The Best Way to Learn French Before Spending Time in France

Why Learning French Before You Go Matters

People often ask me how to learn French before spending time in France—and I love when they ask early! It’s a smart move and one that can truly change the way you experience the country. As someone who taught French for a decade (and still adores the language), this topic is especially close to my heart.

Let’s face it—traveling abroad can feel overwhelming at times. Throw in a language barrier, and things can get tricky fast. That’s why I always suggest learning a few key phrases before you go. Even just “bonjour,” “s’il vous plaît,” and “merci” can open doors—sometimes quite literally! Politeness is central to French culture, and those little words carry big weight.

At the heart of travel is connection—with the people, the places, and the rhythm of everyday life. And let’s be honest: everything feels a little more magical when you can exchange more than just a smile or a “bonjour.” Being able to chat with locals, even a little, transforms ordinary moments into meaningful ones. You just might come home with more than souvenirs… maybe even a few new friends.

Sign up for French Classes (In-Person or Online)

Coming from a former French teacher, this probably won’t surprise you—but I truly believe that taking a class (or working with a tutor) is the best way to build a solid foundation. To feel confident using the language creatively, you need the basics. Think of it like learning to walk before you run.

Too many people try to shortcut it, memorizing set phrases without knowing how to adapt them. And let’s face it—no one’s real-life conversation sounds like “See Dick. See Jane. See Dick run…” It’s better to understand how French works so you can really use it, not just recite it.

Yes, it takes time—but if you start early and stick with it, you’ll be amazed at your progress. And this is the one method where you get live feedback (invaluable!), plus the chance to hear how others are learning. In group classes, there’s often camaraderie—and sometimes, even future travel buddies.

Where to Find Great French Classes

One of the best resources worldwide is the Alliance Française. With chapters across the globe, they offer everything from beginner crash courses to literature circles and themed classes like “French for Travelers.” They even help you prepare for official French exams if you’re considering a longer stay or move.

I’ve taken more classes than I can count at the Minneapolis–St. Paul chapter, and our little group feels like extended family now. We meet outside of class (and oui, we speak French!)—some of us have even traveled together. I’ve also taken in-person classes in Arizona and online courses through the New York and Los Angeles branches. Once you find the right fit, it becomes a highlight of your week.

Another gem, if you’re in the Twin Cities or prefer a boutique-style experience, is Cōzette. They offer both online and in-person classes and have a wonderfully personalized approach to learning.

If you are looking for a tutor, iTalki matches you with the perfect instructor, from anywhere in the world! You work on your own goals, at your own pace, at a time that works for you. I have also had great success with this approach, and made a new friend in France! (surprise, surprise!). Other similar formats to explore include Lingoda and FluentU, but I have not tried either of these.

Start Watching: French TV, Films, and Series

If French classes are the meat and potatoes of language learning, then everything else—movies, music, podcasts, and more—is the sauce, the seasoning, the splash of wine that makes the dish unforgettable.

These extras don’t replace formal learning, but they absolutely bring the language to life. They help you feel the rhythm of French, pick up new expressions, and see how it all plays out in real-world situations. Plus, they’re just fun!

Watching French TV and Films

There’s nothing like being swept away by a good story—and when it’s in French, it doubles as a language lesson! You’ll hear a variety of accents, pick up current slang, and experience how the language flows in everyday conversations (yes, they really do talk that fast!).

One of the biggest benefits of watching French content is the exposure to natural speech patterns—things you won’t always get from a textbook or a teacher. The intonation, rhythm, filler words, even how people cut each other off or trail off… these are the subtle elements that make a language truly come alive.

I love losing myself in a good French film or series. Whether it’s a gripping mystery, a feel-good rom-com, or a thought-provoking drama, you’re absorbing culture and vocabulary while being entertained.

Beginner or Intermediate: Choose Subtitles Wisely

Most streaming platforms give you the option to choose between English or French subtitles—use that to your advantage!

