Duolingo French Podcast
Deepen your language skills and knowledge of the French-speaking world through fascinating true stories in easy-to-follow French, with added English for context. From Duolingo, the world's #1 way to learn a language. Hosted by Ngofeen Mputubwele.
Episodes
The Voice of France (La voix de la France) - Revisited
To celebrate France’s love of culture, we’re revisiting some of our favorite episodes featuring francophone artists and performers. This episode, the story of Simone, who unknowingly became the most “listened-to voice in France.” Stick around until the end for an update on what Simone has been up to since the first episode aired! A transcript of this episode is available at https://bit.ly/49R1BPW.
In The Spotlight with Jacques Brel (En scène avec Jacques Brel) - Revisited
To celebrate France’s love of culture, we’re revisiting some of our favorite episodes featuring francophone artists and performers. This episode, the story of Arnaud, who launched a career impersonating one of France’s most beloved male singers, Jacques Brel. Stick around until the end for an update on what Arnaud has been up to since the first episode aired! Check out recordings of Arnaud’s live
Traditions iconiques - Fête de la musique - Revisited
On June 21, 1981, the French government invented a new holiday. Ever since then, every summer solstice, anyone in France can take to the streets and perform music…and they do! But for Fanny, sharing her birthday with la Fête de la Musique was a bit of a curse…until she discovered how to help her favorite band take on the challenge of that special night. A transcript of this episode is availab
La mélodie de la Martinique (The Sound of Martinique) - Revisited
To celebrate France’s love of culture, we’re revisiting some of our favorite episodes featuring francophone artists and performers. This episode, the story of Christophe, better known under his performer name Chassol, who developed a new musical genre inspired by the sounds of his home island of Martinique. Stick around until the end for an update on what Christophe has been up to since the first
La chanteuse des îles (The Island Singer) - Revisited
To celebrate France’s love of culture, we’re revisiting some of our favorite episodes featuring francophone artists and performers. This episode, the story of Waaydah, a teenager from the French island of Mayotte who took the stage in her island’s first-ever opera competition. Stick around until the end for an update on what Waaydah has been up to since the first episode aired! A transcript of thi
La comédienne de balcon (The Balcony Performer) - Revisited
To celebrate France’s love of culture, we’re revisiting some of our favorite episodes featuring francophone artists and performers. This episode, the story of Marie, a stage actor who found a way to keep French theater alive during the Covid lockdowns. Stick around until the end for an update on what Marie has been up to since the first episode aired! A transcript of this episode is available at h
Le clown « undercover » (The Undercover Clown) - Revisited
To celebrate France’s love of culture, we’re revisiting some of our favorite episodes featuring francophone artists and performers. This episode, the story of David, an engineer by day and French clown by night. Stick around until the end for an update on what David has up to since the first episode aired! A transcript of this episode is available at https://bit.ly/424ViWh.
La joie du cancan (The Joy of Cancan) - Revisited
To celebrate France’s love of culture, we’re revisiting some of our favorite episodes featuring francophone artists and performers. This episode, the story of Monika, who has been dancing the French Cancan in Paris since the 1960s. Stick around until the end for an update on what Monika has been up to since the first episode aired! A transcript of this episode is available at https://podcast.duoli
Trailer Season 15
The Duolingo French Podcast is back for a special season celebrating the arts in France and around the world. We’re revisiting our favorite stories of dancers, singers, performers, and even an undercover clown — as well as updates about how these artists are doing. This special season starts January 9. Listen to the trailer now!
The Secret Life of Josephine Baker - Josephine: L’héroïne
Josephine embarks on perilous spy missions…and her wartime service brings her face to face with the man who inspired her to join the Resistance. With Ariana DeBose. A transcript of this episode is available at https://bit.ly/3QUR3sq.
The Secret Life of Josephine Baker - Josephine, la résistante
With France under German occupation, Josephine takes refuge at her sanctuary, Les Milandes. Until the enemy comes knocking at the gates. With Ariana DeBose. A transcript of this episode is available at https://bit.ly/3QNcpIh.
