Are you an expat living in France, missing your favourite UK TV shows? Or perhaps you’re planning a trip to France and want to know if you can still catch up on your favourite programmes while abroad? The good news is that it is possible to watch UK TV in France, so you don’t have to miss out on your favourite shows.
There are several ways to access UK TV in France, including using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to bypass geo-restrictions, subscribing to an internet TV service, or using a satellite dish. It’s important to note that while some methods may be free, others may require a subscription or payment. Additionally, some methods may be more reliable than others, so it’s worth doing your research to find the best option for you.
Watching UK TV in France
If you’re a British expat living in France or just visiting, you may be wondering if you can watch UK TV while there. The answer is yes, but it’s not as straightforward as it is in the UK. In this section, we’ll explore why you can’t watch UK TV in France and how to overcome this problem.
Why Can’t I Watch UK TV in France?
The main reason why you can’t watch UK TV in France is due to geo-restrictions. This means that UK TV channels and streaming services are only licensed to broadcast within the UK and are not allowed to broadcast outside of the country. When you try to access UK TV in France, your IP address will reveal your location and block you from accessing the content.
How to Watch UK TV in France
There are several ways to watch UK TV in France, but the most popular options are using a VPN, Smart DNS, or Satellite TV.
Option 1: VPN
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is the most popular and reliable way to watch UK TV in France. A VPN allows you to change your IP address to a UK one, making it appear as though you’re accessing the content from within the UK. This will allow you to access UK TV channels and streaming services such as BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, and All 4.
Option 2: Smart DNS
Smart DNS is another way to access UK TV in France. It works by changing your DNS (Domain Name System) settings to a UK one, allowing you to access UK TV channels and streaming services. Smart DNS is faster than a VPN, but it’s not as secure.
Option 3: Satellite TV
If you prefer a more traditional approach, you can install a satellite dish in France and access UK TV channels such as BBC, ITV, and Sky. This option requires a one-time installation fee and a subscription to a UK TV provider.
In conclusion, watching UK TV in France is possible, but it requires a bit of effort. Using a VPN or Smart DNS is the easiest and most accessible option, while Satellite TV is a more traditional approach. Choose the option that best suits your needs and enjoy your favourite UK TV shows and channels while in France.
Choosing the Right Option
If you’re living in France and want to watch UK TV, you have several options to choose from. In this section, we’ll discuss the factors you should consider when making your decision, as well as the pros and cons of each option.
Factors to Consider
When choosing the right option for watching UK TV in France, there are several factors you should consider, including:
- Cost: Some options may be more expensive than others, so it’s important to consider your budget.
- Ease of use: Some options may be easier to set up and use than others, so consider your technical skills.
- Channel availability: Not all options may offer the channels you want to watch, so check what channels are available.
- Legal issues: Some options may not be legal, so be sure to consider the legality of each option.
Pros and Cons of Each Option
Here are a few options for watching UK TV in France, along with the pros and cons of each:
Internet TV
Internet TV, also known as broadband TV, is a quick solution to receive all UK public TV channels and your favourite series on your HD TV screen in France. You can also record as an option.
Pros:
- Easy to set up and use.
- Offers a wide range of channels.
- Legal.
Cons:
- May require a subscription fee.
- Quality may vary depending on your internet connection.
VPN
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) can be used to watch UK TV in France by connecting to a UK server. This makes it appear as though you are in the UK, allowing you to access UK TV channels.
Pros:
- Offers a wide range of channels.
- Can be used to access other geo-restricted content.
- Legal.
Cons:
- May require a subscription fee.
- Quality may vary depending on your internet connection.
- Some streaming services may block VPNs.
Satellite TV
Satellite TV involves installing a satellite dish on your property in France and subscribing to a UK TV service.
Pros:
- Offers a wide range of channels.
- High-quality picture and sound.
Cons:
- Expensive to set up.
- May require ongoing subscription fees.
- May not be legal in some cases.
It’s important to weigh the pros and cons of each option before making your decision. Consider your budget, technical skills, and the channels you want to watch to find the right option for you.
Conclusion
In conclusion, watching UK TV in France is possible with the help of a VPN. By using a VPN, you can virtually relocate yourself by connecting to a UK VPN server, and access UK online streaming services such as BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, All 4, and more.
However, it is important to note that not all VPNs are created equal. It is recommended to choose a VPN provider that has fast connection speeds, reliable servers in the UK, and good customer support. Some suggested VPN providers include Atlas, CyberGhost, Express, Nord, Surfshark, and Vypr.
Additionally, it is important to consider the legal implications of using a VPN to access UK TV in France. While using a VPN is not illegal in itself, using it to access content that is restricted in your location may be a violation of copyright laws. It is recommended to use a VPN responsibly and only for personal use.
Overall, with the right VPN provider and responsible usage, watching UK TV in France is a viable option for expats and travellers who want to stay connected to their favourite UK shows and channels.