Imagine this: You’re on a TGV train, the French countryside a blur of green and gold outside your window, racing from the vibrant streets of Paris to the sun-soaked lavender fields of Provence. The landscape changes, but your phone doesn’t. You’re still checking the train schedule, still streaming music, still sending photos to your friends back home, and it’s all seamless, like magic. The thought of fumbling for a tiny plastic SIM card in a crowded train station, trying to explain in broken French that you need more data, feels like a relic from another era. This isn’t just a fantasy; it’s the reality of traveling with an eSIM for France.
This guide is your definitive blueprint for finding the best eSIM for France in 2025. We’ve cut through the clutter to bring you the most reliable, affordable, and easy-to-use eSIM solutions, meticulously tailored for seamless, stress-free connectivity all across the country. We’re talking about real-world scenarios, from navigating the Métro in Paris to finding a hidden cafe in Lyon, all without missing a beat. So, let’s dive into the world of digital connectivity and make sure your next French adventure is as connected as it is unforgettable.
Saily might be the new kid on the block, but it’s already making a big splash, and for good reason. Backed by the same folks behind NordVPN, Saily brings a focus on security and value that’s a perfect fit for the modern traveler. Forget the old days of expensive, complicated roaming. This provider is all about giving you a solid, no-nonsense connection that just works, whether you’re in the busy streets of Paris or exploring the tranquil vineyards of Bordeaux. It’s a smart eSIM for France choice for anyone who wants simplicity without compromising on quality.
| Feature | Details |
| Established Year | 2024 |
| Coverage | France, EU/EEA, Global |
| Key Features | Data-only, Hotspot, EU Roaming compliance |
| Data Plans | 1GB/7 days, 10GB/30 days, Unlimited/15 days (with FUP) |
| Network Partners | Orange, SFR, Bouygues Telecom, Free Mobile |
| Customer Support | Email, comprehensive FAQ |
| App Available | Yes (iOS, Android) |
| Verdict Score | 9.2/10 |
Saily really shines in its ability to offer a seamless experience across France’s most iconic destinations. Whether you’re using maps to navigate the winding streets of Marseille or looking up restaurant reviews in Nice, Saily’s reliable network partners—the big names like Orange and SFR—have your back. They leverage the power of EU roaming to keep you connected if your journey takes you beyond the French borders, which is a massive plus. The unlimited data option, while it has a fair usage policy (FUP), is more than enough for most travelers who aren’t streaming movies all day. Saily makes it easy to stay connected without getting hit with a massive bill later.
It’s simple, really. Saily gives you a cheap eSIM for France that’s incredibly reliable. The pricing is competitive, and you get peace of mind knowing you’re backed by a company focused on digital security. For anyone planning a road trip from the Alps to the French Riviera, the Europe-wide plans offer a single, simple solution that saves you from buying a new SIM every time you cross a border. If you’re a budget backpacker or a digital nomad looking for an affordable, high-quality eSIM France travel plan, Saily is a fantastic choice.
| Plan Name | Data Amount | Validity | Price | Coverage |
| France Light | 3GB | 7 days | $6.50 | All France |
| French Riviera Pass | 10GB | 15 days | $15.00 | France & EU/EEA |
| Europe Unlimited | Unlimited* | 30 days | $35.99 | France & EU/EEA |
Airalo is a household name in the eSIM world, and for good reason. They were one of the first and are still one of the biggest players, offering an almost overwhelming number of plans for just about every country on earth. This extensive reach means they have the logistics nailed down, giving you a tried-and-true option that you can count on. It’s the kind of provider you choose when you just want things to work, no fuss, no drama. An Airalo France eSIM review will often highlight its sheer reliability, and that’s exactly what you get.
| Feature | Details |
| Established Year | 2018 |
| Coverage | France, EU/EEA, Global |
| Key Features | Data-only, Hotspot, EU Roaming compliant, Airmoney Rewards |
| Data Plans | 1GB/7 days, 20GB/30 days, various European plans |
| Network Partners | Orange, Bouygues, SFR, Free Mobile |
| Customer Support | 24/7 Live chat, email, comprehensive FAQ |
| App Available | Yes (iOS, Android) |
| Verdict Score | 9.8/10 |
What makes Airalo so popular for eSIM France travel is its bulletproof consistency. Their network connections are solid across major French cities like Paris and Lyon, but they also hold up well in smaller, more remote areas you might explore on a road trip. The Airmoney rewards program is a nice little bonus, giving you credit towards future purchases, which is perfect for frequent travelers. And because they offer a range of plans, from small data bundles for a weekend in Bordeaux to larger ones for a month-long journey, you can always find something that fits your specific needs. They truly are an anchor in the often-choppy seas of travel connectivity.
