Quick Summary
Watching French satellite TV in the UK is possible through TNTSAT (via Astra 1 satellite) or Fransat (via Eutelsat 5 West A satellite). Both services provide popular French channels like TF1, France 2, France 3, Arte, and M6. TNTSAT requires a TNTSAT receiver, while Fransat requires a Fransat receiver. Canal+ is also available for premium content, including sports, movies, and series. A UK TV Licence is required, even if you’re only watching foreign satellite channels.
French satellite TV in the UK
To receive French satellite TV in the UK, you will need to have a satellite dish and a receiver that is compatible with TNTSAT or Fransat.
To set up TNTSAT, you will need a satellite dish that is pointed at the Astra 1 satellite (located at 19.2° East) and a TNTSAT-compatible receiver. You can then subscribe to a TNTSAT package and receive a range of French channels, including TF1, France 2, France 3, Arte, and M6.
To set up Fransat, you will need a satellite dish that is pointed at the Eutelsat 5 West A satellite (located at 5° West) and a Fransat-compatible receiver. You can then subscribe to a Fransat package and receive a range of French channels, including TF1, France 2, France 3, Arte, and M6.
It’s worth noting that you may need to have a TV Licence to watch TV in the UK, even if you are only watching satellite channels.
Fransat / TNTSat TV stations avalaible?
Fransat is a French satellite television service that allows you to access a range of French TV channels on your TV in France or in other European countries. Some of the channels that you can receive with a Fransat subscription include:
- TF1
- France 2
- France 3
- France 4
- France 5
- M6
- Arte
- C8
- W9
- TMC
- NT1
- LCI
Fransat also offers a range of sports, movie, and entertainment channels, as well as regional channels for various parts of France. To see a full list of channels available on Fransat, you can visit their website or consult the Fransat channel guide.
Canal+ TV stations available?
Canal+ is a French premium television service that offers a range of channels, including both standard definition (SD) and high definition (HD) channels. Some of the channels that are available with a Canal+ subscription include:
- Canal+
- Canal+ Cinéma
- Canal+ Sport
- Canal+ Séries
- Canal+ Family
- Canal+ Décalé
- Canal+ Horizons
- Canal+ Cinéma +1
- Canal+ Sport +1
- Canal+ Séries +1
- Canal+ Family +1
- Canal+ Décalé +1
- Canal+ Horizons +1
Canal+ also offers a range of on-demand content, including movies, TV shows, and sports events. To see a full list of channels and on-demand content available on Canal+, you can visit their website or consult the Canal+ channel guide.
TNTSAT vs Fransat – Comparison Table
| Feature | TNTSAT | Fransat |
|---|---|---|
| Satellite | Astra 1 (19.2° East) | Eutelsat 5 West A (5° West) |
| Receiver Needed | TNTSAT-compatible receiver | Fransat-compatible receiver |
| Subscription | TNTSAT package | Fransat package |
| Channel Access | TF1, France 2, France 3, Arte, M6, etc. | TF1, France 2, France 3, Arte, M6, plus regional channels |
| Coverage | France + accessible across Europe | France + accessible across Europe |
| Extras | Focus on core free-to-view channels | Includes regional channels & wider selection |
FAQs – French Satellite TV in the UK
Q1: Can I watch French TV in the UK without the internet?
A: Yes, both TNTSAT and Fransat work via satellite and do not require internet.
Q2: Which satellite do I need for TNTSAT?
A: TNTSAT requires the Astra 1 satellite (19.2° East).
Q3: Which satellite do I need for Fransat?
A: Fransat requires the Eutelsat 5 West A satellite (5° West).
Q4: Do I need a TV Licence in the UK to watch French TV?
A: Yes, a UK TV Licence is required, even if you’re only watching foreign satellite channels.
Q5: What’s the difference between TNTSAT and Fransat?
A: Both provide similar French channels. The main difference lies in the satellite used and the type of receiver required.
About the Author
Matthew Davies – A tech enthusiast and home entertainment expert specializing in TV aerials, satellite systems, and emerging technologies. Matthew shares practical advice on everything from CCTV and smart homes to French TV in the UK.
About the Organization
EasyTV – A trusted UK provider of TV aerials, satellite installations, and home entertainment solutions. With expertise in both local and international satellite TV, EasyTV helps households enjoy the best viewing experiences across Europe.
