Listening forms an essential part of learning French. It helps you develop an ear for the language and provides a solid base for speaking. Obviously, the best way to practise your listening is with a native speaker, but this isn’t always possible due to time and geographical constraints. So, that’s when your phone and earbuds come into their own with the best podcasts in French.
As is the case in any country, there are a ton of French podcasts, but (as always) we’ve done the hard work for you and combed through the most popular. The result is our list of the best, graded by language level. Écoutez!
And if you’re looking for podcasts about France, discover our top picks.
Best podcasts to learn French
Podcasts offer a handy way to learn the lingo and there are several worth checking out:
This podcast will suit you if you like the idea of text backup with your audio. Each podcast chapter comes with a dedicated section in the pdf guide that includes a full transcript of the audio, perfect for revision and double-checking you got the full gist.
Language level: suitable for all, including absolute beginners
Price: €1 per credit (minimum purchase of 25 credits)
Why this podcast in French could be for you: you like the idea of a podcast with a transcript
Coffee Break French
Part of a larger language learning series, these podcasts offer a good way of dipping your toe into French. The first series starts with the basics and is useful for anyone travelling to France, while the subsequent ones dive deeper into the language. The podcasts are accompanied by a Coffee Break French magazine, covering cultural extras.
Language level: all, but especially recommended for beginners
Price: free
Why this podcast in French could be for you: you need some basics before you travel to France
LanguaTalk Slow French
As you’d expect from the title, this podcast in French takes things at a more leisurely pace, perfect if you’re just getting to grips with the language. Podcaster Gaëlle has several monthly episodes looking at life in everyday France, with an excellent variety of topics. In addition, each podcast comes with an interactive transcript, allowing you to follow the audio word for word.
Language level: intermediate
Price: free
Why this podcast in French could be for you: you’d like to learn some French beyond the grammar
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Best cultural podcasts in French
You might fancy a podcast to learn some language, but also to get some insight into French culture. In that case, take a look at these:
Français authentique
Chief podcaster Johan takes you on an authentically French journey while recognising that any non-native speaker will struggle to sound like a real French person. And then, with his cards on the table, you get an eclectic round-up of audios such as how to rewrite your past, travel with the wind in your favour and get inspiration from Johan’s son. Transcripts are available for all podcasts and Johan’s enunciation is clear to follow.
Language level: advanced
Price: free
Why this podcast in French could be for you: you like your podcasts about varied and random topics!
French Poem Readings
A must for lovers of poetry read-aloud, this podcast comes with a long list of the most famous French poems. All are accompanied by a translation in English and the reader often provides a bonus biography of the poet and/or analysis of the poem itself. Plus you get explanations of the language used.
Language level: intermediate to advanced
Price: free
Why this podcast in French could be for you: you love poetry and French!
French Voices
If you’re curious about people’s jobs and would like to up your language knowledge, this podcast in French is for you. Podcaster Jessica chooses all walks of life for her interviews, so, for example, you can discover the daily ins and outs of being a consul in Belgium, making vin de pomme in the French Basque country or creating a train museum in the Ardéche. Each audio comes with a summary and explanation in English and you can buy the transcript.
Language level: intermediate and above
Price: free podcasts, but you have to pay for transcripts
Why this podcast in French could be for you: you’d love to know more about random jobs, but have always been afraid to ask!
Current affairs podcasts in French
Podcasts are an excellent way of keeping up with the news. And listening in French will also give you in-depth insight into l’actualitiés en France.
News in Slow French
Again, a podcast that does what it says on the tin, although this one has several levels from beginner to advanced. The podcasters read the headlines slowly, giving you the chance to digest the language and learn new vocabulary as you go. Not for nothing does The Guardian say it’s “great for increasing your vocabulary on current topics”.
Language level: all
Price: some podcasts are free, but you can access them all for 19.90 USD a month.
Why this podcast in French could be for you: news is usually read too fast for you to understand.
Géopolitique
French current affairs in short and sweet episodes (3 to 4 minutes long) and produced by France Inter almost daily. They allow you to get an idea of what’s going on in everyday French (but note that this podcast is not slow French). Each podcast has a transcript underneath so you can follow what the presenters are saying.
Language level: upper-intermediate
Price: free
Why this podcast in French could be for you: you’d love to be more up-to-date with what’s going on in France.
Grand Reportage
This podcast looks at wider current affairs in a series of daily audios, each with a brief summary in French of their content, plus links to similarly-themed articles and other podcasts. These come with the RFI stamp, so you know you’re getting prime journalism and at 100% speed.
Language level: advanced
Price: free
Why this podcast in French could be for you: your French is good enough to keep up with international current affairs.
Experience the real thing
Podcasts are, of course, a handy tool for learning and improving your French, but they’re no substitute for the real thing. Our boating holidays allow you to get up close and personal with the French language and culture, discover everyday life and get some insight into what’s going on in the country.
Choose from luxury barge hotel holidays, sedate river cruises or a scenic self-hire boat tour, and experience France first-hand from its waterways.
Get in touch to find out which one’s for you.