Airalo is a great pick because of its reliability and versatility. For a traveler needing a dependable eSIM for France travelling, Airalo is hard to beat. The ability to use the same eSIM across Europe is a huge selling point, making it perfect for anyone planning a grand European tour that includes France. This provider’s regional plans seamlessly tie into EU roaming regulations, so you don’t have to worry about connectivity dropping off as you hop from France to Italy. Plus, the 24/7 live chat support is a massive comfort, especially if you run into a rare technical hiccup.
| Plan Name | Data Amount | Validity | Price | Coverage |
| Mignardise | 5GB | 7 days | $9.50 | All France |
| Bon Vivant | 10GB | 30 days | $18.00 | France |
| Eurolink Pass | 20GB | 30 days | $26.00 | France & 39 other European countries |
Let’s be real: sometimes, you just don’t want to think about data limits. You want to stream music on your scenic train ride, upload every single photo and video in high-res, and not have to hunt for Wi-Fi. That’s where Holafly comes in. This provider has built its entire reputation on one simple, powerful promise: unlimited data. For anyone planning a trip to France who wants to be online 24/7 without a care in the world, Holafly is the obvious choice. The peace of mind that comes with knowing you won’t run out of data is, frankly, priceless.
| Feature | Details |
| Established Year | 2018 |
| Coverage | France, EU/EEA, Global |
| Key Features | Unlimited Data, Data-only, Hotspot (Limited FUP), EU Roaming |
| Data Plans | Unlimited/5 days, Unlimited/15 days, Unlimited/30 days, Unlimited/60 days |
| Network Partners | Orange, Bouygues Telecom |
| Customer Support | 24/7 Live chat, email, phone |
| App Available | No (Web-optimized) |
| Verdict Score | 9.5/10 |
The main draw of Holafly for a trip to France is its commitment to providing genuine eSIM France unlimited data plans. This is a game-changer for people who rely on their phones for everything—GPS, public transport apps, translation tools, and, yes, social media. You can travel from the coastal beauty of Nice to the wine country of Bordeaux and never have to check your data usage. The one thing to note is that while the data is unlimited, there can be a fair usage policy on hotspot data, but for personal use, it’s truly a worry-free experience.
Holafly is the champion for anyone who values freedom and peace of mind above all else. This Holafly France provider is perfect for digital nomads, influencers, or families who need to stay constantly connected. The unlimited plans for France offer unparalleled freedom to explore and share your journey in real time. For anyone who needs the confidence that comes with unlimited data, whether you’re navigating the sprawling Louvre or finding your way to a secluded beach, Holafly is a top contender.
| Plan Name | Data Amount | Validity | Price | Coverage |
| France Traveler | Unlimited | 7 days | $27.00 | France |
| Europe Unlimited | Unlimited | 15 days | $47.00 | France & 47 other European countries |
| Long-Stay Unlimited | Unlimited | 30 days | $69.00 | France |
Nomad has carved out a solid niche for itself by offering incredibly flexible and varied plans. They don’t just give you one or two options; they give you choices, and lots of them. It’s a great fit for the savvy traveler who wants to pick and choose exactly what they need. Need a small data plan for a quick city break in Paris? Nomad has it. Planning an epic month-long journey through the French Alps and need something with more juice? Nomad has that, too. This is a provider that understands that every trip is unique, and your connectivity plan should be, too.
| Feature | Details |
| Established Year | 2019 |
| Coverage | France, EU/EEA, Global |
| Key Features | Data-only, Hotspot, Multiple Network Options, EU Roaming |
| Data Plans | 1GB/7 days, 10GB/30 days, Regional plans |
| Network Partners | Orange, SFR, Bouygues, Free Mobile |
| Customer Support | Email, in-app support, comprehensive FAQ |
| App Available | Yes (iOS, Android) |
| Verdict Score | 9.4/10 |
The real beauty of a Nomad eSIM France plan is the sheer control it gives you. The app is clean and easy to navigate, letting you see all the different local and regional plans. You can often see which network partners are available and choose based on your needs, which is a fantastic feature. This kind of transparency is rare and super helpful. For a road trip through France’s different regions, from the bustling streets of Lyon to the serene coast of Nice, having a plan that’s optimized for that specific network ensures you’ll always have the best possible connection.
