{"id":116756,"date":"2014-02-20T15:03:28","date_gmt":"2014-02-20T20:03:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/learn\/french-podcasts\/"},"modified":"2025-02-06T11:27:06","modified_gmt":"2025-02-06T16:27:06","slug":"french-podcasts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/french\/french-podcasts\/","title":{"rendered":"20 Excellent French Podcasts for Learners"},"content":{"rendered":"

French podcasts are a great way to improve your listening skills<\/a>, but you might quickly feel overwhelmed after trying to navigate the numerous ones on the internet.<\/p>\n

To save you the hassle of spending hours interrogating search engines, I\u2019ve put together a review of the best ones I’ve tried, for beginner up to advanced level learners. Let’s take a look at these so you can start improving your French through listening today.<\/p>\n

[fluentu-toc]<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Beginner French Podcasts<\/h2>\n

\"french1. Coffee Break French<\/a>\u00a0<\/h3>\n

Cost:<\/strong> Free, premium content available<\/p>\n

Summary:<\/strong> Practical lessons by French language teacher Mark as he coaches his student, Ana.<\/p>\n

Why not listen in as someone else learns French? Learning at the same time as somebody else is a fantastic way to make the words, grammar and phrases stick in the mind.\u00a0<\/p>\n

What\u2019s more, it\u2019s not as intense or as boring as being in the classroom yourself. The lessons are easy to follow, last for about 10-15 minutes and are aimed at the beginner.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"french2. One Minute French<\/a>\u00a0<\/h3>\n

Cost:<\/strong> 10 episodes for $12, course booklet included<\/p>\n

Summary:<\/strong> French language basics to help you converse during a vacation or business trip.<\/p>\n

These short, sharp lessons pack in quite a bit of good information for the French language beginner. They cover the absolute basics for you to survive in a French environment.<\/p>\n

Yes, it is possible to learn so much with so little material.\u00a0They may be called One Minute French, but each French-language podcast lasts for two to four minutes.<\/p>\n

\"easy3. Easy French Poetry Podcast<\/a><\/h3>\n

Cost: <\/strong>Free<\/p>\n

Summary: <\/strong>Follow a Frenchwoman reading the most Classic French Poems.<\/p>\n

The host of Easy French Poetry reads some of the most Classic French poems. She reads them once slowly so you can repeat them after her and then once more at a natural reading pace.\u00a0<\/p>\n

You’ll also learn key facts about the authors’ lives, get a chance to listen to an analysis of the poems in simple French and learn new vocabulary.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"parlez4. Parlez Away<\/a><\/h3>\n

Cost: <\/strong>Free<\/p>\n

Summary:<\/strong> Conversational French episodes with coaching from an expert.<\/p>\n

Babbel’s French Podcast, Parlez Away\u00a0<\/em>is great for complete beginners.<\/p>\n

You’ll follow the progress of Ted, a Wisconsin native, as he gets conversational in French with coaching from Babbel expert Caroline, from northwestern France.<\/p>\n

Various topics, a pinch of culture, common “faux pas,” and many useful tips are waiting for you in this podcast!<\/p>\n

Intermediate French Podcasts<\/h2>\n

\"\"5. One Thing in a French Day<\/a>\u00a0<\/h3>\n

Cost:<\/strong> Free, ebooks available to purchase, transcripts available through newsletter.<\/p>\n

Summary:<\/strong> Follow a Frenchwoman through the events of her daily life<\/p>\n

Each short podcast concentrates on a different daily event, such as having a croissant after a visit to the hairdressers, going for a nighttime walk and shopping in an organic store.\u00a0<\/p>\n

They are presented by native speaker Laetitia who discusses each day\u2019s event in normal speed French. Her diction is crisp and clear, and the words are easy to make out.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"french6. Cultivate Your French<\/a>\u00a0<\/h3>\n

Cost:<\/strong> Free, transcripts available through newsletter<\/p>\n

Summary:\u00a0<\/strong>Practice listening to slow French in bite-sized episodes.<\/p>\n

Made by the same creator, each audio track is based on the episode of One Thing in a French Day that is released on the same day. While the other podcast comes out three times a week, this one comes out once a week.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Here Laetitia introduces the topic in English first and then switches to French, giving you the chance to settle into the episode.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"\"7. Daily French Pod<\/a>\u00a0<\/b><\/h3>\n

