Updated · 5 min read
Paris city breaks, the Côte d'Azur, the Alps and the Pyrenees all have one thing in common: you will use your phone for metro and train apps, maps and bookings. France itself is simple. Its tiny neighbours are not.
Do you need an eSIM for France?
With a SIM from an EU country, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Norway, EU roaming rules apply in mainland France and Corsica, within your operator's fair-use limits. With a SIM from the UK, Switzerland, the USA, Canada, Turkey, Australia and most other countries, France is usually billed as roaming. A travel eSIM gives you a fixed, prepaid pack instead.
Mobile networks in France
France has four networks: Orange, SFR, Bouygues Telecom and Free Mobile. According to the regulator Arcep, 99.9% of the population can get outdoor 4G from at least three operators. The operators are switching off 2G during 2026 and 3G between 2028 and 2029, so mobile data runs on 4G and 5G. The plan details on our France page show the partner networks.
Monaco and Andorra: the roaming trap
Monaco on the Riviera and Andorra in the Pyrenees are outside the EU roaming regulation. Phones in Nice, Menton or Beausoleil can join a Monaco network, and day trips into Andorra are common from both France and Spain. Home operators often charge both as non-EU roaming, sometimes at very high prices.
- Near Monaco, switch off automatic network selection and choose a French network.
- Check whether your plan lists Monaco or Andorra before visiting them.
- Keep data roaming off for your home SIM when you use a travel eSIM.
Ferries to Corsica
On ferries between the mainland and Corsica, ships can use on-board or satellite networks, which are not covered by EU roaming. Use airplane mode and on-board Wi-Fi during the crossing.
How much data do I need?
A week in Paris with maps, metro apps, messaging and social media usually needs 3–5 GB. A road trip through Provence, a ski week or a hotspot for a laptop calls for 10–20 GB.
In the Alps and Pyrenees, coverage on remote trails and in deep valleys can drop. Download offline maps before a hike.
Frequently asked questions
Is Monaco covered by EU roaming?
No. Monaco is outside the EU roaming regulation, and phones near the border can join a Monaco network. Choose a French network manually on the Riviera.
Is Andorra covered by EU roaming?
No. Check the countries listed in your plan or your home tariff before a trip into Andorra.
Will my phone work after the 2G and 3G switch-off?
Any phone that supports eSIM also supports 4G, so mobile data is not affected. Very old 2G or 3G-only phones lose service as the networks close.
Which networks are there in France?
Orange, SFR, Bouygues Telecom and Free Mobile. The plan details show which partner networks a pack uses.
When does the validity start?
Usually with the first connection to a network in France. Install the eSIM at home and switch it on after landing.