Nomad is the provider for the traveler who likes to customize their experience. If you’re particular about your data plan and want to get the most bang for your buck, Nomad’s a perfect fit. The ability to choose between single-country and regional plans makes it a versatile choice. This is especially useful for an itinerary that includes both France and neighboring countries. The Nomad eSIM Europe options are perfect for those who want a single, cohesive plan for their entire trip.
| Plan Name | Data Amount | Validity | Price | Coverage |
| France Quickie | 3GB | 7 days | $8.00 | France |
| French Sojourn | 10GB | 30 days | $17.50 | France |
| Euro Road Trip | 20GB | 30 days | $25.00 | France & 35 other European countries |
When you’re traveling in France, what could be more reliable than a plan from a major French carrier? Orange is a massive name in telecommunications, and their Holiday Europe eSIM, available through SimOptions, is a powerhouse. This isn’t just a data-only plan; it’s a full-service package that often includes voice minutes and SMS. It’s the closest thing you can get to a local French SIM card without the hassle of a physical chip. For those who want the full local experience, this is the way to go.
| Feature | Details |
| Established Year | 1994 (as carrier) |
| Coverage | France, EU/EEA, Global (for some plans) |
| Key Features | Data, Calls, SMS, Hotspot, EU Roaming |
| Data Plans | 10GB/14 days, 30GB/14 days, various other EU roaming plans |
| Network Partners | Orange |
| Customer Support | Varies by vendor, often via SimOptions |
| App Available | Varies, usually web-based activation |
| Verdict Score | 9.7/10 |
The Orange Holiday eSIM is special because it gives you a proper French phone number, which is a huge benefit for making local restaurant reservations, booking tours, or just calling a friend you’ve made on your travels. The plan’s coverage is, as you’d expect from a major national carrier, excellent throughout the country, from the bustling port of Marseille to the quiet charm of Strasbourg. The generous data and call allowances make this a fantastic option for a longer trip where you need more than just internet access.
This is the ultimate choice for a traveler who wants it all: data, calls, and texts. If you’re staying for a while or if you need to make local contacts, getting an eSIM France with phone number is a huge convenience. It’s reliable, from a trusted brand, and offers a comprehensive package that many other data-only providers just can’t match. For those who want a robust, all-in-one solution for their French journey, this is the one.
| Plan Name | Data Amount | Validity | Price | Coverage |
| Holiday Europe 10GB | 10GB, 120 mins calls, 1000 texts | 14 days | $29.90 | France & 30 other European countries |
| Holiday Europe 30GB | 30GB, 120 mins calls, 1000 texts | 14 days | $49.90 | France & 30 other European countries |
Our Method for Picking the Perfect French eSIM
Honestly, picking an eSIM for France can feel like a guessing game with so many options out there. That’s why we don’t just recommend providers blindly. Our process is pretty specific and based on what a real person actually needs when they’re on the ground in France. It’s a mix of a few key things that, together, give you the whole picture.
First off, we look at Coverage and Network Quality. This is non-negotiable. You want to be sure you have a fast, reliable connection whether you’re under the Eiffel Tower in Paris or hiking through the remote trails in the French Alps. We check to see which local carriers—like Orange, SFR, Bouygues Telecom, and Free Mobile—the eSIM provider partners with. This is also where we consider the EU roaming benefits, which are a massive deal. An eSIM that works from Paris to Strasbourg without a hiccup is worth its weight in gold.
Then, there’s the obvious: Data Plans and Pricing. Nobody wants to get ripped off. We look at the variety of plans available, from small 1GB bundles for a short trip to larger, more robust plans for a long-term stay. We also dig into the fine print on those “eSIM France unlimited data” promises. Is it really unlimited, or is there a catch? Transparency is key. We compare the cost of an eSIM to what you’d get from a local French prepaid SIM card to make sure you’re getting a real deal.
Next up is Ease of Use and Activation. This is a big one. The whole point of an eSIM is convenience, right? A good eSIM should be a simple process—you buy it, you get a QR code or an email, and you’re good to go in minutes. We look at the app experience, the clarity of the instructions, and how easy it is to set things up, especially for people who might not be super tech-savvy.
