Listening to French Radio at Pumpjack & Piddlewick

Pumpjack and I are agreed that one of the best ways to improve understanding French is to listen to French radio. Like the BBC in the UK, radio presenters speak more clearly, enunciating well, and not too fast.

We have a number of stations we like to listen to – online. We don’t actually own a radio, and also there are some, particularly local, stations we like that we are out of reach of. So the great thing about online radio listening is that you are never out of range.

This means you too could listen to them, from wherever you are in the world. Not all are about understanding French. Most in fact, like most radio stations, offer up music. And some, well, you can decide for yourself.

A favourite is Triage FM. This was a tiny radio station that was near Chablis, where we used to live. That’s how we found it. And luckily, they offer their services digitally too. Why, do we like them? Because they are downright quirky. They don’t fit any typical formula. There’s country music, followed by hard rock, an interview of someone (in French) then some typical French music. You never know what you will listen to on this station. And that’s the fun of it.

TriageFM (Click on ‘Ecouter Live’ to listen)

Another favourite is Jazz FM. Even if you are not into jazz, we can recommend this station. They play all sorts of music. Their moniker is Jazz & Blues, most of the music is in English. And then the odd something else sneaks in. The chat and ads are in French.

JazzFM (Click on ‘Ecoutez’ in the bottom band to listen)

Of note, French private radio stations must play at least 40% music of French origin. It’s a French government cultural thing. French origin does not necessarily mean it is sung in French (though most likely it is). It could also be a French artist singing in English.

If you are a great fan particularly of French music, old and new, or prefer to tune your ear to French, then Chante France is for you. You can choose the decade or style, and be treated to what was and is popular in France. My personal favourite is the 1960s French music.

Yeah, yeah, I mentioned learning by listening to French. I haven’t forgotten. Check out Savoirs for both articles and audio about news in France. Both are done with the learner in mind, choosing vocabulary carefully and for the audio speaking clearly and slowly.

There are many more, from cultural to business, pop music to nostalgia. But have a go at this diverse and eclectic offering first and see what you think. If you have any French radio favourites yourself, please comment below with a link. We are always looking for something new to listen to, especially as winter approaches and we find ourselves inside more.