Using Norton VPN wityh France as your location works but what an awful workaround. Since when do users have to use a VPN just to download files? The underlying network issue should be addressed.
It's a good idea to use a VPN
all the time , as it conceals your true IP address from wanton hackers.
I have it enabled and instantly switch countries to achieve the results I want. Like United Kingdom to access the BBC iPlayer which only works for users in the UK.
You don't
have to use a VPN just to download files ..... you can simply accept whatever limitations you get.
As for
underlying network issues... I think that would require more equipment (not a simple software update) ... who pays for that ?
At the end of the day ... use what works best for you.... or don't.