France attracts expats across the spectrum — from retirees drawn to the quality of life in Provence and the Dordogne, to tech professionals in Paris and Lyon’s Station F ecosystem, to remote workers seeking the beauty of French countryside. Internet infrastructure is generally good in cities, with some rural gaps.

This guide covers the complete connectivity arc for expats moving to France — from arrival day through to having reliable home broadband and local services fully set up.

Step 1: Before You Leave — Activate Your eSIM

The single most important connectivity action before moving to France is activating a ConnectPls eSIM. Land at your destination airport already connected — navigate to your accommodation, coordinate with landlords or relocation agents, and handle all arrival-day logistics with working data from minute one.

Step 2: The French address and residence permit — Why It Matters for Connectivity

The French address and residence permit is the gateway to most France services. Without it, you typically cannot sign a postpaid phone contract or set up fixed broadband with most providers. The process typically takes 2-6 weeks. During this entire period, your ConnectPls eSIM or SIM card subscription keeps you fully connected without any local documentation required.

Step 3: SIM Card — Once You’re Settled

For the first weeks in France, a ConnectPls SIM card subscription gives you a local +33 number and solid data value without requiring the French address and residence permit. Once you have your documentation sorted, you can transition to a local carrier contract for the best long-term pricing.

Step 4: Home Broadband — The Long-Term Solution

For stays of 3 months or longer, fixed broadband in your France home is the most reliable and cost-effective solution. Orange, SFR, and Bouygues Telecom and other local providers typically offer packages priced at 25-40 euros per month. You’ll need your French address and residence permit and a confirmed address for the contract.