Best Resources to Learn French — In 1 Place
And they’re all free
Learning a language is hard. There’s no getting around it. People often spend months, if not years, trying to acquire a new language, only to find they’ve wasted their time (and money) making flashcards for words they haven’t had to use since the ‘chapter 5’ quiz.
Traditional language classes often use materials that are outdated, and impractical. I want to learn French to get an insight into French culture, to get just a glimpse of what the inside of a francophone’s brain might look like. Not that I won’t ever need to use the word for a pencil sharpener (taille-crayon), but I would much rather have the necessary vocab to watch Portrait of a Lady on Fire, or read Les Miserables, or understand what Timothée Chalamet and Louis Garrel are saying.
The most important thing to have when learning a language is a genuine interest in it. If you’re not curious about it, if you don’t see yourself using the language for something that lights you up, there’s no point in putting in the time and energy.
After struggling to find the right systems and tools that worked, here are the resources that took me from beginner to B1 in 6 months.
Oh, and did I mention they’re 100% free?
1. Français Interactif
How does nobody know about this?
It is the ultimate reference tool. A free French textbook and grammar resource created by The University of Texas. This website contains a variety of vocab lists with writing exercises, audios to help with pronunciation, and even videos and songs to hear words used in context. The Tex’s French Grammar section explains grammar concepts with plenty of examples and exercises with answers to check your work.
Français Interactif shouldn’t be the only thing you use, but it is a great tool if you need clarification on grammar rules or ideas for vocab practice.
2. Kanopy
Stream French films (with or without subtitles) to practice listening, learn vocab, and immerse yourself in Francophone culture. There are plenty of modern and classic options available, so you are sure to find something for your next movie night.
Some of my favorite finds include Jules et Jim a classic of The French New Wave, Purple Noon (Plein Soleil) can we talk about Alain Delon for a second, and The Umbrellas of Cherbourg (Les Parapluies de Cherbourg) the inspiration behind La La Land. On my watchlist: Girlhood (Bande De Filles) and Tomboy.
Kanopy also has a great selection of films in English, as well as a rich collection of World Cinema.
3. Spotify Playlist
You can only listen to “La Vie en Rose” so many times
Like watching films, listening to music is a great opportunity for immersion in language and culture, while also having a good time. Who knows, you might even discover a new favorite artist.
Spotify France Top 50 is a good playlist to check out for French-language music as well as to find out what’s popular in France. You can use this method for other french language countries too (Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland).
User-created playlists are great for finding lesser-known artists. Search “french” or “France” and you’ll have a plethora of playlists to chose from. Here are some to get you started: 1, 2, 3.
4. Duolingo French Podcast
From your favorite green owl
Chances are you’ve heard of Duolingo.
The app is pretty good for short sessions and an easy way to practice French daily. Take advantage of their podcast! Half in French and half in English, about a range of topics including sharks, an immigrant baking story, or what it means to be a hero. A native French speaker tells a story while the narrator jumps in every once in a while to give context in English. Each episode has a transcript provided, and some episodes even have vocab lists and comprehension questions.
5. YouTube
A free classroom
It’s no secret you can learn anything on YouTube these days. From educational channels specific to learning French to French-speaking YouTubers, there’s no shortage of useful content for beginner and advanced French student alike.
Educational Channels:
- innerFrench- Learn to think in French.
- Easy French- A project to help you learn French in an authentic and fun way.
- Learn French With Alexa- Lessons from a real French teacher.
French Speaking YouTubers (videos mostly in English with some French thrown in here and there)
- Eva Meloche- A Quebecois teen living life in Montreal.
- Damon Dominique- An American living in Paris making videos about travel, love, philosophy, languages, and so much more.
- The Purple Palace- Follows Shayna, a visual artist and filmmaker based in Paris.
Learning a language is hard, but it shouldn’t be expensive or boring. I hope that with these resources, I’ve made it just a bit easier to open yourself up to a world of new favorite words, movies, songs, people, and places.
Bisous!
