Par In brief
- For occasional use, a 4G/5G box with no commitment is usually the best value — plug it in when you arrive, pause or stop when you leave.
- A no-commitment fibre/ADSL box works too, but you keep paying every month unless you cancel.
- For a few days only, a prepaid SIM or travel eSIM with data sharing (hotspot) can be enough.
- Avoid a 12/24-month commitment for a home you use a few weeks a year.
The best internet options for a second home
The right choice depends on how long you stay and how much data you need :
| Option | Best for | Commitment | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4G/5G box | Regular stays, no fibre nearby | Usually none | Data can be capped; needs mobile coverage |
| No-commitment fibre/ADSL | Long or frequent stays | None, but billed monthly | You pay even when away unless you cancel |
| Prepaid SIM / hotspot | Short visits, light use | None (pay as you go) | Not ideal for heavy or whole-home use |
| Travel eSIM | A few days, one device | None | Data-only; tethering depends on the plan |
For the details of each connection type and eligibility at your address, see our guide to internet in France; for mobile options, see SIM cards and eSIM in France.
Not sure what suits a part-time home?
An English-speaking Selectra advisor checks what is available at your address and recommends the most flexible, best-value option for a second home — in English.
Why a flexible plan usually wins for a second home
- A 4G/5G box needs no landline and no engineer visit — it works the moment mobile coverage reaches your home, ideal for rural or seasonal use.
- With no commitment, you avoid early-termination fees if you stop using the home or sell it.
- You can cancel when you leave for the season and re-subscribe later, rather than paying 12 months for a few weeks online.
- Check mobile coverage at the address first — a 4G/5G box is only as good as the signal it receives.
Match the option to how long you stay
There is no single best answer — it depends on how often and how long you are in the home :
- A few days, a couple of times a year — a prepaid SIM or a travel eSIM used as a phone hotspot is usually enough, with nothing to cancel between visits.
- Several weeks each season (summer house, holidays) — a 4G/5G box with no commitment is the sweet spot: order it, use it, and stop when you leave rather than paying all year.
- Long or frequent stays, or you rent it out — a no-commitment fibre/ADSL box makes sense, giving full home speeds; keep it on a no-commitment tariff so you stay flexible.
French boxes rarely offer a true “pause” option, so for seasonal use the practical approach is a no-commitment plan you cancel and re-subscribe, rather than a 12 or 24-month contract.
Choosing a 4G/5G box: what to check
A 4G/5G box is often the best fit for a second home because it needs no landline and no engineer visit — but check these points first :
- Mobile coverage at the address — the box is only as fast as the 4G/5G signal it receives; rural spots can vary street by street.
- Data allowance — some boxes cap monthly data or slow down after a threshold, which matters if you stream a lot.
- Commitment and hardware — prefer a no-commitment plan and check whether the box is included, rented or must be returned.
- A French bank account (RIB) is usually required for a monthly box; a prepaid SIM only needs ID if you do not have one yet.
If the property has no usable mobile signal at all, satellite internet (such as Starlink) is the fallback — more expensive and needing a clear view of the sky, but available almost anywhere. And for occasional use you rarely need a full TV package: streaming apps over the box cover most second-home viewing without a separate TV subscription.
Second-home internet in France: FAQ
For occasional use, a 4G/5G box with no commitment or a prepaid SIM is usually cheapest, because you only pay while you are there. A committed fibre contract is rarely worth it for a home you use a few weeks a year.
If fibre reaches the address, yes — prefer a no-commitment offer so you are not locked in. Where there is no fibre or ADSL, a 4G/5G box or satellite is the fallback. Check availability in our internet in France guide.
A monthly box (4G, fibre or ADSL) generally requires a French bank account (RIB). A prepaid SIM only needs an ID and can be topped up as you go — handy if you do not yet have a French account.
If your plan has no commitment, you can cancel when you leave and re-subscribe on your return. If you visit often, keeping a low-cost no-commitment box may be simpler than repeating the setup each time.