By 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.
Choose your cancellation method
Most providers allow cancellation online in 3 clicks (since June 2023). You can also send a registered letter — the traditional route that always works. Cancellation by phone alone is not accepted by all providers and creates no written record.
Send your request with all required details
Include your full name, account number (identifiant abonné), line ID (numéro de ligne), and the desired end date — at least 10 days ahead.
Receive confirmation and return your equipment
Your provider will confirm the end date and send instructions for returning equipment. Send everything back within the deadline (usually 15–30 days) to avoid extra charges.
Here's what to include in your cancellation request:
- Your full name (first name, family name);
- Your account number (identifiant abonné);
- Your line ID (numéro de ligne de l'abonné);
- The date you wish to close your account (at least 10 days' notice).
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.
- 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 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.
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.
Equipment to return
Most providers (Orange, SFR, Bouygues, Free) will ask you to send back all the devices they supplied. You'll typically receive a prepaid shipping label or be asked to drop them off at a point relais. If you don't return the equipment on time, you may be charged an additional fee, often around €100–€150.
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.
Do you need to pay cancellation fees when cancelling your French Internet plan?
Estimate your Internet cancellation fees
Fill in the fields and click Calculate to estimate your fees.
Your plan has no commitment — you can cancel at any time with no penalty.
Equipment return fees may still apply (approx. ).
Fee estimate
total estimate
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.
Cancel anytime with no early termination penalty. Only a standard administrative fee applies.
If you cancel before month 12, you owe all remaining monthly fees until the end of the contract, plus the fixed fee.
All remaining fees in year 1, plus 20% of monthly fees for year 2, plus the fixed fee (Loi Chatel).
Save on cancellation fees when switching: Many providers reimburse your cancellation costs when you switch to them — up to €100 with SFR, Free and Bouygues, and up to €150 with Orange. You'll usually need to send a copy of your final bill showing the fees.
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.
Orange
Orange charges €60 to cancel, plus remaining monthly fees if you're in a 12 or 24-month contract. As is the law in France, early termination fees are reduced by 75% after the 13th month of staying on the plan.
How to cancel with Orange:
| Phone | 3900 (or 0800 383 884 for fibre optic) |
| Online | Your personal space (espace client) |
| By post | Orange Service Clients Internet Orange TSA 10018, 59878 LILLE Cedex 9 |
| Equipment return | 30 days to drop off at a point relais |
Note: cancellation cannot be made in an Orange boutique.
SFR
SFR charges €59 to cancel, plus remaining monthly fees if you're in a 12 or 24-month contract. As is the law in France, early termination fees are reduced by 75% after the 13th month of staying on the plan.
How to cancel with SFR:
| Phone | 1023 |
| By post | SFR Service Résiliation TSA 30103, 69947 LYON Cedex 20 |
| Equipment return | 21 days after cancellation confirmation |
Bouygues Telecom
Bouygues charges €69 for cancelling any of its Bbox plans.
How to cancel with Bouygues:
| Phone | 1064 |
| Online | Your personal space (espace client) |
| By post | Consumer Service Bouygues Telecom TSA 59013, 60643 CHANTILLY CEDEX |
Free
Free charges €59 for cancelling an Internet plan. As their plans are sans engagement (without a contract period), you are not responsible for any additional monthly fees — only the fixed administrative fee applies.
How to cancel with Free:
| Online | Your espace client on free.fr |
| By post | 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 reimburse termination fees when you switch. Depending on the offer, you can typically get:
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.
Important: 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.
Cancelling your Internet contract in France: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cancel my French internet contract from abroad? Read more Close
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? Read more Close
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? Read more Close
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? Read more Close
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? Read more Close
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.
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