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Podcasts are very à la mode these days, which means you can find at least one covering just about any subject imaginable. Luckily, that includes learning French, not to mention podcasts in French focusing on tons of different topics.
Let’s look at the pros and cons of some of the best French learning podcasts, including some recommended by students of our conversational French course! We’ll also check out some French podcasts that advanced learners and fluent speakers may want to give a listen.
What are the best French learning and French podcasts?
Here are the French learning and French podcasts we think are the best ones in particular categories. But keep in mind that the best French learning or French podcast is ultimately a personal choice. After all, a podcast could be considered the best one out there, but if it doesn’t interest you and motivate you to listen to it, it’s not the best one FOR YOU. Luckily, there are many other French learning and French podcasts to choose from.
| Best French learning podcast (mostly) in English | Coffee Break French |
| Best French learning podcast in French | Français authentique |
| Best French learning podcast if you don’t have a lot of time | French Made Easy |
| Most immersive French learning podcast | One Thing In A French Day |
| Best French learning podcast if you want to keep up with the news | Journal en français facile |
| Best French learning podcast if you like short stories | Fluent Fiction French |
| Our favorite podcasts in French | Mourir Moins Con and Les Baladeurs |
If you’d like to learn more about these podcasts, or discover some other French learning and French podcasts, please read on.
What to know about French podcasts
Before we get started, here are some things to keep in mind about French learning podcasts:
- Listening skills are a critical part of becoming fluent in French. According to a study by PhD graduate Paul Sulzberger from Victoria University, “Neural tissue required to learn and understand a new language will develop automatically from simple exposure to the language – which is how babies learn their first language.”
- Some French learning podcasts are actually audio recordings of lessons from a learning platform, or an audio recording of a video, and they’re usually scripted, which means some kind of text version (usually a transcript) is available.
- French learning podcasts aren’t the only way you should be learning French. It’s important to have some kind of visual and hands-on elements of language learning, including French conversation skills.
- Not all French learning podcasts are reliable sources of correct French. After all, anyone can make a podcast. You could end up listening to one with a non-native speaker who uses words incorrectly or has a bad French accent. The ones on our list won’t have those problems, but if you come across a French learning podcast on your own, be careful. Try to find out about the native language and teaching qualifications of the host(s). You can usually do this by visiting the “about” section of the podcast’s website.
French learning podcasts shouldn’t be the only way you learn French, but they can be an important (and fun!) part of your French learning arsenal. Try thinking of them as a way to train your ear and/or as a supplement to your classes or French course.
French learning podcasts with some English
Usually intended for beginner or intermediate learners, some French learning podcasts feature explanations and translations of expressions in English. Here are a few that are worth a look.
Note that many of these French learning podcasts have different learning levels. In these cases, beginner level podcasts are often in English, and advanced and sometimes intermediate learning level podcasts are often entirely in French.
Coffee Break French
Coffee Break French offers a number of different podcasts for French learners. You can find them all grouped together on the Coffee Break French website, or by subject/level by using the “Podcasts” tab at the top of the site’s homepage.
Some, like the general podcasts that are divided by level (beginner, intermediate, and advanced), focus on learning French, while others focus on culture (and, through that, vocabulary). There’s are even fiction series for advanced learners that include truly advanced audio as well as explanations by Coffee Break French’s founder, Mark, a cheerful, charming Scottish man who teaches French.
The lessons are helpful and feel very interactive and warm. For example, in one learning podcast, when Mark suggests holding your nose to practice the nasal sound of Non, he then remarks that he’s imagining people all around the world holding their noses right now. These sort of little side comments make for a fun and relaxed ambiance.
The podcast’s learning levels seem well thought-out. For instance, the main Coffee Break French podcast’s beginner level podcasts (compiled as “Season 1”) involve basic vocabulary and slow speaking, and feature Mark and a beginner French student.
The “Advanced” ones are quite advanced, indeed, spoken at slightly slower speed than usual (but then again, the idea of the podcast I was listening to was that the speaker was reading an email, not having a real-time conversation), but not really anything much different from what I might hear in Paris every day.
The advanced courses include a native French speaker, who does most of the talking/reading.
