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Free French podcasts

The best free French podcasts are InnerFrench, Journal en français facile and Coffee Break French: the audio costs nothing, though the transcript is free only on some shows.

Almost every French podcast is free to play. The difference is what comes with it: some give transcripts free, some sell them, and some are archives that no longer publish.

Checked October 2026 · 18 podcasts

Ranked list

1.InnerFrench
The best free archive for B1 listeners; finished in September 2026, so start at episode 1.
B1–B2FreeTranscripts: freeLearner pace
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2.Journal en français facile (RFI)
The best free daily news habit, with a synchronised transcript every day.
A2–B2FreeTranscripts: freeLearner pace
Details
3.Coffee Break French
The clearest free start for absolute beginners; switch to something all-French by season 3.
A1–C1Free + paidTranscripts: paidLearner pace
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4.Little Talk in Slow French
A gentle bridge for A2 to B1 listeners, with free transcripts on Patreon.
A2–B1FreeTranscripts: freeLearner pace
Details
5.Passerelles
Thoughtful all-French episodes for B1 to B2, with free transcripts.
B1–B2FreeTranscripts: freeLearner pace
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6.Français Authentique
Calm, clear and free with transcripts; more coaching than conversation.
B1–B2Free + paidTranscripts: freeLearner pace
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7.One Thing in a French Day
Five minutes of real Paris life a day; easy to keep up, hard to outgrow.
B1–C1Free podcast; membership: see siteTranscripts: paidReal speed
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8.HugoDécrypte
The daily news French people actually listen to; B2 and up only.
B2–C2FreeTranscripts: noneReal speed
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9.Duolingo French Podcast
Great storytelling for A2 to B1; no new episodes since February 2024.
A2–B1FreeTranscripts: freeLearner pace
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10.Easy French (podcast)
Natural, funny conversation for B1 and up; transcripts are members-only.
B1–B2Free; membership from €5/moTranscripts: paidReal speed
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11.French Baratin
Real conversation between friends at normal speed; the best step up from learner podcasts.
B2–C1Free; transcripts via PatreonTranscripts: paidReal speed
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12.French Voices
Real interviews at real speed, but an archive since 2022 with its website gone.
B1–C1FreeTranscripts: paidReal speed
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13.French with Amélie
Real-speed dialogues with a slow version and transcript; B1 and up, paid for the full thing.
B1–C1Free + paidTranscripts: paidReal speed
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14.French Your Way
Useful short grammar explanations, but an archive since 2022.
A2–B2FreeTranscripts: noneLearner pace
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15.Le Précepteur
Clear, careful French on big ideas; for advanced learners who like to think.
B2–C2FreeTranscripts: noneLearner pace
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16.Louis French Lessons
Three-minute news with a translation; paused since June 2026.
B1–B2FreeTranscripts: noneLearner pace
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17.The Learn French With Alexa Podcast
Friendly guided listening for A2 to B1 fans of Alexa's lessons.
A2–B1FreeTranscripts: paidLearner pace
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18.Transfert
Gripping real-life stories in natural French for advanced listeners.
B2–C2FreeTranscripts: noneReal speed
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 free French podcast?

InnerFrench for intermediate learners and Coffee Break French for beginners. Both are free to listen to; InnerFrench links a transcript for each episode.

Are there completely free French podcasts with transcripts?

Yes: Journal en français facile, InnerFrench, Français Authentique, Little Talk in Slow French and Passerelles.

Which free French podcasts have stopped publishing?

InnerFrench ended in September 2026, the Duolingo French Podcast stopped in 2024, French Voices and French Your Way in 2022, and Louis French Lessons paused in June 2026. Their archives are still free.