Cost:<\/strong> Free\u00a0<\/p>\n

Summary:<\/strong> Listen to short news stories in under five minutes.<\/p>\n

This podcast centers on a short news story presented by the host, Louis. He covers a variety of topics such as current events, science news and an occasional dialogue.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The pace of spoken French is normal speed and each episode is about three minutes long. Although Louis enunciates as he speaks, these French podcasts are not suitable for the absolute beginner.<\/p>\n

8. LanguaTalk Slow French<\/a>\u00a0<\/h3>\n

Cost:<\/strong> Free\u00a0<\/p>\n

Summary:<\/strong> Learn about France and French culture through clearly spoken French.<\/p>\n

These episodes may not be as slow as the title suggests, but the host, Ga\u00eblle, enunciates and speaks clearly for intermediate listeners and above.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

Ga\u00eblle explains expressions and vocabulary in English and sometimes does interviews that are entirely in French. The topics cover French culture and topics related to French language learning.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The best part is that a transcript, vocabulary list and learning tips are provided with every episode.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"french9. Inner French<\/a><\/h3>\n

Cost:<\/strong> Free, transcripts available upon signing up\u00a0<\/p>\n

Summary:<\/strong> Social issues, politics, history and language topics tailored for French learners.<\/p>\n

This one is best for confident intermediate learners and above, as it’s entirely in French and the episodes are a bit longer.<\/p>\n

The topics covered are a bit more challenging, but Hugo, the host, speaks clearly and not too fast so that you can keep up.\u00a0<\/p>\n

You’ll have to sign up for a free account to get access to the transcripts. If you’re inspired to learn even more, Inner French also has a YouTube channel<\/a> and full French courses available for enrollment.<\/p>\n

\"intermediate-french-podcast\"10. French Etc<\/a><\/h3>\n

Cost: <\/strong>Free<\/p>\n

Summary: <\/strong>Common expressions useful for everyday life in under ten minutes episodes.<\/p>\n

The site offers many different podcasts, but the two I\u2019d suggest you focus on are “Today\u2019s French” and “Dict\u00e9e.”<\/em><\/p>\n

Did you know un<\/em>\u00a0ao\u00fbtien \/ une ao\u00fbtienne<\/em>\u00a0is someone who takes their vacation in August? Well, you would if you listened to French Etc! This is hands down my favorite podcast for learning super useful (and frequently funny) French expressions. Use it to expand your knowledge of common expressions and learn about brief topics with easily consumable podcasts.<\/p>\n

On the website, you\u2019ll also find a “Learn French” section with vocabulary lists, grammar, tutorials and les devoirs<\/em>\u00a0(homework). The site is run by Anne Gu\u00e9vel, a French native and highly experienced language instructor.<\/p>\n

\"french-blabla-podcast-logo\"11. French Blabla<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Cost: <\/strong>Free<\/p>\n

Summary:<\/strong> Audio training that focuses on teaching you to speak like a native (3-10 minutes).<\/p>\n

If you\u2019ve been looking for a podcast to teach you true, real French that you won\u2019t find in textbooks or college courses, French Blabla could be for you! Caroline, the host, aims to teach French with passion and enjoyment. She covers a wide range of topics while discussing slang, phrases, and grammar that will have you speaking like a native.<\/p>\n

\"join-us-in-france-logo\"12. Join Us in France Podcast<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Cost: <\/strong>Free<\/p>\n

Summary: <\/strong>Long 1 hour episodes about French culture, food, history, music, food.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Learning about culture is a crucial part of language learning, and for many of us, it\u2019s why we started learning a language in the first place! This podcast dives into just about any topic relating to France\u2014and travel in France\u2014that you could think of. With almost 400 episodes to choose from, you\u2019re bound to find something that piques your interest, and you\u2019ll be an expert on France in no time.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Throughout the podcast you\u2019ll also find episodes specifically about the French language. Keep an eye out for those!<\/p>\n

\"intermediate-french-podcast\"13. Talk in French<\/a><\/h3>\n

Cost: <\/strong>Free<\/p>\n

Summary:<\/strong> 30+ minutes episodes discussing French systems and cultural issues.<\/p>\n

Especially great for those of you who are at a lower intermediate level (or would like to learn a lot about particular issues but fear you\u2019ll get lost in an extended French podcast), this one is largely in English, but includes specific points and vocabulary in French to supplement your cultural learning.<\/p>\n

There\u2019s no better way to learn French than from a native French teacher who specializes in teaching it to non-native speakers, and that\u2019s exactly what you\u2019ll get from Talk in French. You\u2019ll learn lots of useful information about French culture and relevant vocabulary.<\/p>\n