But even if Mark’s speaking French, don’t worry – as French Together founder (and bona fide French guy) Benjamin Houy wrote in a previous article about this, Mark’s French accent is great (I am insanely jealous), so beginners are in good hands.
Cost: The podcasts are free and there are general and related courses you can pay for, as well.
Learn French by Podcast
This podcast has different formats for different levels. Beginner level podcasts feature native speakers’ words explained by a native English speaker after the dialogue or information is said in French, while Advanced level podcasts are entirely in French, with vocabulary explained in French, by a native French speaker.
There are three learning levels, and a very wide range of topics are covered.
The weird thing is, despite the podcast’s very clear name and old-school website design, it’s hard to find podcasts for particular levels, and podcasts are often called by other names, like “lessons” and “guides”. There is a tab at the top of the screen entitled “Podcasting”, but this just brings you to a very outdated-feeling page that mainly explains what a podcast is and how to pay for the lesson guides that go with the ones on the site.
The only way I’ve found to locate lessons for a particular level is to click on a podcast on the homepage at random listed under “Blog”, but even then, it’s better to scroll down till you reach the “Recent Lessons” sections, where podcasts are labeled as Beginner, Intermediate, or Advanced.
Another downside is that the beginner episodes seem somewhat advanced, to me. For example, this episode about how to use Ça va and talk about how you are involves a dialogue where a person is interrupted by their cell phone ringing and incorporates far more than basic vocabulary. All of that is explained by an English speaker afterward but to me it seems like it could feel like overload for a lot of beginner-level learners, especially absolute beginners.
It seems like this podcast is best for intermediate or advanced French learners, who don’t mind sifting through lessons in order to find what they’re looking for, rather than relying on a more organized way to find it in the first place.
Cost: The podcasts are free to listen to, but the lesson guide for each has to be purchased.
Fluent Fiction French
Each episode of Fluent Fiction French (say that three times fast!) is a short story on a different topic. The story takes around 4 minutes or so to listen to in French. Then you’ll hear it translated sentence-by-sentence in English. The episode finishes by highlighting vocabulary words, repeating each one in French several times, followed by its English translation. The episodes all come with bilingual transcripts, as well.
Fluent Fiction French is a good podcast for advanced or advanced intermediate learners who like to engage with stories, especially if they’ve found it hard to connect to French learning podcasts with lesson or news formats.
Cost: The podcast is free. Each episode comes with a free bilingual transcript.
Learn French With Alexa
Learn French With Alexa has been a website and podcast for a long time. In early 2022, the podcast had a major overhaul. It now seems to be more about French culture than listening to/learning the language. Many of these podcasts do a deep-dive into one French word or expression.
There haven’t been new episodes of the podcast since May 2022, but you can listen to the archives, which cover pretty timeless topics.
Cost: The podcasts and a list of vocabulary and information are free. You can also take courses and purchase additional features.
The Duolingo French podcast
Many French Together readers like Duolingo’s French podcast, which features a host speaking pretty much entirely in English, and the people he’s talking about speaking in slow, easy-to-understand French. The wide variety of topics is on-brand with Duolingo’s fun, often unexpected language exercises and examples.
For instance, a few recent podcast episodes run the gamut from an interview with a chocolate maker, a rapper, athletes, and an advocate for the preservation of the Breton language.
This variety also made me think of shows like NPR’s “This American Life”…but with a French twist. And speaking of “French”, this is one of the few mainstream French learning podcasts I’ve come across that includes speakers of French from different Francophone countries and regions, regularly.
On the downside, I personally found it strange that everyone “interviewed” in the episodes I listened to spoke in relatively slow French. I absolutely understand why this would be helpful in a French learning podcast, but in reality, not everyone speaks that way and it was a bit jarring, making me question whether we were really listening to these people speak, or if they were just actors.
That said, regardless, the overall concept is an interesting way to practice French listening skills, so bravo to Duolingo for that.
Cost: The podcast and transcripts are free and easily accessible on Duolingo’s site. And of course, Duolingo also offers a paid French course (see our review).
French learning podcasts in French
Although they’re intended for French learners, some French podcasts are recorded entirely in French. These are usually best for intermediate/advanced intermediate and advanced French students.
