Lycamobile (trading as “Lyca Mobile” in France) is a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) — it doesn’t run its own network, it rents capacity from Bouygues Telecom. That’s the trick behind its prices: it undercuts the big four (Orange, SFR, Bouygues, Free) while still delivering 4G/5G across mainland France.
The model is prepaid and no-contract. You pay for 30 days at a time, keep or change your number freely, and cancel whenever. The SIM and eSIM are both free, and the eSIM activates instantly via QR code — no store visit, no French bank account, no proof of address needed.
Real Plans & Prices (checked September 2026)
| Plan | Price | Data | Calls & SMS | EU Roaming |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forfait 7.99 | €7.99 / 30 days | 150 GB 5G | Unlimited national | 11 GB |
| Lyca S Plus | €8.99 / 30 days | 250 GB 5G | Unlimited national | 14 GB |
| Lyca M 11.99 | €11.99 / 30 days | 350 GB 5G | Unlimited national + international (51 countries) | 19 GB |
Roaming data covers the EU, Ukraine and Moldova. Prices include all taxes and are taken from Lycamobile’s public rate card. For context, Lycamobile was rated the best data-per-euro operator in France (about €0.03/GB on the 350 GB plan) in September 2026.
Network & Coverage: What You Actually Get
Because Lycamobile runs on Bouygues Telecom, its coverage is effectively Bouygues coverage: about 99.9% of the population on 4G, with 5G expanding on the 700 MHz band (rural reach) and 3.5 GHz (urban throughput).
One honest caveat: as an MVNO, Lycamobile customers can be deprioritised over Bouygues’s own customers during network congestion. In everyday use this is marginal, but in a packed stadium or a dense city centre you may notice slower speeds than a direct Bouygues subscriber.
✅ What We Love
- Best data-per-euro in France — about €0.03/GB on the 350 GB plan
- No contract, no bank account or proof of address needed for prepaid
- Unlimited international calls to 51 countries on the top plan
- Free SIM and free eSIM with instant activation
- 5G included at no extra cost
- Easy number porting via RIO code (dial 3179)
❌ What Could Be Better
- MVNO deprioritisation under heavy congestion
- Customer support is online/app-first, limited phone and retail help
- Number expires after 90 days of inactivity (extendable to 1 year for €15)
- Bouygues coverage, not Orange — rural edge cases may differ
Who Should Buy Lycamobile France
Great for: students and expats who want maximum data for little money; heavy international callers; tourists staying more than a few days; and anyone who hates contracts.
Look elsewhere if: you need absolute maximum coverage in remote rural areas (Orange-based operators edge ahead); you want a phone bundled with your plan; or you rely on in-store support.
How to Sign Up
- Pick a plan and order a free SIM (2–5 working days delivery) or an instant eSIM.
- Register your SIM/eSIM within 30 days (required to keep your number).
- To keep your existing number, provide your RIO code — porting finishes in 24–72 hours.
- Set up auto top-up by card or PayPal, or top up manually in the app.
Final Verdict
Lycamobile France is the best value operator for data-heavy, contract-averse users — it’s hard to beat 350 GB of 5G for €11.99, or 250 GB for €8.99. The trade-offs (MVNO deprioritisation, app-first support, 90-day inactivity expiry) are real but minor for most people. If your priority is cheap, flexible 5G and unlimited international calling, it’s an easy recommendation. If you live deep in the countryside and demand the very best coverage, compare an Orange-based alternative first.
Scores are our editorial ratings on a 1–10 scale (the reviewer’s own assessment), not merchant-provided or user-generated data. This page may contain affiliate links — if you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Leave a Reply