Jon Sidor
Getting a France IP (Internet Protocol) address while abroad is more than some neat trick — it’s your key to staying private online, enjoying a secure internet connection, and accessing more content while overseas.
Wondering how to get a French IP address? A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is the safest and most reliable way, but a proxy server and Tor are other options to check out.
Let’s dive into the three methods to snag a France IP address.
What is a French IP address?
A French IP address is a unique string of numbers assigned to a device connected to a French internet server. It acts like a virtual passport, showing your online location as France. A French IP address is usually given to devices physically located in the country, but devices outside France can also use one, depending on how they connect to the internet.
When you have a French IP, websites, online services, and ISPs (Internet Service Providers) recognize that you’re browsing from inside France. Any page you visit will treat your connection as though you’re sitting at a café on the Champs-Élysées — even if you’re on the other side of the world.
Whether you’re near or far, having a France IP address can change how the web responds to your connection.
Why would you need a French IP address?
A French IP address can make your online experience smoother and more secure by helping you:
- Boost your privacy: a French IP address hides your real one, keeping your ISP and location under wraps. This means third parties, hackers, and nosy trackers won’t see your actual location, letting you browse with greater peace of mind;
- Access French sites abroad: many French websites and services can only be accessed from France. With a French IP, you can slip past these digital borders while traveling overseas and keep streaming, shopping, or reading like you’re still at home;
- Bank securely from anywhere: French banks often flag foreign IPs, potentially locking you out of your accounts. With a France IP address, you can manage your finances hassle-free without worrying about pesky fraud alerts;
- Score local deals: ever notice prices change based on where you are? Airlines, hotels, and online vendors often give locals the best rates. With an IP from France, you can avoid price discrimination and save big with those hometown discounts;
- Get around censorship: if you’re in a country with strict internet controls, switching to a French IP opens up the world. Stay connected with global news, social media, and the free web without having to look over your shoulder;
- Simplify remote work: need access to your company’s French-based networks while working abroad? A France IP address lets you connect seamlessly to internal resources as if you’re in the office, even when working from some far-off island.
Disclaimer: Please note that using Surfshark services for any illegal activities is strictly forbidden and violates our Terms of Service. Make sure that any use of Surfshark services for your online activities conforms to all relevant laws and regulations, including those of any service providers and websites you access using Surfshark.
How to get a French IP address
There are three main ways to get a French IP address: a VPN, proxy server, or Tor.
VPN
The simplest, safest, and most effective way to get a French IP address is by using a VPN. With a VPN, you can pick a French server you want to route your internet traffic through. The server’s IP address replaces your actual one, making it appear like you’re in France. This allows you to access your usual websites, including France-exclusive ones, even while globetrotting.
Apart from granting access to websites in your home country, a VPN safeguards your online privacy. Switching your IP address to a French one conceals your location and personal information from strangers on the web. It also encrypts your internet traffic, ensuring no one can spy on your online activity with your France IP address.
Switching your IP address with a French one can be quick and easy with the right tool. For instance, here’s all you need to do to get a France IP address using Surfshark VPN:
- Pick a Surfshark subscription plan that best suits your needs and subscribe.
- Download and install the VPN app on all your devices.
- Once installed, open the VPN app and log into your account.
- Use the search bar to find a server located in France. Surfshark has servers in Paris, Bordeaux, and Marseille.
- Click on the server of your choice and connect to it. You now have a French IP address.
Simple setup aside, here’s why else Surfshark is one of the best ways to get a France IP address:
- Vast server network: Surfshark has 3,200+ servers in 100 countries, including 76 servers in France. You have ample options whether you wish to swap your French IP address for one from another country or another French city. Plus, with all servers running at 10Gbps, you can enjoy a fast, reliable connection with minimal risk of overcrowding and slower speeds.
- Modern protocols: all Surfshark servers, whether in or outside France, support lightweight modern VPN protocols — WireGuard, IKEv2, and OpenVPN. They’re also 100% RAM-only, meaning they don’t store your online activity and are wiped clean upon each shutdown or reboot for maximum privacy.
- Advanced security features: static servers let you use the same French IP address every time you connect, while our Rotating IP assigns fresh IP addresses without changing your VPN location. Meanwhile, the Kill Switch automatically disables internet access if your VPN connection ever drops, and Dynamic MultiHop lets you connect via two different VPN servers simultaneously.
Proxy server
A proxy server is an intermediary between your device and the websites you visit. All incoming and outgoing data goes through it as the proxy forwards your requests to websites and retrieves the responses on your behalf.
To get a French IP address using a proxy server, select and connect to a server in France. Your traffic is then routed through that server, masking your original IP address with the server’s. This makes it look like you’re browsing from within the country, allowing you to visit your regular French websites even when you’re away from home.