Note that some advanced-level podcasts from our previous section also offer French-only podcasts for advanced level learners.
One of these is Learn French by Podcast.
LanguaTalk Slow French: Learn French with Gaëlle
LanguaTalk is primarily known as an online language tutoring site. But it also hosts a few language learning podcasts, including the French option, LanguaTalk Slow French: Learn French with Gaëlle.
It’s name may be a mouthful, but this podcast is a really good source of practice for intermediate French learners. Gaëlle, a Frenchwoman who’s a LanguaTalk tutor, speaks slowly and clearly about a different topic related to the French language or French culture in each episode.
She seems friendly and the podcast covers a lot of interesting and helpful topics. A bonus is the “interactive transcript” that you can access for free with each episode. It allows you to highlight a paragraph of the transcript and hear just that spoken by Gaëlle, with each word she says highlighted in blue as it’s spoken. A very cool and helpful French learning extra!
Cost: Podcast episodes and their interactive transcripts are free. Online tutoring and other resources are also available through LanguaTalk (the rate depends on the tutor you choose).
Français authentique
This is an excellent podcast for advanced learners. The host is Johan, a native French speaker. He’s very positive, but in a realistic, extremely French way. For example, in an episode called “Comment parler comme un français”, he starts out by telling listeners that they will never speak like a French person, since they’re not native speakers – but that this is okay. For that honesty and reassurance, bravo, Johan!
This podcast is a great way to get a sense of how French people really speak. I would even go so far as to recommend it to beginners solely for listening/pronunciation/cadence purposes, since they probably won’t be able to understand much yet.
Tip: If you listen to the podcasts via the Français authentique website, you’ll also be able to read a free transcript of each.
Cost: The podcasts/videos and transcripts are free. You can also pay for a French course.
Inner French
Many French Together readers have contacted us about the Inner French podcast, and now I understand why! This podcast takes in-depth looks not only at expected topics like what it’s like to live in France, but questions like whether or not the French are “woke” or what childcare is like in France today.
Although the podcast is entirely in French, with no explanation of words, etc., the hosts and guests usually speak a bit slowly and pay attention to articulating, so learners will be able to make out what’s said.
Perfect for advanced French learners who want to take a deep dive into French language and culture, the episodes are on the long side, averaging a little over 30 minutes, and are engaging and genuinely interesting. I’ve bookmarked a few to listen to later!
Inner French also shows how French people speak today, by going so far as to include trendy English terms like “woke” in some of their titles – an extremely French thing to do, at least for younger generations!
When you access them on the Inner French website, the podcast episodes include a relatively thorough summary in French, as well as links to sources that are referenced (which could be a great way to also practice reading in French, if a topic appeals to you!). On the other hand, to get a transcript, you have to create a free Inner French account.
Cost: The podcast, brief summary in French, and list of sources are free; you can get a transcript by creating a free account. The site also offers paid French courses.
French with Jeanne
Jeanne is a French teacher whose podcasts are different from many others out there – she talks more like a blogger or your friend posting on social media (minus the slang) than a typical teacher. This means that her focus tends to be her own life, travels, and opinions, rather than things like French vocabulary or culture or current events.
Of course, the twist is that by listening to her talk about, say, her bucket list, you will come away with vocabulary and possibly insights into current events and French culture.
This podcast was suggested to us by a French Together reader, and while I get how some people might find Jeanne’s approach appealing, personally I prefer a more convivial, outward-looking style. But variety is the spice of life, and if podcasts in general don’t appeal to you, Jeanne’s might!
Cost: The podcast is free to listen to. Episodes are organized into thematic series for which you can purchase transcripts for 6 euros ($6.22 USD) as of this writing. In some cases, these also include images of things Jeanne mentions, but they don’t seem essential to enjoying the podcast. Jeanne also offers paid tutoring sessions.
Daily French Pod (aka French on Demand)
The concept of this podcast is a bit unusual. A native French speaker presents a very short news story or dialogue two times, in slow French. Then, he breaks it down, defining and repeating each word or phrase.