Finally, we consider Customer Support and Additional Features. When something goes wrong, you need help, and you need it fast. Is there a 24/7 live chat? Is the support in English? Can you get a response in a reasonable amount of time? We also look at things like hotspot capability, whether a plan comes with a French phone number, and other extras that can make a big difference. It’s all about making sure your trip goes as smoothly as possible.
Your Connectivity Cheat Sheet: Comparing the Top France eSIMs
| eSIM Provider | Key Feature Highlight | France-Specific Plans Available | Unlimited Data Options | Validity Range | Best For |
| Saily | Secure and value-focused plans | ✅ | ❌ | 7-30 days | All-around value and multi-country trips |
| Airalo | Extensive global coverage and rewards | ✅ | ❌ | 7-180 days | Reliability and frequent travelers |
| Holafly | Truly unlimited data for worry-free travel | ✅ | ✅ | 5-90 days | Heavy data users and digital nomads |
| Nomad | Flexible plans with network choice | ✅ | ❌ | 7-60 days | Customizing plans for specific needs |
| Jetpac | Budget-friendly with travel perks | ✅ | ❌ | 4-30 days | Budget travelers and backpackers |
| aloSIM | Reliable with included European numbers | ✅ | ❌ | 3-30 days | Easy setup and European travel |
| Instabridge | Security and budget-friendly rates | ✅ | ❌ | 7-30 days | Secure and cost-effective Browse |
| Ubigi | Premium, single-eSIM profile for global use | ✅ | ✅ (Limited) | 1-365 days | Business travelers and long-term stays |
| Yesim | Flexible pay-as-you-go and unlimited | ✅ | ✅ (Limited) | 3-30 days | Flexibility and specific data needs |
| Orange Holiday | All-in-one with calls/texts | ✅ | ❌ | 14 days | All-inclusive travel with local number |
Embrace la Liberté: Why an eSIM is Your Travel Essential in France
Okay, so why should you even bother with an eSIM? The traditional way of traveling involved either paying a fortune in roaming fees or hunting down a physical SIM card at the airport. An eSIM card France changes all that. It’s all about freedom. Freedom from physical SIM cards, freedom from expensive bills, and freedom to stay connected from the moment you land.
One of the biggest advantages is seamless country-hopping. With France being at the heart of Europe, it’s common for travelers to visit neighboring countries. Thanks to EU roaming regulations, many eSIM plans cover not just France but the entire EU/EEA region. This means you can go from Paris to Brussels and your connection won’t even flinch. It’s a game-changer for European road trips.
Another huge benefit is instant activation. You can buy your eSIM for France travelling plan before you even leave home and activate it as soon as you land. No more waiting in lines, no more language barriers, and no more having to figure out how to open that tiny SIM tray on your phone. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it means you can order a car, find your hotel, and let your family know you’ve arrived all within minutes of touching down.
And of course, there’s the money. Using an eSIM is almost always significantly cheaper than paying international roaming charges from your home carrier. You get to choose a prepaid plan that fits your exact data needs, so there are no surprise charges at the end of your trip. This flexibility is perfect for diverse itineraries, from a short weekend city break in Bordeaux to a month-long backpacking adventure. You keep your home number active for important calls and texts on one line, while using the eSIM for all your data needs on the other. It’s the best of both worlds.
A Glimpse into Tomorrow: The Future of French eSIMs
The eSIM landscape is changing fast, and 2025 is a pretty exciting time to be a traveler. We’re seeing some cool trends that are going to make travel even easier. One big one is AI-powered itinerary-based plan recommendations. Imagine an app that knows you’re flying into Paris, taking a train to Marseille, and then chilling in Nice, and it recommends the perfect, most cost-effective plan for that specific route. It’s about hyper-personalization.
We’re also going to see more hyper-localized deals. Providers might offer special plans just for the French Alps during ski season or specific discounts for the Provence region in summer. This kind of targeted, contextual connectivity is where the industry is heading. Plus, with the widespread rollout of 5G across France’s major cities and tourist routes, you can expect lightning-fast speeds for all your needs. The future is all about deeper integration and smarter connectivity.
Beyond Data: Essential Features for Your French Trip
An eSIM for France is about more than just getting online. It’s about all the other little things that make your trip easier. For most travelers, a data-only plan is perfect because you can still make calls and send messages using apps like WhatsApp or FaceTime. But if you need a proper French phone number for local calls and bookings, a provider like Orange Holiday is a fantastic option.
