10 Best Podcasts To Learn French in 2024
Nicole Baptista
One of the hardest aspects of learning French is being able to understand it. No matter how well you can read and write in French, listening is a different skill altogether and it needs a lot of practice. Podcasts are a wonderful way to introduce you to the world of French listening. You can begin to pick up new French vocabulary and sounds.
Podcasts are convenient because you can listen to them from anywhere, whenever you have some free time. Many podcasts are also quite short, so the learning feels a bit more digestible. There are podcasts for every level of French: beginner, intermediate and advanced. Many podcasts offer transcripts so you can follow the listening along with the written version. If you are planning to learn French with podcasts, today we’re sharing 10 of our favorites with you (for every level).
Let’s take a look:
Podcasts to learn French - beginner level
1. Coffee Break French
For French beginners, Coffee Break French is a good starting point. This podcast features a teacher (Mark) and Ana (a student). The French is spoken very slowly and clearly so that you can get the most out of it. There are hundreds of free podcasts on offer and each one is about 10-20 minutes long.
2. French Made Easy
Another great podcast for French beginners is French Made Easy. Each podcast is less than 10 minutes long and ‘Mathilde’ really teaches you the absolute basics: ‘How to pronounce the alphabet in French’ and ‘How to count in French (From 0 to 20).’ With every episode the content gets a bit trickier. This podcast is wonderful for things like verb conjugations.
3. Learn French by Podcast
Learn French by Podcast is also useful for those beginning their French journey. There is a section dedicated to beginners. The episodes are on various topics such as: How to buy a train ticket in French, talking about the weather and discussing family. Very handy!
Podcasts to learn French - Intermediate level
4. One Thing In a French Day
This is a wonderful podcast for intermediate learners. It features a Parisian lady called Laetitia who talks about her daily life in France. This could be about a new museum or cafe she has visited, recipes, history etc. There are so many podcasts to listen to (with their written transcripts available). Episodes are released on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
5. Français Authentique
Français Authentique is a popular podcast for intermediate learners. A man named Johan runs this podcast. He talks a lot about idiomatic expressions in French and a lot of the themes are based around personal development. However, in general the topics are diverse which is great for you to pick up some vocabulary.
6. Inner French
Inner French is a podcast designed for higher intermediate learners. This podcast covers French history, politics, social issues and general French culture. The podcasts can be quite long (45 minutes) and you will have to sign up if you want the transcript to the episodes.
7. Easy French
Easy French is run by two lovely ladies: Hélène and Judith. Their conversations are authentic and relaxed. They have podcasts on many topics like social media, growing up in France and Parisian arrondissements. An episode is released every week. If you sign up as a member you can receive the transcripts to the podcasts.
Podcasts to learn French - Advanced level
8. Grand Reportage by Radio France International
For those with a more advanced French level, Grand Reportage may be a good option. This podcast tells the news in French, so naturally, the language is a bit more difficult. It covers big issues like politics, migration and racism. Each episode is just under 20 minutes long.
9. Géopolitique
Géopolitique is another podcast for advanced French learners. It covers current affairs from around the world. The spoken French is quite rapid and each episode is around 3 minutes long (short and snappy). Some recent episodes include content about the Gaza-Israel war and the situation in Ukraine. Each episode has its own transcript.
10. La Poudre
Here’s one for all the feminists! La Poudre is one of the most popular podcasts in France. The podcast is run by journalist Lauren Bastide,an active feminist, and she interviews different guests (activists, directors, artists) about issues regarding women. Although the French is spoken at a fast pace, I still believe the French is quite clear and not too difficult to understand.
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