October 26, 2025

10 Best eSIM for Travel to France

Looking for the best way to stay connected while exploring France? Choosing the right France eSIM can make all the difference, and with so many options available, it can be overwhelming.

That’s why we’ve tested and rounded up the 10 best eSIM for travel to France, including top performers like iRoamly travel eSIM.

From quick city trips to longer stays, these eSIMs ensure you get reliable coverage, simple setup, and affordable data, so you can focus on enjoying your journey rather than worrying about connectivity.

1. iRoamly

iRoamly travel eSIM is a relatively recent but rapidly expanding eSIM specialist aimed squarely at travellers. Their website emphasises ease-of-use: buy the eSIM online, scan a QR code, activate when you arrive.

In France, iRoamly travel eSIM offers a dedicated “France eSIM” product that supports major networks (e.g., Orange, Bouygues) for 4G/5G connectivity.

From hands-on reviews: users say installation is smooth (especially if you set it up pre-trip), and the variety of plan types is a big plus. For example, you’ll find “daily”, “total data”, and “unlimited”-labelled plans all under one roof.

Pros of the Brand’s French eSIM Packages

  1. Wide variety of plan types: daily-use, fixed data, even “unlimited” buckets mean you can pick something fitting your trip length rather than over-buying.
  2. Good network partnerships in France (Orange / Bouygues) meaning decent coverage in both cities and many rural areas.
  3. Easy activation: QR code sent, can be set up before you leave home. No need to buy in-country or hunt for a store.
  4. Hotspot / tethering support on many plans – useful if you want to share data with your laptop or travel companion.
  5. Free trial / “get started” options sometimes available (e.g., 500 MB free for new users) so you can test before relying on it fully.

Cons of the Brand’s French eSIM Packages

  1. It is data-only: iRoamly’s France eSIM plans do not include a French phone number or traditional SMS/voice minutes (unless using apps like WhatsApp).

Summary of the Brand’s French eSIM Packages

Overall, iRoamly travel eSIM is a strong pick if you value flexibility and want a good range of options. It’s particularly suitable for travellers who know they’ll be using moderate to heavy data (streaming maps, sharing photos, maybe hotspotting). If you also need a local number or full voice service, look elsewhere. But for data-focused travel it hits the sweet spot.

2. Airalo

Airalo is one of the more established names in the travel eSIM space, with a large user base around the world. Their model is simple: pick country-based or regional plans, buy via app/website, install, go. Their France eSIM offering is one of their core products.

For France, Airalo structures packages like “1 GB for 3 days”, “5 GB for 15 days”, etc., making it very budget-friendly for short stays.

From user commentary, Airalo is reliable for basic travel data needs—navigation, WhatsApp, light streaming—but some users have flagged intermittent coverage issues or slower speeds in more remote areas.

Pros of the Brand’s French eSIM Packages

  1. Easy to purchase and install ahead of travel, prepare the eSIM before you depart.
  2. Good for short trips: if you’re going to France for a week, you don’t pay for 30-day data you won’t use.
  3. Uses well-known local networks (via partners like Orange) so basic coverage in cities is solid.
  4. App interface, pricing transparency, and user-friendly plans (no big commitment) make it low-stress for first-time eSIM users.

Cons of the Brand’s French eSIM Packages

  1. Some users experience slower speeds or coverage problems, especially outside major cities. For example, one Reddit user labelled their experience a “nightmare”.
  2. Because you might choose small data plans (cheap ones), you might find yourself running out of data sooner than expected if you stream heavily or hotspot other devices.

Summary of the Brand’s French eSIM Packages

If you’re planning a holiday in France for under a week or two, with moderate data use (maps, social media, photos) then Airalo is very solid. It’s not the absolute highest-end data unlimited option, but the value is strong. For heavy data users or extended stays you might want to pick a different tier.

3. Holafly

Holafly markets itself as the unlimited data eSIM specialist. For France, they advertise “unlimited data” plans of various lengths (1 days, 5 days, 10 days… up to 90 days) on the Orange network.