Don’t forget about hotspot capability. It’s a great feature if you’re traveling with a partner or a family and want to share your data. Many eSIM providers allow this, though some might have a fair usage policy on it, so it’s always good to check. The different validity periods are also important. You can get a plan that lasts a few days, a month, or even longer, giving you the flexibility to choose exactly what you need.
And hey, if you’re traveling through Europe, look for a regional plan. You’ll find options like Nomad eSIM Europe or an Airalo Europe eSIM review that shows how these plans make it easy to stay connected as you cross borders. These are the details that matter, especially when you’re planning a trip that takes you from the museums of Paris to the vineyards of Bordeaux and beyond.
The Backbone of Your Connection: France’s Mobile Network Tapestry
Ever wonder how your eSIM actually works? It’s pretty simple, really. eSIM providers don’t have their own cell towers; they partner with the big local players in a country. In France, that means they’re tapping into the networks of Orange, SFR, Bouygues Telecom, and Free Mobile. These are the networks that provide the widespread, reliable coverage you need, whether you’re in a major city like Paris or a smaller town in the countryside.
This is also where the “Roam Like At Home” regulation comes into play. Since France is part of the EU/EEA, these rules mean that if you have an EU-wide plan, you can use it in any of the member countries without paying extra roaming fees. It’s a huge benefit that many regional eSIMs, like those from Airalo and Holafly, build right into their offerings. It means your connection is seamless across borders, from Paris to Lyon to the next country over.
Weighing Your Options: A Balanced Look at eSIMs for France
| Pros | Cons |
| Seamless multi-country travel: Easily hop between France and other EU countries without changing your SIM. | Device compatibility: Not all phones support eSIM technology, mostly newer models. |
| Instant activation: Buy and activate your plan in minutes, often before you even land. | Mostly data-only: Most plans don’t include a French phone number for calls and SMS. |
| Cost-effective: Significantly cheaper than traditional roaming from your home provider. | Troubleshooting is online: You’re reliant on online support, which can be tricky in very remote areas with a weak connection. |
| Keeps home number active: Use your eSIM for data and keep your physical SIM for important calls/texts. | Less effective in remote areas: Coverage might be spotty in very isolated rural or mountainous regions. |
| Huge plan variety: Choose from a huge range of data amounts and validity periods. | |
| No physical SIM hassles: No tiny chips to lose, no ejector tools needed. |
Compatibility Check: Is Your Device Ready for a French eSIM Adventure?
So, you’re sold on the idea, but is your phone on board? The good news is that most modern smartphones support eSIM technology. We’re talking about all the latest iPhones, Google Pixels, and a wide range of Samsung Galaxy models. You can usually check in your phone’s settings to see if the “Add Cellular Plan” option is there. If you’re not sure, a quick search on your device manufacturer’s website will give you the definitive answer. The main thing is to make sure your device is unlocked and not tied to a specific carrier.
Funding Your Freedom: Payment Options for French eSIMs
Paying for your eSIM France plan is typically a breeze. The most common payment methods are credit and debit cards, like Visa, Mastercard, and Amex. Many providers also support modern digital wallets like PayPal, Apple Pay, and Google Pay, which makes the whole process even faster. The goal here is to make it as simple as possible to get connected, so you can spend your time dreaming about baguettes and croissants, not worrying about payment portals.
The Big Debate: eSIM vs. Physical SIM for France
| Feature | eSIM for France | Traditional Physical SIM |
| Convenience | Highly convenient; no physical card. | Less convenient; must buy and swap card. |
| Cost | Generally more cost-effective. | Can be cheap, but can have hidden fees. |
| Flexibility | Multiple plans can be stored on one device. | Only one plan can be active at a time. |
| Phone Number | Mostly data-only, some with local numbers. | Comes with a local number. |
| Compatibility | Requires a newer, eSIM-compatible device. | Works with almost all mobile phones. |
| Risk of Loss | None, it’s a digital profile. | High risk of losing a tiny chip. |
| Installation | Instant, often with a QR code. | Requires physical handling and setup. |
Your Data, Your Way: Plans & Speeds Across France
E-SIMs for France come in a ton of different flavors to match every type of traveler. You’ll find small plans with a few GB of data for a quick weekend getaway to Paris, or much bigger ones that last a month or more for a deep dive into the French countryside. For anyone who needs to be online constantly, there are the unlimited options, but always check the fine print on those, as some have a fair usage policy.