The Secret Life of Josephine Baker - Josephine, l'espionne
With war declared in France, Josephine braces for the conflict and wonders how she can help…until a member of the French secret service knocks at her door and she begins a new chapter of her life. With Ariana DeBose. A transcript of this episode is available at https://bit.ly/3MP6aBx.
The Secret Life of Josephine Baker - Josephine, la cible
Josephine puts down roots in her beloved France while trying to find her place as an artist as the world teeters toward war. With Ariana DeBose. A transcript of this episode is available at https://bit.ly/3tM0mlu.
The Secret Life of Josephine Baker - Josephine, l'icône
Josephine becomes an international sensation and adopts France as her home. But in neighboring Germany, Nazism is on the rise and threatens her newfound freedom. With Ariana DeBose. A transcript of this episode is available at https://bit.ly/4010Hg5.
The Secret Life of Josephine Baker - Josephine, la danseuse
19-year-old Josephine Baker leaves her life in the U.S. behind and arrives in Paris to try her luck onstage. She falls in love with the city, but what will she have to do in order to succeed there? With Ariana DeBose. A transcript of this episode is available at https://bit.ly/46I6I3s.
Trailer Season 14
The Duolingo French Podcast returns with a thrilling new season! Discover the untold story of 1920s icon Josephine Baker – not just a dancer, but a spy for the French Resistance. Featuring Academy Award-winner Ariana DeBose. This special season launches on October 11th, 2023. Catch the trailer now!
La championne du fromage (Cheese Champion) - Revisited
In honor of Women’s History Month, we’re revisiting a story by Virginie Dhorne – a French cheesemonger with a fierce competitive streak. Stick around until the end to hear what Virginie’s been up to since this episode first aired. A transcript of this episode is available at https://bit.ly/4202Hpg.
38 gamins (38 kids) - Revisited
In honor of Women’s History Month, we’re revisiting a story by Loune Viaud, a public health expert from Haiti who rescued 38 children after the 2010 earthquake struck the country. Stick around until the end to hear what Loune and the children from the story have been up to since this episode first aired. A transcript of this episode is available at https://bit.ly/3H96ecn.
La reine du codage (The Coding Queen) - Revisited
In honor of Women’s History Month, we’re revising a story by Matina Razafimahefa, a university student from Madagascar with an entrepreneurial spirit. Stick around until the end to hear what Matina has been up to since this episode first aired. A transcript of this episode is available at https://bit.ly/41vlwjy.
Rêves d’une karateka (Karate Dreams) - Revisited
In honor of Women’s History Month, we’re revisiting a story by Valérie Desroches, a karate student from Montreal. After learning she had Asperger's syndrome, Valérie’s new self-knowledge inspired her to work even harder toward achieving her karate dreams. Stick around until the end to hear what Valérie has been up to since this episode first aired. A transcript of this episode is available at http
Trouver sa voix (Speaking Out) - Revisited
In honor of Women’s History Month, we’re revisiting a story by Linh Lan Dao, who decided to pursue a career in journalism after encountering anti-Asian racism. Stick around until the end to hear what Linh Lan’s been up to since this episode first aired. A transcript of this episode is available at http://bit.ly/3ZEze25.
Surfer au Sénégal (Senegal Surfer) - Revisited
In honor of Women’s History Month, we’re revisiting a story by Khadjou Sambe, a young woman who defied gender norms by taking up surfing, considered a men-only sport in her home country of Senegal. Stick around until the end to hear what Khadjou has been up to since this episode first aired. A transcript of this episode is available at http://bit.ly/3KeOdLy.
Reconstruire le travail d'une vie (Rebuilding a Life's Work) - Revisited
In honor of Women’s History Month, we’re revisiting a story by Maya Husseini, a stained-glass artist who spent her career rebuilding churches in her hometown of Beirut. But after a devastating warehouse explosion in August 2020, she was faced with a question: could she help rebuild Beirut? Stick around until the end to hear what Maya has been up to since this episode first aired. A transcript of t
Une chanson révolutionnaire (A Song of Revolution) - Revisited
In honor of Women’s History Month, we’re revisiting a story by Emel Mathlouthi, a singer whose music became a symbol of freedom during the seismic revolution that took place in 2010 in her home country of Tunisia. Stick around until the end to hear what Emel has been up to since this episode first aired. A transcript of this episode is available at http://bit.ly/3JEFAd6.