With his podcasts, Fr\u00e9d\u00e9ric covers a range of fascinating and useful topics. Uniquely French holidays, weird French superstitions and regional French culture are among the themes you\u2019ll hear about.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Advanced French Podcasts<\/h2>\n

\"french14. French Voices<\/a><\/h3>\n

Cost:<\/strong> Free, transcripts available to purchase<\/p>\n

Summary:<\/strong> Interviews about people’s jobs in naturally spoken French conversation.<\/p>\n

To bridge the gap between upper-intermediate and advanced, French Voices is a good one to practice listening to French conversation.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Jessica, the host, interviews French people from all walks of life about their\u00a0livelihoods. She speaks with a diplomat, a stay-at-home mom, musicians, artists and even a spiritual medium.<\/p>\n

The audio is entirely in French, but there’s a summary and vocabulary list in English provided for every episode.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"\"15.\u00a0G\u00e9opolitique<\/a><\/em><\/h3>\n

Cost:<\/strong> Free<\/p>\n

Summary:<\/strong> Short episodes on international relations and political news.<\/p>\n

G\u00e9opolitique <\/em>(Geopolitics), by France Inter<\/a>, a part of the Radio France<\/a> network, is a short and snappy podcast on international news with each episode clocking in at a maximum of four minutes.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Each episode has a short summary on the website, along with additional resources, like maps and references. The best part is that there is a transcript of the episode which will allow you to follow along.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"advanced16. Grand reportage<\/a><\/em><\/h3>\n

Cost:<\/strong> Free<\/p>\n

Summary: <\/strong>In-depth, sensitive, on-the-ground audio documentaries.<\/p>\n

During the week,\u00a0Grand Reportage <\/em>(Great Report), <\/em>by Radio France International,<\/a> draws attention to the diversity of lived experiences in the face of political conflict and environmental issues.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Episodes are uploaded daily and are accompanied by a written article. That way you can get the best of both worlds by reading and listening to the story content.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"french17.\u00a0Sur les \u00e9paules de Darwin<\/a><\/em><\/h3>\n

Cost:<\/strong> Free<\/p>\n

Summary:<\/strong> Beautiful and eclectic soundscapes with readings of texts by scientists and poets alike.<\/p>\n

Sur les \u00e9paules de Darwin <\/em>(On Darwin’s Shoulders) is hosted by Jean-Claude Amelson and each episode is centered around the marvels of the natural and human world.<\/p>\n

It’s an intersection of science and art, and Amelson’s narration is poetic and full of depth.\u00a0The website provides a summary and a list of sources which you can explore further if you want to dive more into the topic.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

All Levels<\/h2>\n

\"french18. News in Slow French<\/a>\u00a0<\/h3>\n

Cost:<\/strong> Free trial with subscription<\/p>\n

Summary:<\/strong> News stories read out in slow French.<\/p>\n

News in Slow French is a podcast series where news stories are read out in French at a much slower speed than you would hear on the television or radio.<\/p>\n

The enunciation is perfect, allowing the listener to hear every word distinctly. It\u2019s slow French that will help you learn quickly.<\/p>\n

Each podcast is broken down into a number of sections, and features different stories, conversation between the hosts, a few points of grammar and some common idiomatic expressions.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

19. Learn French by Podcast<\/a>\u00a0<\/h3>\n

Cost:<\/strong> Free, full transcript and exercises available to purchase<\/p>\n

Summary:<\/strong> Natural-sounding conversations about everyday matters.<\/p>\n

Learn French by Podcast is a comprehensive series of audio lessons for beginners all the way through to advanced language learners.<\/p>\n

The episodes discuss everyday situations\u00a0such as discussing a football match, introducing yourself and buying travel tickets.\u00a0Each podcast is divided into different sections, so that the listener gets the most out of every episode.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"french20. French Pod 101 <\/a><\/h3>\n

Cost:<\/strong> Free, subscription version available\u00a0<\/p>\n

Summary:<\/strong> Comprehensive French language learning through audio format.<\/p>\n

French Pod 101 has a deep pool of French language podcasts for all levels, from the absolute beginner to the advanced French language speaker.<\/p>\n

Each lesson offers a mixed bag of language learning goodies including dialogues, cultural insights and plenty of information about traveling through and living in the country.<\/p>\n

The podcasts are hosted by a native French teacher and a native English speaker who\u2019s also fluent in French. If you’d like to know about French Pod 101, check out our full review here<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Why Listen to French Podcasts?<\/h2>\n

In case you didn\u2019t get the memo, learning French through podcasts is extremely effective. So why should you listen to French podcasts?<\/p>\n