expats keep their US billing address linked to their streaming accounts to keep access abroad with a VPN. Just ensure your payment method still matches that address.

Moving to France from the USA? Find out all about how to proceed, from your visa to healthcare in this guide dedicated to moving from the US to France.

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How to Watch Live Sports on Television in France?

Sports fans won't be disappointed in France: the country has a huge range of live sports channels covering everything from football and rugby to tennis, F1 and the NBA. Most French Internet and TV providers include basic sports channels like L'Équipe TV or France Télévisions in their standard box offers. These cover major national events such as the Tour de France, Roland-Garros, and international tournaments involving French teams.

If you want more comprehensive coverage, you'll need to subscribe to one of the paid sports packs available through French operators or as standalone services:

Updated in november of 2025