Trailer Season 13
In honor of Women’s History Month, the Duolingo French Podcast is back for a special season celebrating exceptional women. We’ll revisit stories of powerful dreamers, visionaries, and truth-seekers from our archives — and share updates on their lives since their stories first aired. This special season starts March 14th, 2023. Tune in to the trailer now!
Paris - Le goût des pâtisseries
Muriel Aublet-Cuvelier is a French pastry chef on a mission to share the art of pastry with the world. She takes us to visit some of Paris’ historic pastry shops and taste some of the city’s most iconic desserts. A transcript of this episode is available at http://bit.ly/3kUYQZI.
Paris - Les Catacombes interdites
Photographer Gaspard Duval has a growing archive of the historic Paris Catacombs, a network of tunnels and burial grounds underneath the city of Paris. He navigates the underground labyrinth to highlight his favorite spots, from the official tour area to secret chambers that are forbidden to the public. A transcript of this episode is available at http://bit.ly/3XDWlK0.
Paris - Notre-Dame à travers le temps
Olivier Chandez was the official clocksmith of the Notre Dame Cathedral. He tended to its antique central clock until a fire set the Cathedral ablaze in 2019. Olivier will take us back to a time before the fire for a special tour of one of the world’s most beloved Parisian landmarks. A transcript of this episode is available at http://bit.ly/3WuvTAX.
Paris - Visite du Marais
A longtime resident of Paris, Pascal Fonquernie, walks us through his historic neighborhood, Le Marais, sharing its unique history and shining a light on the different communities who live there. A transcript of this episode is available at https://bit.ly/3X25hIQ.
Trailer Season 12
The Duolingo French Podcast is back for a new season. Our special trip to Paris, France starts January 2023. Listen to the trailer now!
L’enfant prodige de la mode (The Fashion Prodigy)
Alphonse Maitrepierre is a talented young designer who worked his way up to many established fashion houses in Paris. After learning from the best, he wanted to design clothes that reflected his vision and commitment to sustainability. But would the fashion world embrace him? A transcript of this episode is available at https://bit.ly/3ThCPQh.
Un jour de commémoration (A day of remembrance)
A doctor from Guadeloupe dedicates his life to honoring the memory of his island’s enslaved ancestors, and fights to make sure their names will not be forgotten. A transcript of this episode is available at https://bit.ly/3DRItUY.
La chocolatière (The Chocolate Maker) - Revisited
Growing up in Cameroon, Euphrasie Mbambae spent a lot of time on her grandfather’s cacao farm. But it wasn’t until she moved to Belgium that she tasted chocolate for the first time and understood the power of the fruits from her childhood. We recently reached out to Euphrasie and updated her story with new content. A transcript of this episode is available at https://bit.ly/3FnIsJk.
La lutte pour une justice alimentaire (Fighting for Food Justice)
A Montreal resident realizes people in his neighborhood of Saint-Henri West don’t have access to fresh and affordable food. So together as a community, they decide to take matters into their own hands and open a collective grocery store run by and for the people of Saint-Henri West. A transcript of this episode is available at https://bit.ly/3Sa4Ad9.
La coureuse de Bamako (The Runner from Bamako) - Revisited
As a teenager in Mali, Djénébou Dante dodged a string of marriage proposals to pursue her running dreams and represent her country on the international stage. We recently reached out to Djénébou and updated her story with new content. A transcript of this episode is available at https://bit.ly/3MkQK6s.
L'art de la Crêpe (The Art of the Crepe)
A Parisian B&B host sets out on a journey to master the art of making the perfect traditional French crepe. He shares his findings with the world…one crepe at a time. A transcript of this episode is available at https://bit.ly/3CadWzG.
La Seine à la nage (Swimming the Seine)
After learning that cigarette butts are the most harmful pollutants of our oceans, Chloé decides to take action. She sets out on a daring journey to follow a cigarette butt's course from the Seine River to the sea, raising awareness and sparking change along the way. A transcript of this episode is available at https://bit.ly/3LJHGYx.
