NordVPN Not Working With Netflix France? Try This (in 2023)

Deep Shikha
Last Updated by Deep Shikha on July 20, 2024

If you’re getting a proxy error while trying to watch Netflix France using NordVPN, you’re not alone. Lately, NordVPN has struggled to beat Netflix’s strong geo-blocks. Luckily, I’ve discovered there are some ways to make NordVPN work with Netflix France.

After extensive research and testing, I’ve come up with 4 potential solutions to help you connect back to the Netflix France library with NordVPN. In addition, I found 3 VPN alternatives that are much more reliable for accessing Netflix from anywhere.

ExpressVPN is the best alternative to NordVPN. Not only does it connect you to Netflix France on every single attempt, but it also provides the best speeds. You can try ExpressVPN with Netflix risk-free. It has a 30-day money-back guarantee so, if you’re not happy, you can get a full refund. I tested this policy and got my refund in 2 days.

Get ExpressVPN for Netflix France

 Why NordVPN Doesn’t Always Work With Netflix France

Netflix has become increasingly vigilant in detecting and blocking VPN usage, aiming to enforce regional restrictions and licensing agreements. As a result, there’s a good chance some of the IPs used by NordVPN have been blacklisted by Netflix.

Another reason why NordVPN may not work is that Netflix could be using cached data or your device’s time and location settings to determine your location. There are a few workarounds I’ve discussed below to resolve these issues but they might not always work.

ExpressVPN is a better and more reliable alternative for watching Netflix France from anywhere. It’s one of the fastest VPNs I’ve tested, making it an ideal choice for bufferless streaming on Netflix and more.

 Quick Guide: Best VPNs to Access Netflix France in 2023

  1. ExpressVPN — Lightning-fast speeds to watch French Netflix in UHD without any buffering. Try ExpressVPN risk-free.
  2. CyberGhost — Streaming-optimized server for Netflix France gives fast speeds and reliable access to your favorite French shows from anywhere.
  3. PIA — Allows unlimited simultaneous device connections with a single subscription to watch Netflix France on all your devices.

 NordVPN Can’t Access Netflix France? Try These Fixes

Note: After you’re connected to a NordVPN server, I recommend you conduct a quick leak test to verify that your device is using the VPN securely. If the leak test is revealing your true location rather than the VPN server location, there’s a problem with your VPN connection. In that case, reconnect the VPN or connect to another server and re-test for leaks.

Clear Your Cache

Cached data may contain your common location information. Netflix can use this data to get your current location, which might trigger a proxy error and prevent you from accessing Netflix France.

Clear your browser’s cache to ensure that Netflix receives the most recent data and can accurately determine your server location while using NordVPN.

To clear the cache in Google Chrome:

  1. Open Google Chrome and click the 3 dots in the top-right corner of the browser.
  2. Choose Settings.”
  3. SelectPrivacy and security” from the options on the left of your screen. Then, click “Clear browsing data.”
  4. ChooseAll time” as the time range from the drop-down menu. Check the boxes for “Cookies and other site data” and “Cached images and files.” Then, click “Clear data.”
    An informative screenshot guide showing step-by-step instructions on how to clear cache in Google Chrome
  5. Relaunch Chrome and try accessing Netflix France.

Connect to a Different French Server

NordVPN’s limited number of French server locations can sometimes contribute to connectivity issues when accessing Netflix France. Currently, NordVPN offers only 2 server locations in France: Paris and Marseille.

If you’re unable to access Netflix with the current server, try connecting to a different location. Alternatively, reconnecting to the same location can update your IP address and potentially resolve the issue.

Connect to Versions of Netflix That Have French Shows

One solution is to look for another Netflix library that has the French shows or movies you want to watch. That way you can connect to the respective NordVPN server and access your favorite content on Netflix.

For example, Netflix US hosts various French shows, subtitles, and audio. You can connect to NordVPN’s US servers to access these shows. Try filtering and searching for shows via subtitles and audio with this link when logged into your Netflix account.

If you come across a country where French audio and subtitles do not appear as an option, such as Japan, you can visit the Netflix Help Center and go to the “Netflix is in the wrong language” page. By following the simple instructions provided, you’ll be able to add French (or any other language you need) to your account.