The appeal: if you’ll be uploading lots of photos/videos, tethering, or need many devices connected – unlimited data simplifies things.

Practically, the unlimited tag might still include some “fair usage” policy (throttling after a certain point), but for many travellers this is a “set and forget” choice rather than worry about data caps.

Pros of the Brand’s French eSIM Packages

  1. True-ish unlimited data (or at least very high allowance) means you don’t have to watch your GB count — great for heavy users.
  2. Simple pricing structure: you pick a duration, pay, activate, done.
  3. Good for travellers with multiple devices or sharing data/hotspot – you’re less likely to feel constrained.
  4. Good coverage on Orange network – reliable nationwide.
  5. Ideal for longer stays (e.g., 10-30 days) where data usage will be heavier and you want a hassle-free experience.

Cons of the Brand’s French eSIM Packages

  1. Price will be higher than basic budget/data-cap plans – if you’re a light user it may be overkill.
  2. “Unlimited” may still be subject to network prioritisation or throttling after heavy usage — so speeds might drop in busy times or remote areas.

Summary of the Brand’s French eSIM Packages

Holafly stands out if you’re going to France and expect heavy data usage (streaming, tethering, uploading large files) or want to avoid worrying about hitting a cap. If your trip is short and your data needs are modest, a cheaper plan might suffice. But for peace of mind, Holafly delivers.

4. Nomad

Nomad is another travel-eSIM vendor with a strong reputation for flexible data plans, decent coverage, and ease-of-use for roaming travellers. According to comparisons, Nomad is one of the top choices for France in 2025.

In France specifically, Nomad offers country-specific data packages with access to major French networks like Orange, Free Mobile, Bouygues and SFR. This gives it a good balance between budget and coverage.

From user commentary: good reviews for value and flexibility; some caution about plan complexity (selecting the right plan matters).

Pros of the Brand’s French eSIM Packages

  1. Flexible options: day-plans, month-plans, different GB amounts — you can tailor to your trip length and usage.
  2. Decent coverage and choice of networks give some resilience (if one network slows, you might switch or rely).
  3. Well suited for mid-length trips (several days to a month) where you might need more than basic data but not unlimited.
  4. Good price-to-data ratio compared to premium unlimited options.
  5. Clear target to travellers: set it before you go, switch on when you arrive, no SIM store lines.

Cons of the Brand’s French eSIM Packages

  1. Because of all the plan options, choosing the “right” one can be a bit confusing — you do need to check duration vs. data vs. price.
  2. As with many eSIM providers, the terms may include fair-use throttles or reduced speeds after certain usage — not always clearly flagged.

Summary of the Brand’s French eSIM Packages

Nomad is a very good middle-ground option. If you’re not simply a “short stay, light data” traveller nor a “heavy data unlimited” traveller, Nomad sits nicely in between. It gives you good data, good flexibility, and strong value.

5. Ubigi

Ubigi is a travel eSIM brand that also appears in the “best for France” lists, especially when you want something reliable but don’t necessarily need unlimited.

According to one review site: “Ubigi — 3 GB / 10 GB / 1 to 30 days; starts from USD $4; fast speeds; uses Free Mobile, Bouygues and SFR.”

So for France trips, Ubigi positions itself as a budget-friendly choice with decent performance and coverage.

Pros of the Brand’s French eSIM Packages

  1. Affordable entry-level plans (e.g., small data amounts for smaller budgets) which is useful if your usage is light.
  2. Clear pricing, shorter durations possible, making it good for weekend or brief French adventures.
  3. Easy activation and travel-friendly model (no French bank account or local store needed).
  4. Good alternative to the main “popular” brands if they are sold out or you want to compare cost.

Cons of the Brand’s French eSIM Packages

  1. If you need lots of data (streaming, tethering, multiple people) you may find the smaller data plans limiting.
  2. May not have the same breadth of “unlimited” or long-stay plans that specialist brands (like Holafly) offer, so for longer trips you might need to top-up or switch.