It seems simple enough, and at a short 2-4 minutes or so per podcast, it’s a great way for learners to train their ears and acquire some new vocabulary. But Daily French Pod is definitely not for beginners; while words and phrases are defined, they’re explained in French, and the overall meaning of the dialogue or news story is never explained, so you have to have a decent level of French going into it.
Still, I love the fact that this podcast is short and to the point. It’s an excellent way for advanced intermediate and advanced learners to practice and learn in a stolen moment of their day. And there’s such a wide range of topics that you’ll learn a lot of new vocabulary. And if you love podcasts, as its name suggests, this one features a new episode daily!
One downside is that there don’t seem to be transcripts for the episodes.
Daily French Pod used to have its own website, but if you go there now, the list of available podcasts ends in January 2021. So it’s best to access this podcast via third-party sites like Apple Podcasts, which we’ve linked to above.
Cost: The podcasts are free. There don’t seem to be transcripts available either for free or as a paid option.
Little Talk in Slow French
Hosted by Franco-Japanese actress and musician Nagisa Morimoto, this podcast covers a lot of different topics, mostly spoken in, as the title says, slow French. That said, the French is probably the least “slow”-feeling of the podcasts I’ve listened to; Morimoto’s cadence is very pleasant and often feels like having a calm conversation with someone at normal speed.
Don’t let that intimidate you, though. Not only does she speak very clearly; she also often repeats phrases, asks listeners if they’ve understood, and stops to define certain words in English, making this an ideal podcast for intermediate and advanced intermediate learners.
I also appreciate the personal touches, like in one episode when we can hear Morimoto’s cat meowing in the background and she mentions that her cat “won’t stop talking” and asks listeners to enjoy the episode – and her cat!
Cost: The podcast is free, but you can only get episode transcripts through Patreon.
French Poem Readings
I love poetry, so before listening to this podcast, from French learning site French Today, I was so excited about the idea of getting to listen to a French poem and then learn a bit about vocabulary and maybe grammar through it. But it turns out that each French Poem Readings podcast is simply the poem read twice, slowly and clearly. On the website, you can find the transcript and an English translation, as well as additional learning material.
So, rather than being an extensive French lesson, this short podcast is an excellent way to train and test your French listening skills, while also discovering (or re-discovering) some French poetry. It certainly isn’t the only podcast you should use to learn French, but it makes for a moment of beauty and a way to learn something about French culture, which is why even as a fluent French-speaker, I’m going to be listening to this one regularly!
One disadvantage, though: poetry, of course, often involves wordplay or unusual vocabulary and usage choices, so this shouldn’t be the only French podcast you listen to if you want to master everyday French.
Cost: The podcast and texts of the poems as well as their English translations, are free. Some also have additional material included. Others have bonus material as part of a French poetry audiobook sold on the podcast’s website.
One Thing In A French Day
This roughly tri-weekly podcast is very much in line with the modern-day trend of social media figures like vloggers letting you into their lives (Fittingly, the podcast has its own Instagram account).
Each episode is about something that happened in the daily life of Laetitia, the host, a Frenchwoman who lives near Paris. Speaking only in French, Laetitia will start talking about something mundane, for example, an episode of a TV show she watched, and then, as these kinds of conversations often do, she’ll go into another, related topic.
But don’t worry – she talks very slowly and clearly. This, in fact, can be a disadvantage or an advantage, depending on what you want in a podcast. If you like the idea of being able to share the daily life of a real French person, this slowness (she’s probably reading a text she’s written) makes it all ring false, regardless of how true her words might be.
On the other hand, for intermediate and advanced French students who want to test or improve their comprehension skills and vocabulary, it’s definitely an advantage.
Cost: The podcast is free. You can also have free access to the transcripts if you subscribe to the newsletter.
Journal en français facile
The first thing that came to mind when I listened to this podcast is “legit”! It actually airs on RFI (Radio France Internationale), a real French radio station. The opening music, in fact, is the same thing I hear every morning when my French husband listens to the news while getting ready for work.
This means that, while simplified a bit, the newscast features real French speakers who talk at a normal speed and use current vocabulary. The bad thing is that while the podcast’s title implies it’s easy to listen to, even some advanced speakers might have a problem now and then keeping up. Luckily, you can get a transcript of each episode for free, by clicking on the title of that particular podcast.