Change Your Device’s, Time Zone

Netflix may use your device’s time and date settings to confirm your location. This means that if your device’s time zone is set to a location outside of France, it could be preventing you from accessing Netflix France while using NordVPN. Updating your device’s time zone to France’s local time zone (UTC+1) can potentially resolve this issue.

Disable All Location Services

Turn off GPS and other location-tracking features to prevent Netflix from detecting your actual location. Also, if you’ve previously granted Netflix permission to access your location, be sure to uncheck this setting in your browser’s preferences. This ensures that Netflix doesn’t rely on outdated location information.

Contact Customer Support

If you have exhausted all the troubleshooting steps mentioned above and are still unable to access Netflix France with NordVPN, it’s time to reach out to NordVPN’s customer support. NordVPN’s representatives can help you identify the issue and provide alternative solutions to help you access Netflix France.

Get Another VPN That Works With Netflix France

If you continue having issues with NordVPN when trying to access Netflix France, you should consider an alternative VPN. Fortunately, if you’ve recently purchased NordVPN, you can take advantage of its 30-day money-back guarantee and claim a refund.

I highly recommend ExpressVPN for Netflix France. Not only does it provide seamless access to Netflix France, but it also offers lightning-fast speeds, making it ideal for streaming content in UHD. This means you can enjoy buffer-free streaming and an extensive library of French content on Netflix.

Access Netflix France with ExpressVPN

 The Best NordVPN Alternatives for Netflix France (Tested in 2023)

1. ExpressVPN — Ultra-Fast Speeds to Watch Netflix France in UHD Without Buffering

Key Features:

  • 3,000+ servers in 94 countries, including 4 server locations in France
  • Superfast speeds for bufferless UHD streaming on Netflix France
  • 8 simultaneous device connections with 1 subscription
  • Works with Windows, macOS, smart TVs, Amazon Fire TV, routers, and more
  • 24/7 live chat, email support, and online knowledgebase of FAQs
  • 30-day money-back guarantee

ExpressVPN has lightning-fast speeds to stream Netflix France with zero buffering. It has 4 server locations in France: Paris, Marseille, Alsace, and Strasbourg. I tested all 4 locations and recorded an average speed of 319.7 Mbps — only about a 9% drop from my base speeds. These speeds are more than enough to watch UHD content buffer-free.

Usually, you need an average speed of 25 Mbps to watch UHD content without buffering or lag. If your base speeds aren’t as high as mine, make sure you use ExpressVPN’s Lightway protocol to get the fastest connection. In tests, using the Lightway protocol boosted ExpressVPN’s server speeds by 3-5% compared to using OpenVPN.

Screenshot of Criminal: France playing on Netflix while connected to ExpressVPN
Criminal: France didn’t buffer even once during a 2-hour binge-watching session

If you want to watch more French streaming platforms as well as Netflix France, ExpressVPN can help you access:

6Play Amazon Prime France TF1 RTL France Canal+
France TV Europe1 MolotovTV Disney+ YouTube TV
BBC iPlayer Hulu Apple TV+ ITV And more…

With wide device compatibility, ExpressVPN lets you watch Netflix France on the most popular devices. It has apps for Windows, macOS, Amazon Fire TV, Android or Google-based smart TVs, smartphones, and more.

Alternatively, you can set up ExpressVPN on your virtual or physical router to use it with streaming devices that don’t support VPNs. I recommend a virtual router setup as it’s easier to configure. Just download the ExpressVPN app for your PC, connect to a server in France, and create a hotspot to share your PC’s connection with other WiFi-enabled devices.

One minor con is that ExpressVPN’s monthly plans are expensive. But you can get ExpressVPN for Netflix France with 49% off with its 1-year + 3 months plan. It will cost you just $6.67/month.

All ExpressVPN plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee. So if you’re not 100% happy, you can get a full refund. I decided to test this policy and contacted its live chat to ask for a refund. The agent approved my request without asking a single question. My card was credited with the full fee 2 days later.

ExpressVPN works with: Windows, macOS, Linux, Chromebook, Android, iOS, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Nvidia Shield, Xiaomi Mi Box, Chromecast, Roku, Android TVs, smart TVs, routers, and more.