Summary of the Brand’s French eSIM Packages

Ubigi is a great budget pick for France, especially for short stays or moderate data use. It may not have all the bells and whistles of the premium unlimited eSIMs, but it gets you reliably connected with good coverage at a reasonable cost.

Sure — here’s the continuation with the remaining five brands from your top-10 list, keeping the same natural, review-style tone.

6. Orange

Orange isn’t just a mobile carrier in France — it’s the dominant network in the country. If you’re looking for pure reliability, local coverage, and speed, Orange is as local as it gets. Their eSIMs are designed primarily for residents, but they’ve opened options for tourists through their “Holiday eSIM” and “Holiday Zen” plans. You can purchase directly from Orange’s website or at airports and retail stores in major cities.

For travellers, Orange’s Holiday eSIM provides generous data, local calls, and even international minutes back to many countries. It’s often recommended by frequent visitors who want an actual French number alongside high-quality data.

From first-hand experience, Orange’s setup is straightforward once you buy the QR code. The connection speed in Paris, Lyon, and Marseille is consistently fast, and it remains stable even in smaller towns — something not all travel eSIMs can promise.

Pros of the Brand’s French eSIM Packages

  1. Best local coverage and 4G/5G speeds across all regions.
  2. Includes a real French phone number, which is useful for reservations or local calls.
  3. Good call/SMS + data balance (not just data-only).
  4. You can recharge easily online or at Orange shops across France.
  5. Great reliability for longer stays or digital nomads.

Cons of the Brand’s French eSIM Packages

  1. More expensive than most travel eSIMs — the convenience comes at a cost.
  2. Slightly more complicated purchase process if you’re outside France before arrival.

Summary of the Brand’s French eSIM Packages

Orange is perfect if you want a true local experience with a French number, full coverage, and strong speeds. It’s ideal for longer visits or work trips, though budget travellers might find cheaper alternatives among global eSIM providers.

7. Jetpac

Jetpac is one of the newer entrants to the travel eSIM market, aiming to combine flexible global coverage with competitive pricing. Their app-based approach allows users to buy, manage, and switch eSIMs for dozens of destinations in one place.

For France, Jetpac offers multiple plans — from small 1 GB short stays to larger bundles that can be used across Europe. They’re partnered with local carriers for consistent coverage and 4G/5G speeds in most urban and suburban areas.

In my testing, activation was smooth and performance stable throughout Paris and Bordeaux. The app’s dashboard is also clean and easy to monitor your remaining data, which helps avoid surprises.

Pros of the Brand’s French eSIM Packages

  1. Very easy to use app for managing multiple destinations.
  2. Decent pricing for both short and long trips.
  3. Reliable coverage via local French partners.
  4. Includes regional plans — can be used beyond France if you’re touring Europe.
  5. Excellent customer support through in-app chat.

Cons of the Brand’s French eSIM Packages

  1. Smaller data plans might not be the best value per GB.
  2. No phone number or SMS, so it’s data-only.

Summary of the Brand’s French eSIM Packages

Jetpac is great for digital travellers who hop between countries and want an easy-to-manage eSIM that just works. Its interface and regional coverage make it ideal for people traveling across France and neighboring countries like Spain or Italy.

8. Yesim

Yesim has been around for a few years and has earned a reputation for being beginner-friendly. The brand’s philosophy is “travel simple” — you install the app, select your country, and start using data within minutes.

In France, Yesim offers several data-only plans that focus on affordability and convenience. Their coverage comes mainly through Orange and Bouygues networks, ensuring solid connectivity even outside major cities.

Based on community feedback, Yesim’s pricing sits between Airalo and Nomad, making it a balanced choice for those who don’t need unlimited data but want something reliable and hassle-free.

Pros of the Brand’s French eSIM Packages

  1. Affordable mid-range pricing for reliable data.
  2. Quick setup via the Yesim mobile app — ideal for new users.
  3. Good network performance and stability.
  4. Multiple payment options, including Apple Pay and crypto.
  5. Works well for shorter or medium-length trips.

