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French podcasts with transcripts

The French podcasts with free transcripts are Journal en français facile, InnerFrench, Français Authentique, Little Talk in Slow French and Passerelles; others keep the transcript behind a membership.

A transcript turns listening into learning: you find exactly what you missed. Check whether it is free before you build a habit around a show.

Checked October 2026 · 9 podcasts

Ranked list

1.Journal en français facile (RFI)
The best free daily news habit, with a synchronised transcript every day.
A2–B2FreeTranscripts: freeLearner pace
Details
2.InnerFrench
The best free archive for B1 listeners; finished in September 2026, so start at episode 1.
B1–B2FreeTranscripts: freeLearner pace
Details
3.Little Talk in Slow French
A gentle bridge for A2 to B1 listeners, with free transcripts on Patreon.
A2–B1FreeTranscripts: freeLearner pace
Details
4.Passerelles
Thoughtful all-French episodes for B1 to B2, with free transcripts.
B1–B2FreeTranscripts: freeLearner pace
Details
5.Français Authentique
Calm, clear and free with transcripts; more coaching than conversation.
B1–B2Free + paidTranscripts: freeLearner pace
Details
6.Duolingo French Podcast
Great storytelling for A2 to B1; no new episodes since February 2024.
A2–B1FreeTranscripts: freeLearner pace
Details
7.News in Slow French
Well made and steady, but slow news is a long way from real speech; pay for Full Access or not at all.
A1–C1Free + paidTranscripts: paidLearner pace
Details
8.FrenchPod101
A huge structured library for beginners; the free podcast feed is just a sampler.
A1–C1Free account; Basic from $4/moTranscripts: paidLearner pace
Details
9.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
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

Which French podcasts have free transcripts?

Journal en français facile (RFI), InnerFrench, Français Authentique, Little Talk in Slow French and Passerelles. The Duolingo French Podcast also links transcripts, but it stopped publishing in 2024.

Which French podcasts charge for transcripts?

News in Slow French (Full Access, $22.90 a month), Easy French (membership from €5 a month), French Baratin (Patreon), Coffee Break French (paid course) and French with Amélie (Premium).

How should I use a podcast transcript?

Listen once without it, read it to see what you missed, then listen again while reading. Reading first turns it into a reading exercise.