Whether you’re just starting out with French or looking to take your skills to the next level, having the right resources is essential for mastering the language. From engaging courses and apps to books, podcasts, and immersive experiences, the tools you choose can make a world of difference. Here’s a carefully curated list of the best French language resources to guide you on your path to fluency and help you build confidence in speaking, listening, reading, and writing.

Table of Contents

• French Language Courses
• French Language Learning Apps
• Top French Language Books
• Top Youtube Channels
• Podcasts. Podcasts. Podcasts.
• French Media for Full Immersion
• Online French Resources

French Language Courses

Damon Dominique’s “The French I Wish I Had Learned in French Class” (Levels 1 and 2)

Damon Dominique offers a fresh, unconventional approach to learning French. With a focus on conversational fluency and cultural insights, his course is perfect for those who want a relatable and modern learning experience. Not to mention, Damon is incredibly charming and funny, so you are always entertained by his learning videos.

Learn more about the course: Damon Dominique’s French Course will Teach you Everything you Wish you had Learned in French Class!

Explore (Canadian Students)

Explore is an intensive, government-funded immersion French program offered during the Spring and Summer in many locations across Canada. Did I mention that it was fully free? In the program, you are encouraged to only speak french for multiple weeks while experiencing a new city’s culture with other fellow students.

Learn about my own experience with the program here: How I Learned French in 30 Days

Italki

The Italki app allows you to book lessons with professional tutors or arrange free exchanges with language partners. The goal is that native language speakers will help you boost your conversational skills while giving you the freedom and flexibility to learn with a teacher you like, at a price you can afford, with a schedule that works for you.

French Language Learning Apps

TV5MONDE: Apprendre le Français

This free online resource makes learning French engaging and accessible. Choose exercises tailored to your level, from beginner to advanced, and explore themes like news, culture, and daily life. It also offers guided pathways for learning the basics, preparing for professional French exams, or understanding cultural nuances.

In the app, you can watch short videos and then answer comprehension quizzes to test your overall knowledge to improve your French listening skills!

Mauril by CBC-Radio Canada

Ready to take your French or English language skills to the next level? Test your French or English listening comprehension skills with audio and video content from CBC and Radio-Canada. Progress at your own pace and step out of your comfort zone with language challenges.

Mauril will help you feel more confident using French or English in any context.

Fully Fluent

If you would like to practice stress-free speaking, Fully Fluent allows you to practice your French with an AI tutor. Additionally, the app provides immediate feedback on your sentence structure.

Did you know? Fully Fluent can help you master English, Spanish, French, Hindi, Portuguese, and Italian! 

Use the referral code EA9BD4 to try premium for free for 7 days.

Memrise

Memrise makes language studying a game! Memrise uses spaced repetition to accelerate language learning with flashcards. Spaced repetition is an evidence-based learning technique that incorporates increasing intervals of time between subsequent reviews of previously learned material. The use of spaced repetition has been shown to increase the rate of memorization and vocabulary growth.

Learn French News by Readle

Readle is a language learning app with real-world news and stories aimed to test your language comprehension skills! Language experts turn daily news and stories into fun and bite-sized A1-B2 French learning courses tailored to your current language level.

Top French Language Books

“Short Stories in French for Beginners” by Olly Richards

Short Stories in French for Beginners has been written especially for students from beginner to intermediate level, designed to give a sense of achievement, and most importantly – enjoyment! Mapped to A2-B1 on the Common European Framework of Reference, these eight captivating stories will both entertain you and give you a feeling of progress when reading in French.

French Made Simple by Pamela Rose Haze

An invaluable introduction to one of the most studied languages, French Made Simple is ideal for students, business professionals, and tourists alike. Teaching the basics of grammar, vocabulary, and culture, it guides you step-by-step through the process of learning and conversing quickly.

Easy Learning – Complete French by Collins

A handy 3-in-1 French study book: grammar, verbs and vocabulary in one volume, ideal for beginners who need a clear and easy-to-understand French reference and revision guide.

This book gives you the essential tools to help you progress quickly in your study of French. The grammar, verb and vocabulary sections have been designed for all those learning French at school, in an evening class, for work or for leisure.

L’Art De Conjuguer- Bescherelle

Master the intricacies of the French language with L’Art De Conjuguer, the definitive guide to French verb conjugation. . Whether you’re learning French for the first time or perfecting your skills, this indispensable reference provides clear, concise conjugation tables, helping you navigate the complexities of verb forms in any tense or mood.

Harry Potter (French Version)

Reading the Harry Potter series in French offers a fun and engaging way to improve your language skills. The captivating storylines, paired with increasingly complex vocabulary and sentence structures, make it perfect for learners of all levels. From Harry Potter à l’école des sorciers (Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone) to Harry Potter et les Reliques de la Mort (Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows), the series immerses you in both the magical world and the French language, making it a great way to enhance your reading comprehension and expand your vocabulary.