Cost: The podcast and transcripts are free.
French Voices podcast
If you’re an advanced French learner who likes podcasts that cover a wide range of topics, this is a great one for you to try. In each episode, the host, Jessica, a native French speaker, interviews other native French speakers living in France and abroad, about their interesting jobs. Jessica begins by introducing the episode in English and giving a very brief summary of what’s to come, and the rest of the interview is in French.
Episodes include an interview with a French scientist studying magnets at a Florida university, a discussion with a French psychologist, and a conversation with a French driving instructor. Each episode includes notes with definition of some of the more obscure vocabulary used, as well as a few comprehension questions and answers. You can also subscribe for access to more resources.
Unfortunately, the French Voices podcast hasn’t posted a new episode since June 2022. But the variety of topics and, well, voices, you’ll hear make it worth listening to the over 100 episodes in the archives.
Cost: The podcast is free to listen to, and if you listen via the official site, you’ll see a few vocabulary words and exercises for free below it. Transcripts are free for the first 64 episodes of the podcast; for later podcasts, they’re available for a fee.
News in Slow French
Basically, this podcast is what it says: different news stories are read in slow French. This means a huge variety of vocabulary for listeners.
You can find some free episodes if you do an online search for “News in Slow French podcast.” These seem to only be advanced-level episodes, however.
The other levels, as well as all of the podcasts, not just selected episodes, are available via paid subscription. Personally, the free episodes I’ve listened to show that the stories seem to be well selected and enjoyably presented, so if you don’t mind investing in a paid podcast subscription, this could be a good choice.
The paid aspect also “pays off” (haha) with features like flashcards and other French learning tools in addition to the podcast itself.
Cost: $22.90 USD a month for access to the podcasts (different levels available), transcripts and other learning materials, or $6.90 USD a month for access to just the podcasts.
Podcasts about language learning
Learning a language can take its toll on you.
There are days when you feel great and optimistic, and other days where you feel, well, the opposite.
Language learning podcasts can be a great way to realize that you’re not alone, and they can also give you some very helpful tips when it comes to some of the challenges you’re facing.
The podcasts in this section of our article aren’t in French and most don’t specifically focus on French, but they can be a good listen for all of us who are on the journey of language learning.
French Your Way Podcast
This podcast is in English but is actually focused specifically on French. In some episodes, Jessica (the same French native-speaker who hosts French Voices) will focus on vocabulary or grammar, while other episodes look at topics like how to stay motivated when learning French, or travel tips.
What’s great about this podcast is that it’s great for beginners but there’s a nice enough mix of information, tips, and tricks that even advanced learners won’t be bored listening to it.
Unfortunately, like Jessica’s other podcast, French Voices, the French Your Way podcast hasn’t been updated since 2022. Luckily, the episodes are still available – and they’re worth a listen.
Cost: The podcast and a list of selected vocabulary, as well as links to other resources, are free. Additional learning material is available at a cost.
The Fluent Show
Hosted by Kerstin Cable and Lindsay Williams, two enthusiastic polyglots, this podcast explores things like how to memorize vocabulary about ideas, what an indigenous language really is, and much more.
Although I love these ladies’ enthusiasm, I personally find that it takes them way too long to get to the point – and apparently, I’m not the only one; in one podcast, they even say they’ve had comments about this. But if you like podcasts that are a bit long-winded, yet full of pep and good cheer, and do ultimately share interesting ideas and advice, this is a good one to check out.
The Fluent Show officially ended in May 2022, but there have been occasional new episodes added, and you can also still access all 242 (and counting?) episodes of the show, as well as transcripts for each one, via their archives, for free.
Cost: More of an actual podcast, The Fluent Show isn’t tied to a learning platform, so it’s free to listen to and there’s no supplemental materials to purchase. As with all podcasts, you can, of course, donate to support the hosts/producers if you want.
The I Will Teach You A Language Podcast
Hosted by the platform Story Learning, the I Will Teach You A Language podcast is presented by Olly Richards, a cheerful Englishman, polyglot, and teacher, who shares the tips that have helped him learn 8 languages.
