With so many podcasts available to learn a second language, how do you know which ones to choose? Save some time and test out my favourite French podcasts for French learners - no matter your level!
Why use podcasts to learn French?
Podcasts are a great supplementary tool to learning a language. Studying independently will help to bolster your learning, whether you are attending a class, practising spoken French with a native speaker or live in a French-speaking country.
You can also listen to podcasts 'on the go'! Who cares if other drivers can see you practising French lines aloud. You're practising another language! Take note: pulling out a pen and paper to note down some new language once you're home will allows you to hone your skills.
How can I listen to podcasts?
Access your French learner podcasts through the podcast apps on your phone, Spotify or through your web browser.
Here are my top ten French podcasts for French learners:
Beginner (A1-A2)
Coffee Break French
Produced by the Radio Lingua Network, follow student Ana as she learns the basics of French from Mark, a highly engaging French teacher. Each lesson lasts for 10-15 minutes at a beginner level, where the listener learns new phrases and grammar along with Ana. To get the most out of this podcast, you can also download the accompanying lesson notes.
French Made Easy with Mathilde Kein
Want to learn some beginners French with free exercises? Mathilde Kein offers short, bite-sized podcast episodes for beginners, covering topics related to French grammar, pronunciation and vocabulary. Once you've listening to an episode, jump online to complete an activity based on the lesson. A great way to reinforce what you have just learned! The format of each episode is elegant and easy to follow. There are practical episodes as well as interesting topics, such as the '50 most beautiful French words'. Mathilde is also a cheese lover, so you can trust her, right?
Learn French with Alexa Podcast
Learn just one new word every week with Alexa. The hosts present a French word and they discuss, in English, the language and cultural elements that surround it. You will also learn handy phrases, such as 'à la tienne' when you go for an 'apéritif'! For each episode, you can download a free lesson guide with all the cultural information and phrases written out. Alexa also uploads the episodes to YouTube. A perfect linguistic bonus for your week!
Intermediate (A2-B1)
SBS Easy French
If you already follow the news, then this SBS podcast will appeal to you. It's easier to acquire new language when you already understand the content! Each episode is 2-6 minutes long and provides snippets from the SBS French daily new bulletin. Presented in partnership with the Alliance Française de Melbourne, the bulletin is presented all in French, at a slower pace but still in an informative and journalistic manner. A summary of each episode is available online, to help target your learning of new language.
Français Authentique with Johan Tekfak
This is my favourite French podcast. Johan presents the many facets of the French language in a comprehensible manner - all in French! It is a pleasure to listen to. Each week, you will find episodes on language learning advice, current affairs with explanations on grammar and vocabulary, and an idiomatic expression. All to help you sound more 'authentic' in French! A must listen for any intermediate learner. Head to Johan's website to find a whole lot more resources at your disposition.
Learn French by Podcast
Learn through listening to a conversation between two people and then learning from the subsequent explanation. It's a really engaging way to acquire new language! There are so many topics and levels to pick from, such as the environment, food, travel and even gardening! If you are a VCE student, this podcast is a must listen as the listening section of the VCAA exam is commonly a conversation between a man and a woman. If you enjoy this podcast, you are able to purchase the lessons and transcripts through the website.
Louis French Lessons (Learn French with Daily Podcast)
Louis, the host, has one of the clearest and best articulated French accents on the internet! Recorded from Paris, he reads out a very short text every day - only a few sentences long. The subsequent explanation is very detailed, mainly in French, with synonymous words and grammatical explanations. Each episode is around 4 minutes long.
Advanced (B2-C1)
Listening to podcasts as an advanced learners is a great way to indulge in new vocabulary and cultural affairs. Here are my three 'go to' podcasts:
SBS French
You may have started with SBS Easy French, well now it's time to continue with the news in fluent French. Listening to this podcast is a great opportunity to catch up on current affairs, but SBS French also keeps you in touch with French cultural events and topics happening around Australia. A short synopsis of each segment is available on their website.
La Vérité Éclate Toujours
Coffee Break Languages delivers, yet again, a seamless and engaging podcast production. Each episode covers a chapter in an engrossing crime drama story. James has been summoned to Paris by his friend Max. Only, he discovers his friend dead on his arrival. Follow the story over 40 episodes with an explanation in English at the end of each chapter. Supporting materials are available to purchase on the website.
Grand Reportage by RFI
Why not listen to podcasts created for native French speakers? Listen to five episodes per week of Grand Reportage - intriguing, on-the-ground documentaries covering world issues. A great way to test your advanced listening skills, as well as hear non-Anglo perspectives on global affairs.
Do you listen to podcasts in French? Share with us!