25 Top Books to Help You Learn French by One Girl and the Big World

On One Girl and the Big World, I’ve curated a list of top French reading books tailored for different french language levels—beginner, intermediate, and advanced. Whether you’re just starting or refining your skills, you’ll find some great book options to match your learning level.

Top Youtube Channels

Extr@ (2002)

Extra is a 2002 language education TV programme franchise that was scripted in the format of a Friends-esque sitcom. With each episode, the French script uses more challenging vocabulary and sentence structures to challenge the viewer’s growing skills.

Learn French with Alexa

Alexa’s friendly teaching style makes French grammar and vocabulary accessible to beginners. Her step-by-step approach builds a solid foundation while keeping lessons light and enjoyable.

Paul Taylor (British Comedian)

Another great way to start absorbing French is through videos with British comedian Paul Taylor who currently lives in Paris. His trademark is poking fun at the French lifestyle as well as at himself by sharing his offbeat expat experiences including French language mishaps and cultural mix-ups.

Français Authentique

Designed for intermediate learners, this channel focuses on improving comprehension through discussions about French culture, history, and daily life—all delivered in slow, clear French.

StreetFrench.org

If you want to sound like a local, this channel is your go-to resource for learning slang, idioms, and casual French used by native speakers. Subscribe to not miss StreetFrench.org’s weekly videos where the channel focuses on creating different types of lessons through Pop culture and sharing personal stories.

Podcasts. Podcasts. Podcasts.

Coffee Break French: This podcast is perfect for beginners and intermediates, with manageable lessons that build conversational skills step by step. Its friendly hosts make learning feel personal and approachable.

InnerFrench: Geared toward intermediate learners, this podcast uses slow, natural French to discuss engaging topics like culture, science, and current events. It’s a great way to improve comprehension while staying entertained.

FrenchPod101: Offers a wide range of lessons for learners at every level, including travel-specific topics. The mix of vocabulary, grammar, and situational phrases makes it versatile and comprehensive.

Duolingo French Podcast: Combining real-life stories with English and French narration, this podcast is perfect for beginners and intermediates. Each episode features compelling tales while introducing new vocabulary in context.

Little Talk in Slow French: Tailored for beginner to intermediate learners, this podcast features slow and clear French, making it easy to follow along. It’s perfect for building listening comprehension and confidence.

French for Beginners – Language Theater: A unique podcast that dramatizes French lessons in entertaining skits, making it easier to remember vocabulary and phrases. It’s especially fun and engaging for auditory learners.

French Media for Full Immersion

Consuming French media is a fun and effective way to deepen your understanding of the language:

• Movies and TV Shows: Classics like Amélie and La Haine provide an authentic glimpse into French culture while improving your listening skills. Modern films like Les Intouchables and Je ne suis pas un Homme Facile are equally entertaining and insightful. Some great TV shows include Lupin, Marianne, Drôle (Standing Up), and The Bureau.
• Music: French artists like Edith Piaf, Stromae, VIDEOCLUB, Indila, Vendredi sur Mer, and Angèle offer a mix of traditional and contemporary styles. Singing along can help you practice pronunciation and rhythm.
• News Outlets: Reading or watching news in French, such as Le Monde or France 24, is an excellent way to expand your vocabulary and stay informed.

Online French Resources

Teacher AI

Personalized speaking practice without the anxiety! More recommended for intermediate French learners, Teacher AI, created by polyglot and Youtuber Xiaoma, is an innovative AI online platform designed to help language learners practice speaking with an AI teacher while improving grammar, vocabulary, and confidence.

The French Experiment

The French Experiment site offers many free online French lessons, language tools, and even children’s stories in French. You can explore topics like grammar and pronunciation while enjoying well-known tales like Les Trois petits cochons (The Three Little Pigs) and Boucles d’or et les trois ours (Goldilocks and the Three Bears). The fun, approachable format ensures you’ll stay motivated to learn!

BBC Languages – French

BBC Languages offers free online French resources, covering everything from beginner vocabulary to advanced grammar. With interactive exercises, audio, and video resources, it’s perfect for learners of all levels looking to improve their French.

A Cup of French Blog

A Cup of French is a fantastic blog dedicated to helping learners immerse themselves in the French language and culture. It features practical language tips, cultural insights, fun French challenges, and useful resources for learners at all levels. Whether you’re a beginner or intermediate, A Cup of French helps you learn while enjoying the process, making it an excellent companion on your French-learning journey.

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With the right mix of resources and consistent practice, learning French can be both enjoyable and rewarding. Start small, stay curious, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes—after all, that’s how you learn. Whether you’re travelling to France or simply exploring the language, these resources will set you on the path to success.

Bonne chance et amusez-vous bien !

Carina

One Girl and the Big World is a travel blog dedicated to sharing inspiring adventures, practical tips, and unique experiences from around the globe—all available for free to readers.

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