Best French Podcasts for Beginners: Improve Your Listening Comprehension THE FUN WAY

Luckily, there are plenty of excellent (and free!) podcasts designed especially for learners.

In this guide, we’ll explore the best podcasts in French for beginners, share expert tips to understand spoken French, and help you make podcast learning part of your daily routine.

Why Use Podcasts to Learn French?

Podcasts are perfect for learning French on the go. You can listen during a commute, while cooking, or as part of your bedtime routine. They expose you to real spoken French, improve your ear for pronunciation and rhythm, and help you absorb vocabulary naturally.

Plus, many learner-focused podcasts include transcripts and slow speech, which makes them ideal for building comprehension gradually.

Best Podcasts in French for Beginners & Intermediate Learners

Here’s a curated list of French podcasts that are friendly to new learners, all free to access!

1. Duolingo French Podcast

Perfect for beginners and lower intermediates, this podcast combines simple French narration with English explanations. Each episode shares a real-life story, with great audio quality and a natural learning rhythm.

Why learners love it:

• Real stories from the Francophone world

• Bilingual format (French with English guidance)

• Free transcripts to follow along

Where to listen: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or the Duolingo website

2. Coffee Break French

One of the most popular resources out there, Coffee Break French offers structured lessons that progress from beginner to advanced. The free episodes focus on everyday topics and vocabulary.

Highlights:

• English and French used together

• Excellent explanations and reviews

• Perfect for structured learners who like clarity

3. Journal en français facile (by RFI)

Want to start listening to real news, but slowly? This podcast offers short news bulletins in simplified French, with clearly articulated speech. A great way to build vocabulary while staying informed.

Why it's great:

• Daily, bite-sized news in slow French

• Free transcripts available online

• Helps with real-world listening situations

4. French Made Easy

Created by Mathilde, a native speaker and teacher, this podcast focuses on short, grammar- and vocabulary-based episodes. It's excellent for A1–A2 level learners.

Top features:

• Clear pronunciation and explanation

• English-friendly support

• Weekly episodes that are easy to digest

5. Learn French by Podcast

A great mix of structured learning and natural dialogues, this podcast covers everyday topics like ordering food or making plans. Free PDF support materials are included.

Best for:

• Realistic situations and dialogues

• Visual learners who like print support

• Gradual vocabulary building

6. Little Talk in Slow French

Hosted by a native speaker, this podcast features short reflections on life, culture, and everyday experiences—all spoken slowly and clearly.

Why it works:

• Immersion-style input with slow speed

• Cultural insights and storytelling

• Subtitled YouTube version available

7. One Thing in a French Day

This podcast documents small, everyday moments in the life of a Parisian. Episodes are around 3 minutes long, making them perfect for quick, daily listening.

Key benefits:

• Authentic French from daily life

• Repetition of common structures

• Optional subscription for transcripts

Tips to Understand Spoken French as a Beginner

1. Start with Slow French

Don’t jump into native-speed podcasts too early. Choose ones that are labeled "slow" or meant for learners.

2. Use Transcripts

Many of the podcasts above include written transcripts. Follow along as you listen to connect sounds with words.

3. Repeat & Shadow

Re-listen to episodes and try "shadowing"—speaking along with the audio. This improves both listening and pronunciation.

4. Make It a Routine

Set aside 10–15 minutes per day for focused listening. Combine it with other skills (like reading or writing) to reinforce learning.

Combine with Grammar Practice

While podcasts build listening skills, they work best when combined with grammar learning. For easy explanations on French tenses, articles, and tricky verbs, check out our learn French on Your Own section.

Start Listening Today!

Ready to boost your French listening comprehension? Choose one podcast from this list and make it part of your day. Whether it's over coffee, during a walk, or before bed, a few minutes of French each day leads to real progress.

And if you're looking for more help, check out our French grammar explained series to support your learning journey.

FAQ: French Podcasts for Beginners

Q: Can I really improve my French by listening to podcasts?

Absolutely! With regular listening, you’ll improve your ear for spoken French, grow your vocabulary, and gain confidence.

Q: How long should I listen each day?

Start with just 10 minutes a day. Consistency is more important than length!

Q: I don’t understand everything—should I keep going?

Yes! It’s normal. Use transcripts, repeat episodes, and trust the process. Understanding grows with exposure.

Q: Are these podcasts really free?

Yes! All the podcasts listed above are free to access, and most offer optional extras like PDFs or transcripts.

Now it’s your turn: which podcast will you try first? Share your favorite in the comments or email us your progress story!