The popularity of podcasts has undoubtedly surged in the last few years, with the ability to find one on pretty much any topic you can imagine. There are many ways to transport yourself to France visually, but have you considered doing so audibly? Bring a French touch to your day – in the car, on a walk, or at home – with exciting conversations from France-based authors, chefs, activists, bloggers and more.
Below, we’ve rounded up some of the best French podcasts for your listening pleasure.
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Dinner for One
A French podcast about the healing power of food. After her divorce, New Yorker Sutanya Dacres traded a life in the Big Apple for one in the 18th arrondissement of Paris. She learned to navigate a new life in a foreign land, and – as the title of her podcast suggests – how to cook dinner for one, à la française. By sharing her journey, along with some delicious dishes, “Dinner for One” uncovers the raw, funny and inspiring truth about what it’s like to overcome heartbreak and reinvent yourself in a world far from home.
The New Paris
France is known as a country where tradition reigns supreme, and author, blogger and American expat Lindsey Tramuta is here to challenge this. A “side dish” to her books, The New Paris and The New Parisienne: The Women & Ideas Shaping Paris, her French podcast features local Parisian experts and explores the different people, places and ideas that have and continue to transform the City of Lights.
Read next: Our interview with Lindsey Tramuta about her new book – The New Parisienne
52 Martinis
Forest Collins, an American who moved to Paris in 2001, is an expert on all things cocktail (and more!). From recipes to trends to travel tips to drinking culture, her French podcast, “52 Martinis,” brings you the best of “small batch cocktail and spirit news” from all around France. Listening will have you ready for apèro hour!
Paris Paysanne
An exploration of Paris markets and French terroir. Author and blogger Emily Dilling, who penned My Paris Cookbook: A Culinary Tour of French Flavors and Seasonal Recipes, has been exploring markets, restaurants and cafés across France since moving from her native California in 2005. Her French podcast, “Paris Paysanne,” unpacks the culinary scene in Paris in particular, sharing exciting foodie news and featuring innovative people that are influencing the city’s food culture.
The Earful Tower
Oliver Gee, Australian expat and author of Paris On Air, began recording his podcast, “The Earful Tower,” in 2017 as a side project, and it is now among the most popular French podcasts in the world. Entertaining and informative, his weekly episodes are all about Paris and interview a variety of interesting people – such as comedians, chefs, actors, tour guides and more – living and working in the French capital.
La Poudre
Every other Thursday since 2016, journalist and women’s rights activist Laure Bastide has hosted female writers, artists, researchers, politicians and other inspirational women on her French podcast, La Poudre. Her compelling episodes take the pulse of contemporary feminist struggles, with guests from all industries sharing their personal struggles and journeys. They’re mainly conducted in French, but many have been dubbed in English (look for the British flag!).
French Your Way
Have you always wanted to learn French? Now’s your chance! “French Your Way,” a podcast brought to you by a native French teacher from the Champagne region named Jessica, helps you discover the French language in a fun and easy way. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced pupil who simply wants a refresher, these mini-lessons will help you expand your vocabulary, perfect your grammar and even discover the origins of French words and French expressions.
The Simple Sophisticate
Inspired by her lifestyle blog The Simply Luxurious Life, Shannon Ables uses “The Simple Sophisticate” podcast to teach listeners how to live a chic, refined life without breaking your budget. Offering tips on everything from how to cook a gorgeous meal, to crafting a signature style, to planning the perfect trip (spoiler alert – Paris is a favorite!), “The Simple Sophisticate” will teach you the art of living well within your means.
www.thesimplyluxuriouslife.com
MFCH Tabletalks
We couldn’t have a list of best French podcasts without including “MFCH Table Talks,” hosted by our own Editor, Sharon Santoni. Created during confinement as a way to stay connected, Sharon virtually “sits down” with both friends and new faces who share one or more of her passions, be it country homes, gardening, antiquing, decorating or writing. A must listen!
La Vie Creative
Feed your inner artist! In her weekly podcast “La Vie Creative,” American expat Krystal Kenney interviews creative people from all walks of life – in Paris and beyond. She recently interviewed our Editor, Sharon Santoni. Click HERE to listen to their chat!
www.laviecreative.buzzsprout.com