Le pouvoir des réseaux sociaux (The Power of Social Media)
As a little person, Douchka Volaric didn’t grow up with any media representation of people like her. When she discovers TikTok, she decides to use it as a tool to educate others, spread a positive message, and be the change she wished to see. A transcript of this episode is available at https://bit.ly/3xDnYrn.
Les bébés au Festival de Cannes (Babies at the Cannes Festival)
As a film programmer, Aurélie depended on going to the legendary Cannes Film Festival. But when she had her first child, she realized attending Festivals with a baby would be nearly impossible and she wondered, could anything be done to help working families? A transcript of this episode is available at https://podcast.duolingo.com/french.
Le chasseur d’orages (The Storm Chaser)
Ever since he was 10 years old, Serge Zaka was fascinated by the power and beauty of France’s most elusive thunderstorms. So he made it his life's mission to photograph the perfect storm to share with the world, but could he do it? A transcript of this episode is available at https://bit.ly/3AUvkHQ.
Trailer Season 11
The Duolingo French Podcast is back with new episodes starting September 6, 2022. Listen to the trailer now!
Traditions iconiques - The Tour de France
Le Tour de France is a legendary bicycle race in France. But to cycling enthusiast Claire Floret, there’s something terribly wrong with it: women aren’t allowed to compete. So in order to make things right, she created a brand new cycling challenge. A transcript of this episode is available at https://bit.ly/3zeMXTo.
Traditions iconiques - The Beret
The béret was once the most popular hat in France. But today, most French people see it as old-fashioned. Except for Valérie. As a native of southwest France – where bérets were invented – she wants to bring them back in style! A transcript of this episode is available at https://bit.ly/3ajeGbM.
Traditions iconiques - A Kiss Hello
In France, greeting friends, relatives and co-workers with “la bise” — a kiss hello — is more than tradition. It’s essential. Yet Mathieu Avanzi was so baffled by the custom, it left him wondering: did others feel the same? A transcript of this episode is available at https://bit.ly/3y59bp7.
Traditions iconiques - Fête de la musique
Every year on June 21st, musicians across France take to the streets to celebrate la Fête de la musique. Growing up, Fanny’s birthday also happened to be on June 21st…and for a long time, she resented having to share her day with the popular French holiday. Until the tradition took on a special meaning for her… A transcript of this episode is available at https://bit.ly/3O9Ieal.
Traditions iconiques - Beaujolais Wine
In the grand French tradition of winemaking, Beaujolais Nouveau wine was once the cool kid on the block. But when wine connoisseurs felt it went too mainstream, they turned their backs on it. So wine lover Anaïs Pertuizet decided to make a new kind of Beaujolais Nouveau, one that would win back their hearts. A transcript of this episode is available at https://bit.ly/3b4LLZb.
Traditions iconiques - Summer Vacation
The French love their long summer vacations, les grandes vacances. But they hate the massive traffic jams that go with them. To help vacation-bound drivers and passengers have some fun on the road, traffic radio host Francine Thomas has to get creative. A transcript of this episode is available at https://bit.ly/3GWrJM9.
Traditions iconiques - French Gastronomy
Le repas gastronomique, the true French feast, is a unique part of French culture. Chef Stéphane Ranieri worked his way up the kitchen ranks in some of France’s most prestigious restaurants. Then one day, he decided to take fine dining to a completely different setting: the rugby stadium. A transcript of this episode is available at https://bit.ly/3NK17Qz.
Traditions iconiques - Perfume
Perfume is France’s everyday luxury. French people love to wear it, to gift it, but also to create it. When one of France’s foremost perfumers realizes that the perfume-making tradition in his hometown of Grasse is in danger, he vows to defend it. A transcript of this episode is available at https://bit.ly/3lJuKpn.
Trailer Season 10
The Duolingo French Podcast is back with new episodes starting May 24, 2022. Listen to the trailer now!
La course en solitaire (The Solo Race)
When Kevin Escoffier entered one of the world’s most epic solo boating races, he faced long odds, dangerous waters, and stiff competition. A transcript of this episode is available at https://bit.ly/3iuoCQ2.