As for speed, you can expect great things. The major cities like Paris, Marseille, and Lyon have robust 4G and increasingly common 5G networks. This means you’ll have no trouble streaming videos, video calling home, or using data-heavy apps. Even in smaller cities like Bordeaux and Strasbourg, the speeds are more than enough for everyday use. Your eSIM for France travelling will connect to the best available network, so you’ll always have the fastest speed possible.
Finding Your Perfect Match: The Right eSIM for Your French Trip
Not all travelers are the same, and your eSIM for France shouldn’t be a one-size-fits-all solution. For the City Break Explorer flying into Paris for a few days, a small data plan from Saily or Airalo is a perfect fit. It’s cheap, easy, and gives you all the data you need for maps, transport, and a few Instagram posts. For the Road Trippers exploring from the French Riviera to the Alps, a regional plan from Nomad or Holafly is ideal, ensuring you’re connected no matter where the road takes you.
If you’re a Budget Backpacker, a cheap eSIM for France from a provider like Jetpac can be a lifesaver, giving you solid data at a price that won’t break the bank. And for the Digital Nomads who need to work from their laptops in a café in Lyon, a plan with eSIM France unlimited data from Holafly is the way to go. It’s about matching the right tool to the job. You can even find community recommendations for the best eSIM for France Reddit for a more personal touch.
Your Easy Start: A Simple Guide to Setting Up Your France eSIM
Setting up your eSIM for France is way easier than it sounds. First, you’ll need to buy your plan from a provider’s website or app. They’ll send you a QR code via email or show it right in the app. Next, you go into your phone’s settings and find the option to add a cellular plan. You’ll just scan the QR code and your phone will do the rest, downloading the digital SIM profile. It’s really that simple. You can even do this before you leave home. The final step is to activate it once you land. Just go into your phone’s settings, enable the new eSIM, and make sure data roaming is turned on for that line. You’ll be online in seconds.
Smart Choices, Safe Travels: Responsible eSIM Use in France
Using an eSIM is a great way to stay connected, but it’s also a good reminder to be smart about your digital security. While you’re traveling through France, be mindful of public Wi-Fi networks. They can be a bit of a risk. Using your own secure eSIM data connection whenever possible is a much safer bet, especially for things like online banking or sensitive emails. It’s all part of being a savvy, modern traveler.
Our Top Pick: The Ultimate eSIM for Your French Journey
After looking at all the options, we have to give a special shout-out to Airalo. It’s the provider that consistently delivers a fantastic experience, no matter what kind of traveler you are. It’s a brand you can trust, with a proven track record, extensive coverage, and a smooth, easy-to-use platform that makes staying connected completely stress-free.
Here’s why we love Airalo:
So, if you’re ready to start your French adventure with a connection you can count on, click over and check out Airalo’s plans for France. We’ve done the homework, so you don’t have to.
An eSIM is a digital SIM card that’s built right into your phone. Instead of a physical chip, you download a digital profile. For France, it works just like a regular SIM, connecting you to local networks like Orange or SFR, giving you data and a strong connection wherever you are.
For most travelers, yes, an eSIM is better. It’s more convenient because there’s no physical card to lose, you can activate it instantly, and you can keep your home number active. It’s also usually more cost-effective than buying a local SIM card.
Yes, providers like Holafly offer eSIM France unlimited data plans. Just be aware that some of these “unlimited” plans might have a fair usage policy (FUP) that can slow down speeds after a certain amount of data is used, but for most people, this isn’t an issue.
eSIMs work exceptionally well in all major cities and tourist areas. You’ll have great coverage in Paris, the French Riviera (Nice, Cannes), the Alps, and other big cities like Marseille, Lyon, and Bordeaux. Coverage in very remote, rural areas can be a bit spotty, but that’s true for any mobile network.
You can and should buy the plan and install the eSIM profile before you go. The plan’s validity period usually only starts when it connects to a network in France for the first time. This lets you get everything set up and ready to go before you even step on the plane.
Most eSIM plans are data-only, but a few, like the Orange Holiday eSIM available via SimOptions, do come with a French phone number, including calls and texts. If you need a local number for things like making reservations, this is a great way to go.