French resources by category
Dictionaries and pronunciation
A fantastic online glossary for learners (which also includes the extensive Collins dictionary): select your language pair from the dropdown menu and simply type in the word you would like to search for. Click on the "LISTEN" icon to hear how words and expressions are pronounced. You can also download the WordReference app on your smartphone
IATE: the European Union's terminology database
Useful for industry-specific terminology in all of the EU's languages. Select your language pair and enter the word or expression you'd like to find
Enter a word in any language and listen to how it should be pronounced
Grammar
grammar.collinsdictionary.com/french-easy-learning
A well-structured website with clear explanations of grammar points (including verb conjugations) and thousands of examples
Typing accents
To type accents on a PC/laptop your device must have a number key pad (usually on the right-hand side of your keyboard). To type an accent simply hold down the “Alt” key and type the corresponding code number. Release the “Alt” key once you have finished typing the number. If this does not work, press the “Num Lock” key (if you have one) and try again
YouTube videos for language learning
Choose from dozens of useful videos for learning French - from grammar points to particular topics. All videos are filmed in France and are subtitled in French and English
Useful and often humorous videos created by native French speaker/teacher Hugo, who has a very clear accent. Subtitles are provided in French only. Videos cover French culture and society, learning strategies and resources, grammar and vocabulary. Podcasts are available too
A wide selection of videos from excellent native French speaker/teacher Pierre, focusing on grammar, vocabulary and culture
Foreign language series and films
Walter Presents
Channel 4's selection of award-winning foreign-language drama, listed by language and free to view online
Frenchflicks.com - French films on Netflix
A list of French films currently available on Netflix, with synopses, reviews and links to trailers. Although this site is aimed at an American audience, many of the films are available for UK viewers - I've checked! (Tip: before pressing Play on Netflix, choose your preferred language for audio and subtitles. Choosing audio AND subtitles in French will really help you improve your language skills)
Frenchflicks.com - French TV shows on Netflix
A list of French TV shows currently available on Netflix, with synopses, reviews and links to trailers
Newspapers, magazines, novels and audiobooks
Le Figaro
A magazine in English covering French language and culture, regions of France, places to stay, food and drink, buying property, etc.
The Institut Français' digital platform offering various resources to view online or download free of charge: a wide range of novels by category, magazines, music, documentaries, comics, kids' books, language-learning books and more. Register for free