A proxy server is a fast and easy way to get a French IP address, but it’s nowhere as secure as a VPN. While a VPN encrypts your entire internet connection, a proxy server only reroutes your traffic and changes your IP address. Your data remains vulnerable to tracking and interception, even if your IP address is concealed.
Considering the sheer number of free proxy services available, you might be tempted to try one to get a France IP address. However, you’d be wise to think twice. Much like a free VPN service, a free proxy may log and sell your data to third parties — posing a critical threat to your privacy.
Moreover, many websites and online services can identify and block traffic from proxy servers. This means you may still be unable to access your favorite French websites with a French IP address, rendering the proxy server pointless.
Tor
You can get a French IP address using the Tor (The Onion Router) Browser, a free browser similar to Chrome and Firefox. Tor is unique because it randomly routes all your browser traffic through several independent servers, also known as nodes or relays, to supply new IP addresses.
The entry node sees your actual IP address but not your data. The middle nodes handle your scrambled data without seeing your IP. Meanwhile, the exit node forwards your encrypted traffic to the internet but has no clue where it’s coming from. For added security, all three relays are periodically changed.
The Tor Browser usually assigns IP addresses randomly, but you can configure it to use an exit node in France to get a French IP address.
Getting a France IP address using Tor is relatively complicated. Tor’s multilayered encryption often leads to slower speeds, and you’ll need to tinker with the Tor Browser’s settings to pick France as your exit node.
Since the Tor network is volunteer-operated, your data could also be subject to surveillance and interception. Using Tor exposes you to the risks of the dark web as well. For these reasons, many pair Tor with a reliable VPN like Surfshark to enhance their online security.
Getting a French dedicated IP address
Need to access French services that are sensitive to IP changes? Then a dedicated IP address might be just what you need.
A dedicated IP address is a static IP that’s unique to you. No one else can use it, and you’ll get the same IP address every time you connect to your designated French VPN server. All your devices can even share the same France IP.
A dedicated IP improves access to IP-sensitive sites, makes it easier to access remote networks, and helps you avoid annoying CAPTCHA requests.
If you’re looking for your own IP in France, a service like Surfshark’s Dedicated IP can give you access to a Paris-based address that’s all yours.
Using a DNS server in France
The DNS (Domain Name System) is like an online phonebook that translates domain names into IP addresses. Most people stick with the default DNS provided by ISPs, but you can use the DNS system to get a French IP address — kind of.
To achieve this, you’ll need a smart DNS service, just like Surfshark Smart DNS. This feature routes your URL requests through a French proxy server, changing your device’s DNS address to one in France.
You’ll get access to French websites and online services, but you technically won’t have a French IP address. The only thing that a smart DNS changes is your DNS address, so you’ll also be missing out on the encryption and privacy features of a VPN. Your internet traffic won’t be encrypted, and your data will be vulnerable to monitoring.
The bottom line: change your online location to France with a VPN
Whether you’re looking to protect your privacy, enable remote work, or overcome oppressive censorship, a French IP address can be valuable when you’re far from home.
Yes, you can get a French IP address using a proxy server or the Tor Browser, but a VPN is the best way for most internet users to secure a French IP address. It not only masks your IP with a French IP address but also encrypts your internet traffic to keep your online activities private and your personal information safe.
FAQ
How do I connect to a French VPN?
To connect to a VPN in France, sign up with a VPN provider with servers in the country, such as Surfshark. Download, install, and launch the VPN app. Once logged in, enter France to see a list of available servers. Pick a server located in France and connect to it.
How can I get a French IP address on my phone?
To get a France IP address on your phone, sign up for a Surfshark account. Download and install the Surfshark app from either the Google Play Store or the App Store. Launch the VPN app, log in, and connect to a server in France. Your phone now has a French IP address.
Can I get a France IP address for free?
Yes, it’s possible to use a free VPN for France IP addresses, but this isn’t recommended. Many free VPNs only offer congested servers with slower connection speeds. They also lack advanced security features and bombard users with intrusive ads. Additionally, a free VPN service may log or sell your personal information to third parties, putting your privacy at even greater risk.
In contrast, leading paid VPNs offer faster connection speeds and advanced security features. They have multiple server locations in France, so you can even connect to one in your local city. Surfshark, for instance, has 76 servers in three major French cities, giving users access to IP addresses in Paris, Bordeaux, and Marseille.
Is it legal to use a VPN to get a French IP address?
Yes, it’s legal to use a VPN to get a French IP address in most regions, including Europe, North America, and Asia. However, it’s still illegal to participate in any criminal activities online while using a VPN.
How can I check if I have a French IP address?
You can use Surfshark’s IP address checker to check if you have a French IP address. It shows your current IP address, ISP, and approximate location.
Can I get a French IP address from a specific city in France?
Yes, you can get a French IP address from a specific city in France. Surfshark has 76 servers in France, located in Paris, Bordeaux, and Marseille. Simply select and connect to a server in your preferred location to get a city-specific French IP address.
