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The 10 Best French Podcasts by Proficiency Level

Languages & Culture

Are you often wondering which podcast to use to learn French? Finding a podcast that matches your level can indeed be tough. We've put together a selection of French podcasts that will help you make progress and have fun at the same time.   As we all know, immersing yourself in a language is the best way to improve. But if you can't travel to France, speak with native speakers, or take lessons, this kind of immersion is impossible. That's why listening to French podcasts is a fantastic way to learn the language and discover French culture.   Whether you're a complete beginner or an expert, you don't need to understand every single word. As you listen, your ear will get used to the sounds of French, and it will become easier and easier to follow along. Many of these podcasts are available on popular platforms like Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and some even have accompanying content on YouTube.

Podcasts for Beginners (A1, A2)

Tips for Learning with French Podcasts

Listening to podcasts is an easy way to improve your French comprehension and encounter new vocabulary. The key is to find a podcast on a topic that truly interests you-this will keep you motivated.

For beginners, try the shadowing technique: repeat what is said in the podcast out loud to improve your pronunciation and intonation. This is an advantageous technique for podcasts that teach new vocabulary directly.

Apps like Duolingo, Anki, Babbel, and LingQ are great companions to your podcast learning, helping you to reinforce vocabulary and grammar. Remember, native French speakers can sometimes speak very quickly, so don't hesitate to slow down the playback speed if needed to help you get the full benefit. With consistent practice, you'll be well on your way to earning your DELF or DALF certificate and achieving your language goals, as measured by the CEFR.

4. Transfert

This powerful podcast is a collection of true-life stories. People share pivotal, dramatic, or simply unusual moments from their lives. The stories are captivating, and the language is natural and emotional, making it ideal for advanced learners who want to practice understanding authentic French in a narrative format.

  • Genre: Storytelling
  • Proficiency Level: Expert

3. L'Heure du Crime

If you're fascinated by true crime, this podcast is for you. Renowned journalist Jean-Alphonse Richard meticulously recounts some of France's most famous and complex criminal cases. Each episode delves into the details of the investigation, providing a captivating and suspenseful narrative. It's perfect for advanced learners who want to practice understanding fast-paced, journalistic French.

  • Genre: True Crime
  • Proficiency Level: Advanced

2. Nouveau Modèle

Hosted by Chloé Cohen, this podcast features interviews with artists, entrepreneurs, and other creative professionals who share their career journeys and the key moments that led to their success. It's a fantastic podcast for practicing listening comprehension while gaining inspiration and insight.

  • Genre: Business, Culture
  • Proficiency Level: Advanced

1. Les actus du jour

Hosted by journalist Hugo Décrypte, this podcast is hugely popular in France. In just ten minutes a day, he summarizes the most important news, covering economic, environmental, and political topics. This is an excellent way to acquire new vocabulary and stay informed about current events in France and worldwide.

  • Genre: News and Culture
  • Proficiency Level: Expert

Podcasts for Advanced Learners (C1, C2)

3. Mourir Moins Con

This podcast answers trivia-style questions in a short, 3- to 5-minute format. The responses blend humor with knowledge, helping you build your general knowledge and learn French at the same time. With your newly acquired knowledge, you'll be able to impress friends and family at your next dinner party!

  • Genre: Humor, Trivia
  • Proficiency Level: Intermediate (B2)

2. La Leçon

This podcast features interviews with interesting people, from a Formula 1 champion to a famous singer. In each episode, they discuss a personal failure, how they experienced it, and what they learned. It's full of great advice and an excellent way to practice listening to conversational French.

  • Genre: Society and Culture
  • Proficiency Level: Intermediate

1. InnerFrench

Led by host Hugo, this podcast is a favorite among learners. Hugo speaks slowly and clearly, using everyday language to discuss topics like culture, psychology, and society. InnerFrench is perfect for getting comfortable with natural speech and expanding your vocabulary in context. It's a great bridge between beginner lessons and authentic French content.

  • Genre: Culture and Society
  • Proficiency Level: Intermediate

Podcasts for Intermediate Learners (B1, B2)

3. Choses à Savoir

Want to learn French and expand your general knowledge at the same time? This podcast provides short, daily episodes on a variety of topics, including science, history, business, and gastronomy.

The explanations are simple and easy to understand, making it a great choice for learners who have some basic vocabulary.

  • Genre: General Knowledge
  • Proficiency Level: Basic Knowledge

2. Duolingo French Podcast

Created by the popular language learning app, it takes listeners on a fascinating journey through authentic, true stories in easy-to-understand French, with English narration to help provide context.

It's a great way to get accustomed to natural French, expand your vocabulary, and discover Francophone culture through engaging storytelling.