La chocolatière (The Chocolate Maker)
Growing up in Cameroon, Euphrasie Mbamba spent a lot of time on her grandfather’s cacao farm. But it wasn’t until she moved to Belgium that she tasted chocolate for the first time, and understood the power of the fruits from her childhood. A transcript of this episode is available at https://bit.ly/3MVLnu7.
La rameuse paralympique (The Paralympic Rower)
A passionate rower trains to build her strength and perfect her technique for the Paralympics… But along the way she also learns the importance of maintaining her mental health. A transcript of this episode is available at https://bit.ly/35BAMnE.
Pour l’amour du rap (For the Love of Rap)
Ouafa Mameche didn’t speak French when she first arrived in France at the age of seven. But her passion for rap music led her to love the language and find her place in her adopted homeland. A transcript of this episode is available at https://bit.ly/3C46bKW.
Les tableaux volés (The Stolen Paintings)
In March 2014, Richard Hardin received a phone call that would change his life and cause him to question everything he thought he knew about his family history. A transcript of this episode is available at https://bit.ly/35iKeLP.
Sauver la langue bretonne (Saving the Breton Language)
A young woman from the region of Brittany falls in love with the local language, le breton. Through her passion for language learning, she decides to help save the Breton language from extinction. A transcript of this episode is available at https://bit.ly/3oQnABC.
Le messager des livres (The Book Messenger)
Luc was a maintenance technician in Parisian hotels who dreamed of becoming a bookseller. With little experience, but a lot of passion, he opened a new kind of bookstore, one aimed at serving the busy working people and immigrants living in his suburb outside Paris. A transcript of this episode is available at https://bit.ly/3HCNxfk.
Rescue on Mont Blanc (Sauvetage sur le Mont Blanc)
A mountain rescuer in the French town of Chamonix decides to go on one of the riskiest missions of his career. A transcript of this episode is available at https://bit.ly/3AOV9IV.
Trailer Season 9
The Duolingo French Podcast is back with new episodes starting February 1, 2022. Listen to the trailer now!
The Final Escape - The Rebel Thief, Episode 6
In the sixth and final episode of our series, Alexandre experiences life in France’s notorious overseas prison camp, le Bagne. Always the rebel, he attempts the riskiest of escapes… Meanwhile, in Paris, his mother Marie leads a tireless campaign for his release. Will either of them prevail? A transcript of this episode is available at https://bit.ly/3IFrFzX.
The Trial - The Rebel Thief, Episode 5
In Episode 5 of this six-part series, the prosecutor of Alexandre Jacob’s trial makes his case. He hopes the Judge and jury will send the rebel thief to the guillotine. But will Alexandre’s impassioned speeches sway the jury…or will they send him to his doom? A transcript of this episode is available at https://bit.ly/3tZ07lb.
To Catch a Thief - The Rebel Thief, Episode 4
In Episode 4 of this six-part series, Alexandre and two accomplices set out on a routine burglary. After being spotted, the three men flee into the French countryside with the police in hot pursuit. Alexandre has vowed never to use violence…but will he break his own rule? A transcript of this episode is available at https://bit.ly/3G3N6sV.
The Night Crew - The Rebel Thief, Episode 3
In Episode 3 of this six-part series, Alexandre hones his skill as a master thief. He builds a team of anarchist thieves and strives to remain one step ahead of the police. But how long can his luck last? A transcript of this episode is available at https://bit.ly/34extBL.
The First Heist - The Rebel Thief, Episode 2
In Episode 2 of this six-part series, Alexandre attempts his first heist. It's a clever, daring plan…but he has no experience as a burglar. Will he pull it off? A transcript of this episode is available at https://bit.ly/3ADyX4G.
The Making of a Thief - The Rebel Thief, Episode 1
In Episode 1 of this six-part series, we meet Alexandre Marius Jacob, the young sailor who grew up to become one of France’s most daring and notorious thieves. At the turn of the 20th century, the injustices Alexandre witnessed ignited a desire to seek vengeance against the rich and the powerful…entirely on his own terms. A transcript of this episode is available at https://bit.ly/3u7errJ.
Trailer Season 8
The Duolingo French Podcast is back with new episodes starting November 9, 2021. Listen to the trailer now!
