genevieve.malarkey Before I developed my own Francophile Instagram account, I had managed to seek out every semi-influential writer, blogger, and podcaster of all things Paris on social media, with the intent of creating the perfect list of options for my week in the City of Light. (Want to know my top things to do in Paris? Click here!) So I am here today to share with you which podcasts are the best. I found them to be so enigmatic and inspiring that I listened to many of them before I even had my last trip planned, So, read on for a list of the best podcasts for francophile’s or France travelers. If you are reading this blog already, then I know you will find great joy and inspiration out of these podcasters’ stories and insight.
The Earful Tower Facebook (accurately) targeted me with an ad for Oliver Gee’s top travel podcast all about Paris, and from the first click I was hooked. He is an Australian living in Paris and documenting his life there, which consists of scouting out every possible attraction, thing to do, street to wander, or café to enjoy that one could imagine. The podcast is a delight for would-be and regular travelers to Paris alike, giving interesting interviews with local people of interest (authors, mayors, business owners, Paris experts, etc.) and mapping out every inch of the city for you. I made quite a lengthy list of places to visit just from his podcast alone, and I know you will be charmed by both his accent and sense of humor.
The New Paris, by Lindsay Tramuta Also known for her blog, Lost in Cheeseland – I love following Lindsay on social media because I feel a bit of a kinship with her; we both were study abroad students around the same time in France. She still lives in France and is a successful writer and book author, and now provides a podcast that studies the developing trends and movements in Parisian society. I have her book, “The New Paris,” discussing the ways in which Paris’ society has sought to modernize itself in recent years, and I eagerly await her newest book “The New Parisienne,” depicting progressive women in Paris and how they have led the way in Paris’ progressive movements. Her podcast is a continuation on these themes, as she interviews business owners, designers, and other expats about how the city continues to change.
French is Beautiful, by Carrie Anne James This is another podcast by an American expat in Paris, discussing the intricacies of the French language, culture, and lifestyle to all who seek to learn. This is a newer one for me, but so far I have enjoyed Carrie Anne’s passion for the subject and for the language, and the way that she easily relates her content to (mainly) American audiences in understandable and approachable ways. Less so a “travel” podcast, but definitely a great one for getting to know the people and language of a place you love to travel to (which, in my opinion, is crucial).
RFI – Journal en Français Facile Want to brush up on your French language skills? I was always told to listen to or watch the news when trying to improve my language comprehension (my host mother used to make me watch the news with her every evening for this very reason). So a while back when I wanted to brush up on my listening skills again, I found this great podcast, which is in a slightly slower pace than the regular news, and which is updated daily after the 8pm broadcast in France. So, have a listen and hone those language skills on your daily commute. The nice thing is that every day is a new broadcast so it never repeats itself.
The Land of Desire This is also a recent discovery of mine, but I have so far devoured several episodes. The host, Diana, takes us on historical journeys in France that are sometimes strange, often heroic, always true. Her most recent shows tell the stories of the brave women of la résistance in France during World War II. Her mission is to give a voice and credit to the women that history largely forgot, even though their involvement and actions during the war were integral in the Allies achieving victory. Hint: you will be amazed at the story of Coco Chanel (and not in a good way).
So there you have it, my favorite podcasts for Francophiles. Each one is unique from the others, and I listen to them each for their different perspectives on life or events in France. All are linked on this page, or you can search for them in Apple Podcasts or Spotify. And if you want some other Francophile recommendations for books, music, and recipes, check out this post from “My French Inspired Life.”
Do you have any podcasts to recommend? I am always looking for new ones, so drop a comment and let me know from which podcasts you get your French inspiration!
À la prochaine-
geneviève