  • Genre: Storytelling
  • Proficiency Level: Beginner / Intermediate

1. Coffee Break French

This is one of the most popular language learning podcasts in the world. It offers well-structured lessons that cover essential grammar and vocabulary for beginners. The hosts, who are experienced teachers, guide you through each episode, making the learning process clear and enjoyable.

  • Genre: Language Course
  • Proficiency Level: Absolute Beginner

Podcasts for Beginners (A1, A2)

1. Coffee Break French

This is one of the most popular language learning podcasts in the world. It offers well-structured lessons that cover essential grammar and vocabulary for beginners. The hosts, who are experienced teachers, guide you through each episode, making the learning process clear and enjoyable.

  • Genre: Language Course
  • Proficiency Level: Absolute Beginner

2. Duolingo French Podcast

Created by the popular language learning app, it takes listeners on a fascinating journey through authentic, true stories in easy-to-understand French, with English narration to help provide context.

It's a great way to get accustomed to natural French, expand your vocabulary, and discover Francophone culture through engaging storytelling.

  • Genre: Storytelling
  • Proficiency Level: Beginner / Intermediate

3. Choses à Savoir

Want to learn French and expand your general knowledge at the same time? This podcast provides short, daily episodes on a variety of topics, including science, history, business, and gastronomy.

The explanations are simple and easy to understand, making it a great choice for learners who have some basic vocabulary.

  • Genre: General Knowledge
  • Proficiency Level: Basic Knowledge

Podcasts for Intermediate Learners (B1, B2)

1. InnerFrench

Led by host Hugo, this podcast is a favorite among learners. Hugo speaks slowly and clearly, using everyday language to discuss topics like culture, psychology, and society. InnerFrench is perfect for getting comfortable with natural speech and expanding your vocabulary in context. It's a great bridge between beginner lessons and authentic French content.

  • Genre: Culture and Society
  • Proficiency Level: Intermediate

2. La Leçon

This podcast features interviews with interesting people, from a Formula 1 champion to a famous singer. In each episode, they discuss a personal failure, how they experienced it, and what they learned. It's full of great advice and an excellent way to practice listening to conversational French.

  • Genre: Society and Culture
  • Proficiency Level: Intermediate

3. Mourir Moins Con

This podcast answers trivia-style questions in a short, 3- to 5-minute format. The responses blend humor with knowledge, helping you build your general knowledge and learn French at the same time. With your newly acquired knowledge, you'll be able to impress friends and family at your next dinner party!

  • Genre: Humor, Trivia
  • Proficiency Level: Intermediate (B2)

Podcasts for Advanced Learners (C1, C2)

1. Les actus du jour

Hosted by journalist Hugo Décrypte, this podcast is hugely popular in France. In just ten minutes a day, he summarizes the most important news, covering economic, environmental, and political topics. This is an excellent way to acquire new vocabulary and stay informed about current events in France and worldwide.

  • Genre: News and Culture
  • Proficiency Level: Expert

2. Nouveau Modèle

Hosted by Chloé Cohen, this podcast features interviews with artists, entrepreneurs, and other creative professionals who share their career journeys and the key moments that led to their success. It's a fantastic podcast for practicing listening comprehension while gaining inspiration and insight.

  • Genre: Business, Culture
  • Proficiency Level: Advanced

3. L'Heure du Crime

If you're fascinated by true crime, this podcast is for you. Renowned journalist Jean-Alphonse Richard meticulously recounts some of France's most famous and complex criminal cases. Each episode delves into the details of the investigation, providing a captivating and suspenseful narrative. It's perfect for advanced learners who want to practice understanding fast-paced, journalistic French.

  • Genre: True Crime
  • Proficiency Level: Advanced

4. Transfert

This powerful podcast is a collection of true-life stories. People share pivotal, dramatic, or simply unusual moments from their lives. The stories are captivating, and the language is natural and emotional, making it ideal for advanced learners who want to practice understanding authentic French in a narrative format.

  • Genre: Storytelling
  • Proficiency Level: Expert

Tips for Learning with French Podcasts

Listening to podcasts is an easy way to improve your French comprehension and encounter new vocabulary. The key is to find a podcast on a topic that truly interests you-this will keep you motivated.

For beginners, try the shadowing technique: repeat what is said in the podcast out loud to improve your pronunciation and intonation. This is an advantageous technique for podcasts that teach new vocabulary directly.

Apps like Duolingo, Anki, Babbel, and LingQ are great companions to your podcast learning, helping you to reinforce vocabulary and grammar. Remember, native French speakers can sometimes speak very quickly, so don't hesitate to slow down the playback speed if needed to help you get the full benefit. With consistent practice, you'll be well on your way to earning your DELF or DALF certificate and achieving your language goals, as measured by the CEFR.

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