The best way to learn a foreign language is through practice. It becomes even more of a priority when living in the country. I’m the type of person who struggles to achieve that when natives aren’t available for chit-chats, and finding French friends is not an easy task. Considering other options is also complicated. My attention span is too selective for podcasts or radio, and streaming services like Netflix are often Hollywood-dominated, offering a limited selection of movies for those who want to learn the language. I finally listened to my parent’s advice and realized that the best solution to this problem is good old television. Many would tremble at the mere thought of squeezing a TV into their small Parisian apartments, but French television is surprisingly easily accessible and (mostly) free. It requires only a computer connected to the internet and being physically in France since licensing rights restrict broadcasting outside the country.
France TV, run by France Télévisions, is the national public television broadcaster, and being state-owned probably contributes to establishing it as the largest streaming service. In addition to the live program, France TV gives you access to movies, documentaries, and series. The choice is impressively broad and ranges from French classics through niche cinema to Hollywood blockbusters. France TV offers many movies that are hard to find on other streaming services (such as movies awarded at the Cannes Film Festival in the past). If you don’t know where to start or feel insecure about your French, you can begin with the French version of the Norwegian teen drama Skam, and rest reassured, subtitles are always available! And if you are a Eurovision fan craving the official French streaming, France TV is where to look for it.
Channels: France info, France 2, France 3, France 4, France 5, La Première: Portail des Outre-mer, Culturebox, France TV Slash, Okoo
My TF1 likewise provides an information channel available abroad (LCI). Its offer is relatively smaller than France TV, but not less compelling. On the streaming platform, you can watch the television’s greatest classics, such as Columbo or The Nanny, as well as more recent productions like CSI, Monk, or 90210. The streaming service also offers blockbuster movies, both American and French. Replays are available, although limited for users who don’t have the MAX subscription. It’s also the best option for those who like television to play quietly in the background while cleaning or alone at home.
Channels: LCI, TF1, TMC, TFX, TF1 Séries Films
Out of six channels provided by 6play, only three are available for free, and advertising is the most annoying in comparison to France TV or MyTF1. Nevertheless, the streaming service provides the best audio and subtitles options. Some series, for example, NCIS, can be watched in the original version with or without French subtitles. Aside from popular American movies, TV series, and reality shows, you can also find a few gems, such as the famous comedy series Kaamelott. Personally, as a ’00s child, I was thrilled to find out that the channel dedicated to kids (Gulli) broadcasts one of my favorite childhood shows, Totally Spies.
Channels: M6, 6ter, Gulli (free of charge)
Téva, Paris Première, Le Live (paid)
Comments are closed.