Watch Netflix France with ExpressVPN

2023 Update! ExpressVPN has dropped prices for a limited time to a crazy $6.67 per month for the 1-year plan (you can save up to 49%) + 3 months free! This is a limited offer so be sure to grab it now before it’s gone. See more information on this offer here.

2. CyberGhost — Specialized Streaming Servers for Netflix France, Netflix FR Android TV, and Netflix FR Fire Stick

Key Features:

  • 920+ servers in France, with 3 optimized for Netflix France, Netflix FR Android TV, and Netflix FR Fire Stick
  • Amazing speeds to watch HD content on Netflix France without buffering
  • Allows 7 device connections on 1 subscription
  • Works with Windows, macOS, smart TVs, Amazon Fire TV, routers, and more
  • Offers 24/7 live support and help via email support and online knowledgebase
  • 30-day money-back guarantee

CyberGhost has 3 specialized servers optimized for Netflix France, 2 of which are designed to work with Android TV and Amazon Fire Stick. These servers ensure reliable access to French Netflix shows while optimizing your speeds for bufferless streaming. You can find them under the “For Streaming” category in your CyberGhost app.

I tested each of these servers and got an average speed of 287.34 Mbps, which is around 18% slower than my usual connection. It’s not as fast as ExpressVPN, and some distance servers gave me a 38% loss. But if your base speeds are above 40 Mbps, you should have no issues watching shows on Netflix France, even on distant servers.

Screenshot of Marianne playing on Netflix France while connected to CyberGhost
CyberGhost’s streaming servers for Netflix France let you watch shows in HD

As well as helping you access Netflix France, CyberGhost has been thoroughly tested and found to work with multiple platforms including:

MolotovTV Canal+ Europe1 RTL FR Radio France
6Play France TV ruutu Netflix US, UK, & more And more…

You can download CyberGhost directly on your Windows PC, Mac, Android TV, Amazon Fire Stick, Android phone, and iPhone. It also provides setup options like SmartDNS, virtual routers, and physical routers for devices without native VPN support. However, SmartDNS won’t be able to connect you to Netflix France because it doesn’t give you a French IP.

Unfortunately, CyberGhost’s streaming-optimized servers can be slow at peak times. In that case, you can connect to any of CyberGhost’s 920+ servers in Marseille, Paris, and Strasbourg to access French Netflix. With such a massive server network, you’ll always find a server that can help you watch your favorite French shows and movies on Netflix.

Like ExpressVPN, CyberGhost’s 1-month plan is expensive. Plus, it has a shorter money-back guarantee of 14 days. But its long-term plans are affordable. CyberGhost’s 2-year + 3 months subscription is currently available at 84% discount, costing $2.11/month with a 45-day money-back guarantee.

I suggest you to try CyberGhost with Netflix France using its 45-day money-back guarantee. I personally tested this policy by reaching out to customer support via live chat. The representative asked me a few questions about my experience and promptly processed my refund request. Within 3 days, I received a full refund.

CyberGhost works with: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Raspberry Pi, Chrome, Firefox, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Roku, smart TVs, routers, and more.

Watch Netflix France with CyberGhost

2023 Update! You can subscribe to CyberGhost for as low as $2.11 per month + get extra 3 months free with the 2-year plan (save up to 84%)! This is a limited offer so grab it now before it’s gone. See more information on this offer here.

3. Private Internet Access (PIA) — Allows Unlimited Simultaneous Device Connections to Watch Netflix France and More

Key Features:

  • 35,000+ servers in 84 countries, with 1 server location in France
  • Connect unlimited devices simultaneously with 1 subscription
  • Works with Windows, macOS, smart TVs, Amazon Fire TV, routers, and more
  • Live chat and online knowledgebase
  • 30-day money-back guarantee

PIA lets you connect unlimited devices, allowing you and your family to enjoy Netflix France and other streaming platforms simultaneously. Whether you’re streaming on your smart TV, laptop, smartphone, or tablet, PIA ensures that you can access your favorite French shows on Netflix on any device.

I got speeds of 234.8 Mbps on PIA’s French server. This was a decrease of around 33% compared to my baseline. While these speeds were still sufficient for buffer-free content streaming, the drop in speed may impact UHD streaming if your base speeds are 50 Mbps or lower, to begin with.