The episodes move along at a breezy clip and there’s a lot of honesty and humor around Richards’ thoughts and experiences. Personally, I prefer his style to the slower one of The Fluent Show.
Cost: The podcast is free to listen to. Richards also offers courses and other learning tools to purchase.
French Podcasts that French speakers listen to
Of course, podcasts aren’t just for people learning French – there are podcasts for and by native French speakers, too.
If you have an advanced or fluent level of French, listening to a French podcast intended for French speakers is a fantastic way to keep up your skills, learn new vocabulary, and gain insight into French culture and other topics that interest you.
The one downside is that many French podcasts intended for a French-speaking audience don’t have episode transcripts.
You could start looking for a French podcast to listen to on Spotify France’s list of the most currently popular French podcasts.
Or, here are a few suggestions:
Transfert
Produced by Slate.fr, this podcast lets randomly chosen people speak about their thoughts and lives. It’s an interesting mix of topics and voices – in every sense of the word.
Cost: Free to listen to. The podcast doesn’t seem to offer episode transcripts.
L’heure du crime
This true crime podcast discusses a case in one hour.
Since it’s a technically a radio show from French radio station RTL, unlike most podcasts, it simply involves an announcer and the occasional interview – there’s no music to set the mood or other similar features you might find in a typical podcast.
But that’s also an advantage for foreign listeners, since you can focus on the voices.
Cost: Free to listen to. There don’t seem to be episode transcripts.
Mourir Moins Con
If, like me, you’re a fan of fun facts and deep dives into the origins of everyday objects and customs, Mourir Moins Con is an excellent podcast to listen to. Each episode explores a question – for instance, Pourquoi les poches des jeans des femmes sont-elles plus petites ? (Why are the pockets of women’s jeans smaller [than men’s pockets]?)
Bonus: Although Mourir Moins Con is for the general French public, I personally think its host speaks clearly and at a reasonable speed, which makes it an easier listen for French learners than many other French podcasts.
Cost: The podcast is free to listen to. There are no episode transcripts.
Les Baladeurs
Les Baladeurs a podcast about unusual travels and travelers. Each episode spotlights a different traveler and trip. For instance, one episode is about Medhi Debbrah, who does long walks to different destinations – in this case, from Paris to Algiers. This walk is especially poignant for him because it allowed Medhi to process his father’s death.
Les Baladeurs’ episodes can be full of emotion, but they generally have a slow, calm vibe and are easy to listen to. At the same time, people speak French as it’s really spoken, with informal or slang terms at times. You’ll also hear both standard French and French in many different accents, making for excellent listening practice for advanced learners. I like this podcast because the stories are truly compelling, too.
Cost: The podcast is free to listen to. There don’t seem to be episode transcripts.
Where can I find more podcasts in French?
If you’re looking for more podcasts in French, not to worry – there are lots of ways to find the perfect French-language podcast for you. Here are some ways to do this:
An online search for phrases like “meilleurs podcasts” and the current year will lead you to some good suggestions, often included on lists with other podcasts.
Look at other podcast offerings that might be connected to a French podcast you like. For instance, I’ve mentioned that Coffee Break French has a number of different podcasts. So does Slate.fr, the producer of Transfert. Here’s a list of Slate.fr’s podcasts, which cover all sorts of topics and tones.
Check out French podcast recommendations and lists. You can start with this list of French podcasts, this list of French podcast suggestions from the French edition of Elle Magazine, or Buzzfeed’s list of French podcast recommendations. And here’s a list of culture, knowledge, and trivia-related French podcasts that may catch your fancy.
Do an online search for “podcasts” + a topic you like (in French) + “French” or “français”. For instance, my search for “podcasts chats french” and “podcast chats français” and yielded several results, all of which I will be listening to….
And if you’re not an advanced-level French speaker yet, remember that some English-language podcasts may cover things like French history, culture, sports, movies, and cuisine. An online search for “podcast about French” plus the topic of your choosing (for instance, “podcast about French history”), is a good place to start.
Whichever French or French learning podcast(s) you choose to listen to, good luck on your French learning journey!
Looking to go beyond podcasts and learn conversati