La reine du codage (The Coding Queen)
Growing up in Madagascar, one of the poorest countries in the world, Matina Razafimahefa was upset that the majority of kids didn't have the same access to education as she did. So at 19, she took action…and launched a one-of-a-kind coding school. A transcript of this episode is available at https://bit.ly/3IDyFNR.
Le grand pari (The Big Gamble)
At 23, Loïc was lost. After a severe accident, he’d lost his job, his home, and his dream of becoming a soccer player. But after entering a poker game as a card dealer, Loïc played the hand he was dealt, the chips fell where they did, and his life changed overnight. A transcript of this episode is available at https://bit.ly/3AwZ7pC.
Reconstruire le travail d’une vie (Rebuilding a Life’s Work)
Maya Husseini is a stained-glass artist who spent her career rebuilding churches in her hometown of Beirut. But after a warehouse explosion in August 2020, she’s forced to ask herself: Can she help rebuild Beirut again? A transcript of this episode is available at https://bit.ly/33UDa7R.
La comédienne de balcon (The Balcony Performer)
During the second Covid lockdown, the French President had declared that theaters weren’t "essential." But to Marie, theater was the essence of life. Could she do anything to safely bring theater to audiences? A transcript of this episode is available at https://bit.ly/3rTnEkH.
L’élève courageuse (The Courageous Student)
Laetitia Dubois felt trapped in the rigorous French school system but worried that dropping out would lead to a life of failure. Until one day, an eye-opening internship gave her the courage to find her own unique path. A transcript of this episode is available at https://bit.ly/35sqqG8.
La chanteuse des îles (The Island Singer)
An R&B-loving teenager from the tiny island of Mayotte sees her world turned upside down when her mother signs her up for an amateur opera competition. A transcript of this episode is available at https://bit.ly/3H9YyED.
Changer de camp (Switching Sides)
Andoh Ashu Rex thought he’d found his dream job working for an American company in Cameroon. But after learning that his employer might be harming his homeland instead of helping it, Rex decided to sacrifice his steady income and choose a different professional path. A transcript of this episode is available at https://bit.ly/3AIkXXm.
Le plus jeune maire de France (The Youngest Mayor in France)
Can France’s youngest mayoral candidate in history revive public life in his sleepy village? A transcript of this episode is available at https://bit.ly/3fYLzcO.
Trailer Season 7
The Duolingo French Podcast is back with new episodes starting July 20, 2021. Listen to the trailer now!
Une visite guidée du Paris noir (A Tour of Black Paris)
In this special episode, we’re taking you on a guided audio tour through Paris to explore a unique side of the city: its Black history and culture! Join tour guide Kévi Donat in discovering the Black thinkers, artists, and leaders who helped make Paris the city it is today. A transcript of this episode is available at https://bit.ly/3o42VK1.
Polynésie, mon amour (Polynesia, My Love)
When the son of a Polynesian fisherman discovers the threats affecting his beloved island’s coral reefs, he teams up with a surf buddy to do something about it. A transcript of this episode is available at https://bit.ly/3fXSLpJ.
Mont-Saint-Michel, mon amour (Mont-Saint-Michel, My Love)
François Saint-James’s first great love was not a person, but a place: le Mont-Saint-Michel, the iconic island fortress off the coast of Normandy. Working there was the chance of a lifetime, and living there a dream come true. But when his first love introduced him to the next one, he found himself forced to choose between the two… A transcript of this episode is available at https://bit.ly/32Avl6
Madagascar, mon amour (Madagascar, My Love)
The first time Onja Razafindratsima stepped foot in the Madagascar rainforest, she fell in love with the unique plants and animals that call it home. But when she realized all these species could go extinct, she decided to protect her home country’s incredible biodiversity. A transcript of this episode is available at https://bit.ly/3tZ77OV.
Lausanne, mon amour (Lausanne, My Love)
Renato Häusler felt out of place in modern life. He longed for a simpler, slower, more natural time. When he learned that his city, Lausanne, is one of the last in Europe to still have a lone night watchman, he made it his mission to preserve the centuries-old tradition. A transcript of this episode is available at https://bit.ly/3u1txPv.
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