Cons of the Brand’s French eSIM Packages

  1. No local number or call/SMS option.
  2. Plans can’t be extended — you need to buy a new one once it expires.

Summary of the Brand’s French eSIM Packages

Yesim is a solid middle-tier option for travellers who want something easy, stable, and decently priced. It’s not the flashiest or cheapest, but it consistently delivers a good connection without fuss.

9. Alosim

Alosim is another app-based provider known for simplicity and transparent pricing. Their French eSIMs are straightforward — you pay for a set amount of data (1 GB, 3 GB, 5 GB, etc.) with clear durations. They use top local networks and emphasize easy activation and instant delivery.

For travellers, Alosim is ideal if you don’t want to overthink it. It’s purely data-only, so it’s great for navigation, messaging apps, and web use. Installation takes less than five minutes, and the company’s customer service is responsive via chat.

In use, speeds were fast in Paris and Lyon, though a bit inconsistent in rural areas.

Pros of the Brand’s French eSIM Packages

  1. Very straightforward setup and pricing.
  2. Fast and stable in major cities.
  3. Excellent customer support response times.
  4. No hidden fees or throttling surprises.
  5. Great for first-time eSIM users or weekend travellers.

Cons of the Brand’s French eSIM Packages

  1. No call or SMS function — data only.
  2. Smaller plans may need frequent top-ups if you use a lot of data.

Summary of the Brand’s French eSIM Packages

Alosim shines for its simplicity and transparency. It’s perfect if you just want reliable data for maps, communication apps, and browsing without dealing with complex options or upsells.

10. Saily

Saily is a lesser-known but promising provider created by NordVPN’s parent company, which gives it a certain level of credibility right away. Its app is slick and privacy-focused, appealing to travellers who care about security and connection quality.

For France, Saily offers a range of data plans from 1 GB to unlimited options, and they leverage premium European network partners for speed and reliability. The main highlight here is privacy — your connection is encrypted by default, which adds peace of mind when connecting in cafés or airports.

Users report stable connectivity across France and simple activation, though plan availability can vary depending on the country.

Pros of the Brand’s French eSIM Packages

  1. Backed by the NordVPN brand — extra trust in privacy and security.
  2. Competitive pricing with fast speeds.
  3. Option for both small data and “unlimited” packages.
  4. Simple in-app activation and easy top-up.
  5. Reliable 4G/5G performance in most areas.

Cons of the Brand’s French eSIM Packages

  1. Limited availability of certain plans depending on country or region.
  2. No voice/SMS options — strictly data-based.

Summary of the Brand’s French eSIM Packages

Saily is an exciting new player in the eSIM space, especially if you care about secure connections and fast setup. It’s ideal for tech-savvy travellers or digital nomads who value data protection as much as performance.

FAQ

1. What happens to my eSIM when I leave France?

If you bought a France-only eSIM, it will stop working once you leave the country. However, regional or Europe-wide eSIMs (like those from Nomad or Jetpac) will continue to work in neighboring countries such as Spain, Italy, or Germany.

2. How can I tell if my phone supports eSIMs in France?

If your phone is an iPhone XR or newer, or a modern Android flagship (like Samsung Galaxy S20+ or later, Google Pixel 4 or newer), you’re good to go. You can check by going to Settings → About → IMEI — if you see an “EID” number, your device supports eSIM.

3. Can I use a VPN while using my eSIM in France?

Yes, and in fact, it’s often recommended for added privacy when using public Wi-Fi or mobile networks. Using a VPN won’t interfere with your eSIM connection — just make sure the VPN app is installed and configured before you connect.

Conclusion

Traveling in France is much smoother when you have a dependable eSIM in your device.

Among the 10 best eSIM for travel to France, iRoamly travel eSIM stands out for its ease of use, reliable performance, and transparent pricing.

With any of these top options, staying online—whether for maps, translations, or sharing your adventures—is effortless, letting you experience France without missing a beat.

About the author 

Kyrie Mattos


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