• Beginners to Intermediate learners: Start with English subtitles. Your brain will start making connections naturally, recognizing familiar words and phrases, even as you follow along in your own language.
• Intermediate to Advanced learners: Try switching to French subtitles. It’s amazing how much you can pick up when you read and hear the same words at once. Bonus: You’ll start to see how things are spelled (and sometimes realize you’ve been mishearing a word for years!).

The key is to make it enjoyable. Don’t stress if you miss things—just keep watching, and over time your comprehension will grow organically.

Which French Streaming Platform Is Best for Learning?

When it comes to immersing yourself in the French language from the comfort of your own couch, there are a few standout platforms that cater to every taste—and learning level. Here’s a quick look at my favorites:

🇫🇷 France Channel

Think of this as your all-access pass to France. France Channel specializes in all things French: films, series, documentaries, and even cooking shows, all with optional subtitles in English or French. The content feels beautifully curated and authentic, with a strong focus on French culture and regional life. It’s not just great for language immersion—it’s a window into the soul of France.

Best for: Francophiles, intermediate learners, cultural immersion
Bonus: You’ll discover lesser-known gems you won’t find on the big platforms. (And Use DETOURS20 for 20% off)

🌍 TV5MONDEplus

TV5 Monde is a public francophone network, and their streaming platform offers a huge library of free content from across the French-speaking world—France, Belgium, Canada, Switzerland, and beyond. It includes news, series, films, documentaries, and even educational content designed for language learners (look for “Apprendre le français”).

Best for: All levels, especially learners who want variety and global French accents
Bonus: It’s completely free and includes language learning tools!

🎬 Netflix (with French audio or subtitles)

Netflix may not be a French platform, but it has a growing library of French-language shows and movies. The interface makes it easy to switch audio and subtitles, which is perfect for language learners. Many newer French series have high production value and are just plain binge-worthy.

Best for: Casual learners, beginners using English subtitles, or anyone who wants to watch what’s trending
Bonus: You’re probably already subscribed!

Tip: No matter the platform, mix it up! Watch a drama for serious language exposure, a comedy to catch colloquial expressions, and a documentary for clear, well-paced narration.

Listen Your Way to Fluency: Podcasts for Learning French

What did we ever do before podcasts? Honestly, they’re a Type-A traveler’s dream—you can soak up new knowledge while stuck in traffic, taking a long flight, or even folding laundry. Podcasts are one of the easiest and most flexible tools for learning French, whether you’re brushing up on vocabulary or diving deep into French culture.

The best part? You can tailor your listening experience to your level and mood. Some podcasts are specifically designed for language learners, while others are created for native speakers—perfect for getting used to real-life French as it’s actually spoken.

🎓 Language-Focused Podcasts (Beginner to Intermediate)

These are built for learners and include explanations in English (or very slow French), grammar breakdowns, and themed vocabulary. Great for structured progress.

• Coffee Break French – A classic for a reason. Lessons build gradually, and it feels like you’re learning with a friend.
• FrenchPod101 – Bite-sized lessons perfect for fitting in during short errands or walks.
• Learn French by Podcast – A well-structured podcast with real-world context and transcripts.

🗣️ Immersion-Style Podcasts (Intermediate to Advanced)

These are hosted entirely in French—sometimes spoken slowly, sometimes at a natural pace—and help you develop listening comprehension while soaking up culture, news, or even humor.

• InnerFrench – Hosted by Hugo, this is the sweet spot for upper-beginner to intermediate learners. He speaks clearly and thoughtfully, on topics that matter.
• News in Slow French – Just what it sounds like: current events spoken slowly and clearly, with optional transcripts.
• Journal en Français Facile – A daily news broadcast produced by RFI, with transcripts available to follow along.

🧀 Culture-First Podcasts (Native-level, for Advanced or Brave Learners!)

