Moving to France and settling into your French home is an exciting experience – but before you can unwind with a glass of local wine on your terrace, you’ll need to get the essentials in place. Setting up electricity, gas, water, internet and TV can feel daunting if you’re not familiar with the systems. But once you know what to expect, setting up utilities in France is much more manageable.
This article will walk you through everything you need to know to get connecting utilities in France with minimal fuss. Whether you’re living in a bustling town or a quiet countryside hamlet, understanding the process will help you avoid delays, unexpected bills and unnecessary stress.
Let’s help you turn your property into a fully functioning home.
Contents
- What documents do you need?
- Setting up electricity
- Connecting the gas supply
- How to get your water connected
- Getting internet and phone services
- Watching TV in France
- Frequently asked questions
Before you connect your utilities in France, you should collect all your necessary documents together
What documents do you need?
Before you can open a utility account in France, you’ll need to provide some basic paperwork. Make sure you have:
- A valid passport or French residence permit
- Proof of address (a rental contract, official letter or previous utility bill)
- Your bank account details, usually in the form of a French RIB (banking details slip)
If you’re buying a home, your estate agent or notaire will normally give you necessary property details, such as the meter numbers and previous providers. In cases where you’re moving into a property with existing connections, it’s often a matter of changing names on the contracts. But if the supply was cut off, you’ll need to request a reactivation – which may take a week or more.
Most utility bills in France arrive every two to three months. They’ll show two charges: the abonnement (a fixed standing charge) and the consumption costs based on usage. VAT (TVA) is applied, alongside local taxes depending on your municipality.
While it’s possible to set these services up yourself, many buyers prefer to use the post-sale support offered by their estate agent or a local adviser to make the process smoother – especially if they don’t speak fluent French.
For a look at purchasing overseas, get your free copy of our France Buying Guide:
Setting up electricity
One of the first utilities in France you’ll want to connect is electricity. Electricity in France is generally dependable and reasonably priced compared to some other European countries. The primary provider is EDF (Électricité de France), which remains state-owned. That said, France’s energy market has opened to competition and you can now choose among a range of suppliers, including green-energy companies like Enercoop and Mint Énergie.
To set up your account, contact your chosen provider with your personal documents, the point de livraison (PDL) number from the meter, and the name of the previous occupant (if available). Most suppliers allow you to sign up online or via their helplines – some even have English-speaking advisors. Keep in mind that EDF’s customer portal is user-friendly and available 24/7.
If your property isn’t yet connected, EDF or the alternative provider will organise a technician to activate the supply. This may take up to 10 working days, so plan ahead, especially if you’re arriving in colder months.
Meter readings are done remotely or every six months, and you can submit readings yourself. Payments can be made by direct debit, online or in person. In 2025, smart meters (Linky) are installed in most homes – allowing you to track consumption and adjust usage more easily, helping you save on energy every year.
Connecting the gas supply
Unlike electricity, gas availability in France depends heavily on location. Mains gas – le gaz de ville – is common in larger towns and cities but absent in many rural areas. If your property has access to mains gas, the main provider you’ll deal with is Engie, formerly known as GDF Suez.
To activate a connection, line up your details – including the Point de Comptage et d’Estimation (PCE) for the meter – and contact Engie or another licensed supplier. A technician visit may be necessary if it’s a new set-up or reconnection. You can find local suppliers and connection info via the official government platform: www.service-public.fr.
For rural properties without a mains connection, you’ll need to decide between bottled gas or installing a bulk tank. Tank systems – often placed underground – suit high-usage homes and are serviced by companies like Antargaz or Butagaz. Bottled propane or butane, available from petrol stations and supermarkets, are cost-effective solutions for low usage.
Butane should be stored inside due to its sensitivity to cold, while propane is more robust and can be kept safely in outdoor storage spaces. Always install a compatible regulator and check with your insurer, as some policies have specific storage requirements for gas bottles.
How to get your water connected
As utilities in France go, water is one of the most important. France’s water services are managed by private companies working in partnership with local councils. The provider can vary by commune – Veolia and Saur are the largest, but smaller regional providers also operate.
You’ll need to contact the supplier covering your address to open an account. They’ll typically ask for your ID, property details, and the meter reading on the move-in day. Invoices are usually issued every three to six months and, like electricity bills, include both a standing charge and a usage-based cost.
