1. Watch on Canal+
Canal+ often acquires the rights to major BBC dramas and series for the French market. While you won't get the full live channel experience, it's a premium way to watch high-quality British content dubbing or subtitled.
Watch BBC iPlayer in France
Works in France
Install the lightweight BritVPN (formerly Beebs) Chrome extension, connect to the UK in two clicks, and start streaming BBC shows live from France.
★★★★★
4.9/5 average rating
All servers operational (as of )
Simple Setup
How to get started
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1Sign up for BritVPN for a free trialCreate your account to access our optimized UK streaming servers.
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2Install it on your deviceWorks on Mac, Windows, and Chromebooks via our Chrome extension.
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3Start streaming your favourite showsHead to BBC iPlayer, sign in, and watch as if you were in the UK.
How it works
Without BritVPN
🇫🇷 You (France)
Direct Internet
Location Exposed 🚫
🇬🇧 BBC iPlayer (UK)
Blocked / Geo-Error
With BritVPN
🇫🇷 You (France)
BritVPN Tunnel
Location redirected to the UK
🇬🇧 BBC iPlayer (UK)
Stream Plays Instantly
BritVPN disguises your French IP and presents a British location so iPlayer treats you like a local viewer.
Content Library
Watch every BBC channel live
From EastEnders, all the way to Gavin & Stacey to the Six Nations, don't miss a moment.
BBC One
BBC Two
BBC Three
BBC Four
BBC News & Sport
CBBC
CBeebies
ITV1
ITVX
Channel 4
E4
BBC Scotland
BBC Alba
Plus other UK Channels
BritVPN also unlocks Channel 5, My5, and ITV Kids once you're connected.
What our users say
Sophie, Paris
★★★★★
Oct 18, 2025
“Finally watching EastEnders live again and it only took one refresh.”
Marc, Lyon
★★★★½
Sep 2, 2025
“BritVPN stays connected during big Premier League weekends—no buffering.”
Why use BritVPN over a standard VPN?
| Feature | BritVPN | Generic VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Specialized for UK TV | ✓ Yes | ✕ No |
| Time to Setup | ✓ < 60 seconds | ✕ 5-10 mins |
| Impact on speed | ✓ None (Selective) | ✕ Slows everything |
| BBC iPlayer Guarantee | ✓ Always working | ✕ Often blocked |
| Easier to Install | ✓ Yes | ✕ No, DNS unblockers can be very hard to install on your devices. |
Pros
- Two-click Chrome extension designed for BBC iPlayer abroad
- Access BBC One, ITVX, Channel 4, and more with one subscription
- Low-cost plan with a money-back guarantee
Cons
- Works best on desktop Chrome
- Android TV and Firestick apps coming soon
Why isn't BBC iPlayer available in France?
Make no mistake, France produces some world class television. But, as we all know, there are times where we'd like to tune in to some British television when overseas. Whether that be the live stream of BBC News programmes in the evening, deep-diving into the latest dramas as soon as they air, or even being able to switch to children's TV programs like CBeebies or CBBC, having the chance to watch iPlayer when the need arises is what's most important. It is ironic that if the BBC iPlayer was a paid for service, like the ITV Hub+ then under EU law it would have to be available to any British citizen living, working or travelling in France. However, the BBC iPlayer is free in the UK (putting aside licence arguments) and therefore is unavailable to anyone without a UK IP address.
Setup Guides by Device
BBC iPlayer on Smart TV in France
Watch on the big screen by setting up BritVPN on your Smart TV or casting from Chrome.
iOS and Mac Setup
Stream on the go with our dedicated iOS app or Chrome extension for macOS.
Android and Firestick
Native apps are coming soon! In the meantime, use our Chrome extension on desktop.
Troubleshooting Common Errors
BBC iPlayer proxy error
This error occurs when the BBC detects a VPN or proxy. BritVPN uses residential IPs to appear as a genuine UK viewer, preventing this error.
BritVPN not working
First, try clearing your browser cookies and cache. If that doesn't work, ensure your extension is active or contact our 24/7 support team for instant help.
Other routes to BBC shows from France
BritVPN is undoubtedly fastest route to BBC iPlayer, but here’s how determined viewers sometimes piece together access to shows when residing in France.
2. Catch shows on Arte
The Franco-German cultural channel Arte frequently broadcasts BBC documentaries and some period dramas. It is available for free on French TV and has a replay service (Arte.tv) that occasionally features British content.
3. Standard VPN or Proxy
A standard VPN or proxy server can theoretically trick the BBC servers. However, finding a reliable and stable server that isn't blocked is difficult, and free proxies often come with ads, security risks, or slow speeds. Beebs is designed to overcome these specific hurdles.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I watch BBC One in France?
Live streaming of BBC 1 television is possible in France by installing Beebs. Gain full access in minutes with the Chrome extension.
Can I watch BBC iPlayer in France without a VPN?
Accessing BBC iPlayer directly from France is blocked. While you can't watch without some location-changing tool, BritVPN offers a lightweight browser extension alternative to heavy VPN applications.
How can I download the BBC iPlayer app from France?
It is not possible to download the BBC iPlayer app from outside the UK. But it is possible to access the iPlayer streaming service on a laptop or computer with Beebs. It's a simple extension for Google Chrome that works anywhere.
Is it legal to watch BBC iPlayer in France?
Yes. Using a service like BritVPN to access content you are entitled to view is legal. However, you should ensure you comply with the BBC's terms of service, which may require a TV licence.
Do I need a UK TV Licence?
The BBC Terms of Use state that you need a TV licence to watch programmes on iPlayer. When you register, you will be asked if you have one.
Ready to watch BBC iPlayer from France?
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Editor's Note
Make no mistake, France produces some world class television. But, as we all know, there are times where we'd like to tune in to some British television when overseas. Whether that be the live stream of BBC News programmes in the evening, deep-diving into the latest dramas as soon as they air, or even being able to switch to children's TV programs like CBeebies or CBBC, having the chance to watch iPlayer when the need arises is what's most important. Above are some of the options for streaming BBC and British television in France.
Luke Riley
Europe
Luke has been researching and reviewing products long before coming aboard Beebs as full time as content manager. He has crafted well over 100 reviews and guides for the community.