These are my personal favorites—the ones that transport you straight to a café in Paris or a marché in Provence.

• On va déguster (France Inter) – A delicious deep-dive into French gastronomy, local producers, and culinary traditions.
• La Poudre – A cultural and feminist podcast featuring in-depth interviews with fascinating French women.
• Transfert – Real-life stories told by ordinary people—often moving, sometimes funny, always very human.

Pro tip: Start with a podcast that interests you—even if it feels too advanced. You’ll be amazed at what you can pick up just by listening regularly. And don’t be afraid to hit pause, rewind, or look up words as you go. It’s all part of the process!

Use Language Apps to Build Daily Habits

Apps are a fun, flexible way to sneak French into your day—whether you’re waiting in line at the grocery store or winding down before bed. They’re not a full replacement for classes or real conversation, but they are a great supplement for vocabulary building, pronunciation, and grammar reinforcement.

Here are some of the most popular—and helpful—language apps:

• Duolingo – Gamified lessons that make learning addictive. Great for beginners who want daily practice in bite-sized sessions.
• Babbel – More structured than Duolingo, with grammar explanations and themed lessons.
• Busuu – Offers interactive dialogues and the chance to practice with native speakers.
• Drops – Visual, vocabulary-based app for learners who love fast, playful sessions.
• Memrise – Uses real-life video clips from native speakers so you can train your ear and expand your vocab.

Read Like a French Learner

Reading is one of the most underrated tools for learning a language—and it’s especially helpful for building vocabulary and recognizing sentence structure. Plus, it can be incredibly fun.

Start with graded readers or children’s books—they’re designed for learners and often come with helpful glossaries or comprehension questions. You can also explore news in simplified French, like Le Petit Quotidien or News in Easy French, which help you stay informed while improving your skills.

And don’t be afraid to read aloud at home! It may feel silly at first, but it’s a fantastic way to work on your pronunciation and flow. Reading aloud forces your brain to connect written words to their sounds, which makes speaking them later that much easier.

Bring France to Your Feed

You’re already scrolling—why not make your feed a little more French?

Adding French Instagram accounts or subscribing to French newsletters can help you learn new phrases, improve your comprehension, and stay connected to French culture. Here are a few to try:

• @laminutefrancaise – Bite-sized grammar and vocab tips
• @frenchwords – Daily words and expressions with examples
• @oh_la_la_french – Playful reels to boost your listening and slang
• France.fr – Beautiful travel inspiration… en français!
• “Frantastique” newsletter – Daily email lessons with humor and context

Even five minutes a day can add up. Just seeing and hearing French regularly helps train your brain and keep the language top of mind.

Practice Speaking — Even From Home

I remember how awkward I felt as a student trying to twist my mouth into making the French “r” and “u” sounds. But practice makes perfect! Speak at home, and speak often! Talk to your dog or cat … name objects … narrate what you are doing (putting a plate on the table, putting a cup on the table …). it all helps.

When I worked at a dry cleaners in college, each article of clothing had a long number associated with it, and I would challenge myself to say the numbers in French. Find fun ways to integrate the language into your daily life—and if you can join a conversation group, even better!

When I worked at a dry cleaners in college, each article of clothing had a long number associated with it, and I would challenge myself to say the numbers in French. Find fun ways to integrate the language into your daily life—and if you can join a conversation group, tant mieux (even better!)

Lesson of the Day

Learning French before your trip isn’t about perfection—it’s about connection. Every “bonjour,” every attempt at conversation, every word you recognize on a menu or in a film brings you one step closer to truly experiencing France, not just visiting it.

You don’t need to master the entire language to feel at home. Just start. Little by little, day by day, your efforts will build into something beautiful. And when you finally find yourself walking through a market in Provence or chatting with a local in a Paris café—you’ll be so glad you did.

Bon courage et bon voyage!

French Detours is all about curating your best experiences abroad – find more Tips on Travel Planning here.