Watch and learn
The best way to learn a language is to do what I did: live in a country where it’s spoken (in my case France) for 15 years. But let’s be honest – that’s not always possible. The best alternative? Bring the language to you.
Watching videos, listening to music or podcasts, and reading books or articles are all effective ways of doing this. The key is choosing resources that you want to come back to. According to Self-Determination Theory, motivation is strongest when three innate psychological needs are supported :
Competence – You should understand most of what you read or hear. Not too difficult, not too easy – just right. When in doubt, choose something easier.
Autonomy – Choose what you enjoy. Learning feels easier when it’s your choice.
Relatedness – Pick content that connects to your life or interests. If you care about it, you’ll stick with it.
The hardest part is finding resources that are interesting to you and at the right level. That’s why this page exists.
Happy browsing!
YouTube channels
Cyprien
One of the pioneers of the French Youtube scene. Many short videos, but also longer productions.
SQUEEZIE
One of France’s top Youtubers for a reason. I highly recommend the ‘thread horreur’ playlist – don’t watch alone, with headphones or late at night!
Tibo InShape
France’s top Youtuber. All about fitness! DAMM!
Inoxtag
The first YouTuber to climb Mount Everest!
Paul Taylor
HIGHLY recommended! British comedian who has been living in France since 2009. His trademark is poking fun at the French.
Mister V
Similar in style to Cyprien. He’s also a big fan of the French rap scene and has many videos on this.
Mcfly et Carlito
Comedy duo, huge amount of quality content and celebrity appearances.
Étymocurieux
Etymology fun facts. I love these videos!
Fabien Olicard
Videos about psychology, puzzle solving, interesting stories, mind-reading and much much more. Also has written many books.
ARTE
ARTE + Karambolage: Very well established Franco-German production company based in Strasbourg (like all good things) with well-produced and fascinating documentaries. Videos also available on their website.
Karambolage
ARTE production.
CED
If you’re interested in art 🙂
Wladimir Autain
Short documentaries about contemporary artists.
Lena Situations
Popular vlogger.
Serge le Mytho
A series featuring one of the funniest people in France: Jonathan Cohen. The series follows ‘Serge’, a compulsive liar, and his ridiculous adventures. Very funny, but lots of slang and ‘verlan’.
Golden Moustache
LOTS of comedy sketches.
bref.
A series of very short, funny videos about a guy and his daily life. Bref.
e-penser 2.0
Well-made and interesting videos on absolutely every topic you can think of.
Blitzstream
For the chess players! Blitzstream (Tonton Kev) is a national master who regularly streams on Twitch and produces regular videos – teaching, speedruns, games against subscribers, commentating…
Julien Song
Chess international master. Tutorials, history of chess, vlogs etc.
Au Bord de l'Assiette
French cooking channel. A delicious way to improve your French! His YouTube shorts are addictive and educational.
chef_N_Zem
Chef specialised in anti-waste. What he manages to cook with ingredients you would normally throw away is genuinely incredible.
Info ou Mytho?
Interesting short videos. The creators of the ‘un jour, une question‘ videos. If you study French in school, you’ve probably watched some!
Andie Ella
French makeup artist and YouTuber known for beauty tutorials and lifestyle content.
Lea Elui
Social media personality. Big on TikTok.
Sympa Cool
A new sketch every week.
Yes vous aime
Loads of funny videos from a collective of French comedians. Parodies of ‘Brut’ called ‘Broute’.
Tatty Macleod
Tatty Macleod is a French-British comedian. Her comedy often explores aspects of her bilingual upbringing, code-switching, and dual identities.
Mail0ves
Cooking tutorials! Delicious and 100% plant-based.
Loic Suberville
That French guy who doesn’t understand French.
News
Brut Media
The news in video format. French and international stories available on their website and YouTube channel. Can browse by category.
Le Monde
Highly respected national daily newspaper. Is often seen as the French equivalent of The New York Times or The Guardian.
LCI
La Chaîne Info is a French free-to-air news channel. It is part of TF1 Group.
Osons causer
Clear objective: videos to understand and solve the problems of our time.
L'esprit critique
Clear objective: channel that aims to develop critical thinking skills in relation to political and media discourse.
Popular podcasts
LEGEND
Very popular podcast in France. Interviews with people from all walks of life and their extraordinary lives.
Small Talk
French-speaking celebrities are asked about everything except what they are known for.
L'After Foot
Everything football!
Podcasts aimed at French learners
Easy French
For learners of all levels. Part of the Easy Languages family. Probably the best resource for learning. They have playlists by CEFR level. They also have a podcast. All videos have accurate subtilties.
French Facile
Simple and accessible conversations, specifically designed for beginners. Subtitles in French and English.
innerFrench
For intermediate learners. Podcast episodes on his website are given a difficulty rating by listeners. Transcripts are also available. Spoken very clearly with a wide range of topics.
Piece of French
Good quality videos, clear language, interesting topics!
French mornings with Elisa
For intermediate learners. Elisa peaks very clearly. Her website has resources, courses, videos, a podcast… Check out the episode with Paul Taylor!
Coffe Break French
This podcast is great because you can choose the level of the episodes. each season focuses on a different level (beginner-advanced).
French Teacher Carlito
For intermediate learners. Immersive lessons rooted in French culture.
Books
Le Petit Prince
A classic. The story follows a young prince who visits various planets, including Earth, and addresses themes of loneliness, friendship, love, and loss.
L'étranger
Often studied at A-Level. The story follows Meursault, an indifferent settler in French Algeria, who, weeks after his mother’s funeral, kills an unnamed Arab man in Algiers.
Coming soon
Coming soon
Movies
La Haine
A classic for a reason. Often studied as part of the A-Level course. One of Cillian Murphy’s favourite movies!
Intouchables
One of my favourites. A Parisian aristocrat, quadriplegic since a paragliding accident, hires a young man to be his caretaker. Although very different, the two men bond and develop a close friendship.
Amélie
At a tiny Parisian café, the adorable yet painfully shy Amélie accidentally discovers a gift for helping others
Coming soon
TV series
Lupin
A retelling of the classic French story about Arsène Lupin, the world-famous gentleman thief and master of disguise.
Coming soon
Coming soon