Internet usage in France is high. If you're studying at a university in France, you will probably have free internet available there, although computers might be limited.
If you are working in an office, you will probably have internet access too. However, some companies restrict web usage to e-mail access. If you don't have access to the internet at home, school, or work, then an internet café is the next best thing.
Fortunately, internet access in France has drastically advanced in recent years, and all companies offer very competitive rates with a wide variety of bundles and deals to meet your needs. Up until recently, dial-up access was the more reliable and popular form of internet, but nowadays it is much more likely to encounter ADSL connections just about everywhere. The best thing about the advances made in internet are that now you can easily compare prices online to see the best deal for your specific requirements and budget.
ADSL is now standardized in almost all areas of France.
There are many providers in France, all competing by offering better and better offers. For example, one of Orange’s cheapest deal is internet and calls for 16 euros a month. Some companies offer a home phone line and internet combined package, but there are also options to for internet only bundles.
Many offers also have free installation, but watch out for minimum contract terms. Shop around for the best deal and if you are a student check if there is a special deal for you. You can also get cheaper phone calls from some providers.
Once you have ADSL connection with one of these companies, you can also use WiFi. These companies provide many WiFi “hotspots” that are free for their subscribers.
A WiFi hotspot is any place where a WiFi connection can be accessed, and some companies even have them in public parks. More commonly though, they will be found in hotels or restaurants
These can usually be found easily, especially in city centres. Although, now with internet access becoming so much more easily attained and rates becoming more competitive, internet cafes are becoming less common. Some stores and calling centres have a few computers with access for their customers. The best places for access in terms of speed and price tend to be the larger Internet cafés (20+ computers). Look in the directory to find locations.
Costs vary from €1.50-5.00 per hour. Fees tend to give you access to the computer and Internet. Just about everything else might carry an extra charge: e.g. printing, scanning, CD-Rom burning, etc.
Warning: Internet cafés are popular targets for thieves and pickpockets particularly in the centre of large cities. Keep an eye on your valuables at all times.