Water is metered almost everywhere and charged according to how much you use. Average costs range from €3–5 per cubic metre in 2025, with regional variation. In some very remote locations, water may still be drawn from private wells or shared communal sources. If you’re reliant on a well, consider installing a purification system and having it tested regularly – especially if you plan to rent out the property.
To avoid service interruptions, it’s a good idea to register with the supplier immediately after completion. If you’re unsure who services your property, ask your local mairie (town hall) – they can point you in the right direction.
Getting internet and phone services
High-speed internet in France is widespread, and the infrastructure continues improving year by year. ADSL remains the standard in many areas, but fibre optic coverage – known as la fibre – is accelerating, with over 80% of households expected to be eligible by the end of 2025 (source: ARCEP, the French telecom regulator).
There are four main providers:
- Orange – the largest and historically state-owned, still manages France’s landline infrastructure
- SFR – known for TV and mobile packages
- Bouygues Telecom – popular for competitive internet and phone bundles
- Free – low-cost provider with simple online-only setup
If you’re moving into a property with an existing line, setting up ADSL or fibre may just involve changing the name on the account. For new connections or fibre upgrades, the provider will usually send a technician for installation within 7–10 days. Be prepared to pay a connection fee unless it’s included in a promotional offer.
All major providers now offer triple-play packages including internet, landline and French TV – with optional extras like international calling or UK channel access. Don’t forget to compare coverage and speeds using France’s national broadband map: maconnexioninternet.arcep.fr.
Fibre may not be available in very isolated areas – so check coverage well in advance if you’re planning to work remotely.
Watching TV in France
Once your internet is installed, accessing French TV is straightforward. Most internet packages include free-to-air channels and the ability to add premium networks like Canal+. You’ll also find generous recording, catch-up and on-demand features built into the set-top box.
If you want to watch British television, you’ll likely need a satellite dish. You’ll need a correctly aligned dish pointing to the Astra 2 satellite and a compatible decoder – such as a French TNT Sat or Freesat box. Your best bet is to hire a local technician to carry out the installation and ensure the strongest signal – especially in southern France, where reception can be weaker.
It’s also possible to legally stream UK channels via a Virtual Private Network (VPN) and a UK-based streaming subscription – though quality can fluctuate on slower rural connections.
In France, the TV licence – la contribution à l’audiovisuel public – was abolished in 2022, saving homeowners around €138 annually. So unless this changes post-2025, you don’t need to pay a separate TV fee. However, if staying in France long-term and registering for tax, ensure you update your residence details correctly to reflect any TV usage changes.
Turn the lights on – and the stress off
As you settle into your life in France, having your utilities sorted will give you the freedom to focus on the joys of your new adventure. Whether that means enjoying a hot croissant in your kitchen with the heating working or streaming your favourite programme from your new living room, it all starts with the right set-up.
If any of this feels overwhelming – or you simply don’t have time to chase paperwork and phone calls – one of our specialist consultants can help. At Your Overseas Home, we’ve helped hundreds of buyers move safely and set up hassle-free lives in France. From organising viewings to connecting you with trusted local professionals, we’re by your side at every stage.
Book your free consultation now and let’s turn your French property into a fully functioning home.
Frequently asked questions about setting up utilities in France
What documents do I need to set up utilities in France?
You’ll need a valid ID (passport or residence permit), proof of address (rental contract or utility bill), and French bank account details (RIB). If buying a property, your notaire or estate agent can usually help provide meter numbers and supplier info.
How do I set up electricity in France?
Contact a supplier such as EDF with your personal documents, meter number (PDL), and details of the previous occupant. For new connections, a technician visit may be required. Most homes now have Linky smart meters, making setup and billing easier.
Is mains gas available throughout France?
No. Mains gas is common in urban areas but not in many rural regions. If unavailable, homeowners often use bottled or bulk propane/butane. For mains gas, providers like Engie will need your meter’s PCE number to activate service.
How do I get internet and TV in France?
ADSL is widely available and fibre optic coverage is expanding. Providers include Orange, SFR, Bouygues and Free. TV is often bundled with internet, or you can add a satellite dish for UK channels. Use France’s broadband map to check availability in your area.
Do I need to pay a TV licence in France?
No. The French TV licence (contribution à l’audiovisuel public) was abolished in 2022. As of 2025, there’s no separate fee, but always declare any changes when registering for tax to stay compliant.