Screenshot of The Hook Up Plan playing on Netflix France while connected to PIA
PIA had no problem accessing Netflix France to play shows without lag

Along with Netflix France, PIA lets you watch Netflix US, Netflix UK, and other top streaming services, including:

France TV RTL France Canal+ Amazon Prime France MolotovTV
6Play Europe1 TF1 YouTube TV And more…

Offering extensive device compatibility, PIA supports Windows PCs, Macs, Android TVs, Android phones, iPhones, and more. It also provides physical and virtual router setup for streaming devices without native VPN support. There is an extensive online database full of helpful set-up guides and, if you get stuck, its live chat agents are helpful and fast.

You can get PIA’s 2-year + 3 months plan to watch Netflix France for just $2.11/month. Plus, it has a 30-day money-back guarantee, letting you try it for free. I tested PIA for 25 days and requested a refund via live chat. The agent asked if I would reconsider, but processed my refund after I said no. I got my money in 5 days.

PIA works with: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Chrome, Firefox, Opera, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Amazon Fire TV devices, Chromecast, Apple TV, Roku, smart TVs, routers, and more.

Watch Netflix France with PIA

2023 Update! You can subscribe to PIA for as low as $2.11 per month + get extra 3 months free with the 2-year plan (save up to 82%)! This is a limited offer so grab it now before it’s gone. See more information on this offer here!

 Comparison Table: Best VPNs for Netflix France in 2023

VPN Server Locations in France Speeds
Base Speeds: 350 Mbps
Access to Streaming Platforms Device Limit Lowest Monthly Price
ExpressVPN 4 319.7 Mbps

(a 6% drop on local servers)

 Netflix (France, US, & more), Amazon Prime France, 6Play, RTL France, Canal+, France TV, and more 8  $6.67/ month with a 1-year + 3 months subscription
CyberGhost 3 287.3 Mbps

(an 18% drop on local servers)

Netflix (France, US, & more), 6Play, RTL France, Canal+, France TV, and more 7  $2.11/ month with a 2-year + 3 months subscription
PIA 1 234.8 Mbps

(a 33% drop on local servers)

 Netflix (France, US, & more), RTL France, TF1, 6Play, and more unlimited  $2.11/ month with a 2-year + 3 months subscription

 How to Watch Netflix France in 3 Easy Steps

  1.  Get a VPN. You need a fast VPN to enjoy streaming without lag. ExpressVPN gives you lightning-fast speeds to watch Netflix France without buffering.
  2.  Connect to a server in France. I recommend the one closest to your actual location for the best speeds.
  3.  Launch Netflix. Log in to your Netflix account and start streaming your favorite French shows and movies.

 How I Tested and Ranked the Best VPNs for Netflix France

I tested the leading VPNs with multiple Netflix libraries (including France) against the following criteria:

  • Server number and locations in France: A large server network increases the chances of finding a reliable and fast connection.
  • Access to Netflix France and other streaming services: All 3 VPNs on the list work with Netflix France, the US, and more + many other French streaming services.
  • Speed: ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and PIA all give high-speed connections to ensure seamless streaming of Netflix France in UHD quality without buffering.
  • Device limit: All the VPNs listed here allow a minimum of 5 devices per account — more than enough to cover all your devices.
  • Money-back guarantee: All VPNs here have a generous money-back guarantee on long-term plans, allowing enough time to test the VPN with Netflix France.

 FAQs on Watching Netflix France With a VPN

Can I watch Netflix France on iPhone, Android, and Fire Stick?

Yes, you can watch Netflix France on iPhone, Android devices, and Fire Stick using a VPN. Follow these steps to watch Netflix on your device:

  1. Get a VPN: ExpressVPN has easy-to-use apps for iPhone, Android devices, and Amazon Fire Stick. Plus, ExpressVPN’s servers in France reliably access Netflix.
  2. Connect to a server in France. You need a France IP to access Netflix France.
  3. Start watching. Open the Netflix app on your device and log in to your account to watch French content.

Is it legal to use a VPN with Netflix France?

Using a VPN to access Netflix France is legal. However, it may violate Netflix’s Terms of Service (ToS) to watch content that is restricted in a particular region.

My team and I do not condone any activities that infringe upon the ToS of streaming platforms. I recommend you familiarize yourself with local laws and carefully review Netflix’s terms and conditions before using a VPN to access restricted content.

