Home › Beginners
French podcasts for beginners
The best French podcasts for beginners are Coffee Break French for a true start in English, then Little Talk in Slow French and Journal en français facile once you can follow slow, all-French audio.
At A1 you need explanations in English; by A2 you should be listening to slow French with a transcript open. Every show on this page states its level or is pitched at learners by its makers.
Checked October 2026 · 8 podcasts
Ranked list
- 1.Coffee Break FrenchDetails
The clearest free start for absolute beginners; switch to something all-French by season 3.
- 2.Little Talk in Slow FrenchDetails
A gentle bridge for A2 to B1 listeners, with free transcripts on Patreon.
- 3.Journal en français facile (RFI)Details
The best free daily news habit, with a synchronised transcript every day.
- Details
- 5.News in Slow FrenchDetails
Well made and steady, but slow news is a long way from real speech; pay for Full Access or not at all.
- Details
- 7.The Learn French With Alexa PodcastDetails
Friendly guided listening for A2 to B1 fans of Alexa's lessons.
- Details
How we rank
We rank shows by who they genuinely suit at that level, how much of the listening is real, natural French, and what you get without paying. Every fact on a page was checked on the show's own website or feed on the date shown. Nobody pays to be listed or ranked. More about this site.
Questions
What is the best French podcast for complete beginners?
Coffee Break French, season 1. It is free, it was made for absolute beginners, and a teacher explains everything in English as you go.
Can a beginner understand an all-French podcast?
Not at first. From late A2, slow all-French shows such as Little Talk in Slow French work well if you read the transcript as you listen.
Which beginner French podcasts have free transcripts?
Journal en français facile has a synchronised transcript on RFI's site every weekday, and Little Talk in Slow French links a transcript on Patreon that we could open without paying. Coffee Break French keeps its notes and transcripts in the paid course.
Is the Duolingo French Podcast still running?
No new episodes have been published since February 2024. The archive of about 125 story episodes is still free and still good for A2 to B1.