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Staying Online While Travelling in France

Updated: 7 days ago

Staying connected during your trip to France is usually quite easy, but it is worth preparing in advance. During our photography adventures through Provence and the Camargue, reliable mobile internet can make travelling much easier and more comfortable.


You may need mobile data for navigation, messaging, checking weather conditions, staying in touch with home, sharing photos, uploading content, or simply finding the next coffee stop.


Although WiFi is often available in hotels, having your own mobile data connection is highly recommended, especially when travelling through rural areas.


See advice for travellers from Europe, the UK, and the USA.


Man with camera and suitcase checks his phone in an airport arrivals hall under a Welcome to France sign.

What We Will Cover

In this guide, we will look at the main ways to stay connected while

travelling in France, including:


Hotel and Public WiFi

Most hotels in France offer WiFi, especially in larger towns and tourist areas. However, the speed and reliability are not always comparable to those that many travellers are used to in countries such as the UK or the US.

This is especially true in rural areas like Provence or the Camargue.


Hotel WiFi is usually suitable for:

  • WhatsApp, FaceTime, and messaging

  • Social media

  • Basic browsing

  • Light photo backups


However, it may be less ideal for:

  • Uploading large RAW photo files

  • Large cloud backups

  • Heavy video uploads

  • High-speed streaming


Restaurants and cafés in France also do not always provide free WiFi, especially in smaller villages and countryside locations. For this reason, we strongly recommend arranging access to mobile data before departure.


Option 1: Use Your Current Mobile Provider

Before travelling, check your current mobile provider’s roaming policy, data allowance, and charges for France.


Travellers from the European Union 🇪🇺

As France is part of the European Union, mobile roaming is usually included in your existing mobile plan under EU roaming regulations.

In most cases, you can use calls, texts, and data similarly to how you would at home. However, some providers may apply fair use limits, especially if you use large amounts of data.


Travellers from the United Kingdom 🇬🇧

Since Brexit, roaming policies vary between UK providers. Some still include EU roaming free of charge, while others charge daily roaming fees or apply data limits.

Please check your provider’s latest roaming information before departure.


Travellers from the United States 🇺🇸

Most US carriers offer international roaming packages for Europe, but costs can vary significantly.

International day passes can work well for short trips, but if you expect to use a lot of data, an eSIM or prepaid SIM may be more cost effective.

Please check your provider’s France roaming options before travelling, especially if you plan to use maps, messaging, photo sharing, or cloud services regularly.


Option 2: Use an eSIM

For many travellers, an eSIM is now the easiest and most flexible option.

An eSIM is a digital SIM card that can be installed directly on your phone in just a few minutes. You do not need to swap physical SIM cards, and you can usually keep your normal phone number active for calls and messages while using mobile data in France.


The main advantages of an eSIM are:

  • You can install it before departure

  • It works immediately upon arrival

  • You do not need to visit a shop

  • You can keep your regular phone number active

  • It is ideal for navigation, communication, social media, and travel photography


Popular eSIM providers include:

  • Airalo

  • Holafly

  • Saily

  • Ubigi

  • Orange Travel eSIM


Before purchasing an eSIM, please make sure your phone supports eSIM functionality. Most newer smartphones do, but not all models are compatible.


You can check compatibility here:


You can also check this in your phone settings, on your phone manufacturer’s website, or through your mobile provider.


Our Recommended eSIM Providers

For our trips, we generally recommend two excellent eSIM options: Airalo and Holafly.


Airalo

Airalo is one of the most popular eSIM providers among international travellers, known for its reliability, flexibility, and ease of use.

For most workshop participants, Airalo is likely the best all-round option.



Use the discount code: JAKUB2331 at the checkout for a £2.50 discount.


Why many travellers choose Airalo:

  • Easy to install before travelling

  • Usually more affordable than international roaming

  • Strong coverage throughout France

  • Good for navigation, WhatsApp, email, browsing, and social media

  • Flexible data packages for short or longer trips

  • Allows you to keep your own phone number active


Airalo works through major French mobile networks such as Orange, Bouygues Telecom, and SFR, which generally provide excellent coverage throughout Provence and the Camargue.


Things to keep in mind:

  • Most packages are not unlimited

  • Heavy users may go through data quickly

  • Some cheaper plans may mainly use 4G rather than full-speed 5G


Best suited for:

  • Most travellers

  • General photography use

  • Navigation and communication

  • Light to moderate social media use

  • Participants who want a simple and reliable setup


Holafly

Holafly is especially popular among creators, photographers, and frequent travellers for its unlimited data plans.

If you expect to upload a lot of content during the workshop, Holafly can be a very comfortable option.



Why many photographers choose Holafly:

  • Unlimited data packages available

  • Great for uploading photos, reels, stories, and video content

  • Easy setup before departure

  • Strong coverage throughout France

  • Ideal if you do not want to worry about running out of data


For photographers who enjoy sharing their journey live during the trip, Holafly offers a convenient “always connected” experience.


Things to keep in mind:

  • Usually more expensive than Airalo

  • Unlimited plans may occasionally reduce speed after very high usage because of fair use policies

  • Less cost effective if you only need a small amount of data


Best suited for:

  • Content creators

  • Heavy social media users

  • Photographers uploading larger files

  • Travellers using a hotspot or tethering frequently

  • Participants who want maximum convenience


Option 3: Buy a French Prepaid SIM Card

If you expect to use a lot of mobile data, buying a French prepaid SIM card can also be a good option.


Major French providers include:

  • Orange

  • SFR

  • Bouygues Telecom

  • Free Mobile


Prepaid SIM cards are commonly available at airports, mobile phone shops, supermarkets, and some convenience stores or Tabac shops.


You will usually need:

  • A passport or ID

  • An unlocked phone


Orange is generally considered one of the strongest providers for coverage, especially in rural areas.


General Mobile Coverage in France

France generally has excellent mobile coverage, especially in cities, towns, and along major travel routes. 4G coverage is widespread, and 5G is increasingly available in larger urban areas.


In remote countryside areas, nature reserves, mountain regions, or small villages, the signal may occasionally be weaker or slower. This can happen in some rural photography locations.


For most travellers, mobile internet in France is more than sufficient for:

  • Navigation

  • Messaging

  • Social media

  • Video calls

  • Streaming music

  • Uploading photos


Summary

For most travellers, Airalo offers the best balance between price, reliability, and ease of use.


For photographers and creators who expect to upload a lot of content during the workshop, Holafly’s unlimited data plans can provide extra peace of mind and flexibility.


A French prepaid SIM card can also be useful if you prefer buying a local solution after arrival, but for most international travellers, an eSIM will be easier and quicker.


Whichever option you choose, we strongly recommend arranging your mobile internet before departure. It will make travelling around Provence and the Camargue much easier, especially for navigation, communication, and sharing your photography adventures along the way.

 
 
 

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