Which VPNs are blocked by Netflix France?

There are plenty. I’ve listed 3 VPNs that work efficiently with Netflix France. NordVPN also works well most of the time but may encounter proxy errors once in a while. In addition, Surfshark is also a good choice. Most other VPNs I’ve tested fail to access Netflix France. These include:

  • All free VPNs
  • Buffered
  • PureVPN
  • IPVanish
  • Hotspot Shield
  • Hola VPN
  • LiquidVPN
  • SaferVPN
  • HideMyAsss
  • Zenmate
  • Opera VPN

Did Netflix ban NordVPN?

No, Netflix has not officially banned NordVPN. However, some NordVPN servers may encounter difficulties in accessing certain Netflix libraries, including Netflix France. This is because Netflix actively employs measures to detect and block VPN usage to enforce its regional restrictions.

The effectiveness of a VPN in bypassing Netflix’s restrictions can vary over time. To ensure reliable access to Netflix France or any other specific library, I recommend using ExpressVPN as it consistently works with Netflix France, US, and more.

Can I watch French Netflix with a VPN?

Yes, you can watch Netflix France with a VPN. You just need to make sure that the VPN service you’ve selected has servers in France — the more, the better. That way, a VPN will be able to route your traffic through a server in France, allowing you to access and stream content from France’s Netflix library. This will allow you to continue watching the shows you’ve rightfully paid for, even when you travel outside France.

Can I use NordVPN to watch Netflix in other countries?

Yes and no. While NordVPN has been a popular choice for Netflix, it has faced challenges in consistently accessing the service. These NordVPN fixes might work, but there is no guarantee. As a result, NordVPN isn’t a reliable choice to regain access to your local Netflix account while traveling abroad.

I recommend a better alternative ExpressVPN. ExpressVPN reliably works with Netflix and provides access to a wide range of Netflix libraries, including popular ones like Netflix US, UK, and France. Plus, its superfast speed allows you to watch even UHD content without any buffering or lag.

Which NordVPN servers currently unblock Netflix?

Be aware that NordVPN doesn’t always work with Netflix for a number of reasons. However, you can usually access Netflix US, UK, Canada, and more with the following NordVPN servers:

Server Location Server ID
Atlanta, United States #8206
Saint Louis, United States #9595
Seattle, United States #9956
Manchester, United Kingdom #2516
London, United Kingdom #1935
Montreal, Canada #1635
Osaka, Japan #653
Brisbane, Australia #745

Can I use a free VPN to unblock French Netflix?

Yes, but I don’t recommend free VPNs to access Netflix France. Instead, use these recommended VPNs to watch your favorite French shows on Netflix.

Here are the reasons why:

  • Limited server options: Free VPNs may not have the necessary server locations to reliably access Netflix France.
  • Slow speeds: Free VPNs often have speed restrictions and overcrowded servers, resulting in buffering issues while streaming.
  • Data caps: Free VPNs impose data caps and limitations, restricting your streaming capabilities.
  • Security and privacy concerns: Free VPNs may not offer the same level of security and can collect and sell your data, making using a VPN for privacy pointless.

If you still want to use a free VPN, here are the best free VPNs that may let you watch Netflix in France.

Watch Netflix France with ExpressVPN

 Start Watching Netflix France From Anywhere

There are ways you can access Netflix France using NordVPN, however, these methods can take time and effort which is understandably frustrating. If you’re still within the 30-day money-back guarantee period, it may just be simpler if you ask NordVPN for a complete refund and try out another service in its place.

I recommend you try ExpressVPN with Netflix France. It’s the most reliable VPN to access Netflix in France and it offered the best speeds in my tests. There’s no risk in trying since it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. I tested its refund policy by asking for a refund through live chat and got my money back in 2 days without hassle.

Watch Netflix France with ExpressVPN


Summary — These Are the Best VPNs to Watch Netflix France in 2023

Top Choice
ExpressVPN
9.8
         
Read Reviews
$6.67 / month Save 49%
CyberGhost VPN
9.6
         
Read Reviews
$2.11 / month Save 84%
Private Internet Access
9.4
         
Read Reviews
$2.11 / month Save 82%

We rank vendors based on rigorous testing and research, but also take into account your feedback and our commercial agreements with providers. This page contains affiliate links.

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