13 French TV Websites You Can Actually Watch (Even Outside France)

Watching French TV is how you actually learn French. Real French - not textbook French. The kind where people talk fast, use slang, and mumble half their words.

Unfortunately, most French TV channels block viewers outside France. The ones you can access? Not always great for learners. Some speak too fast. Some are boring. Some have no French subtitles. Some are way too advanced for beginners.

So I tested them myself.

I spent three weeks reviewing 13 French TV channels, looking at three things that actually matter: whether you can access them from abroad, how much they cost, and if a beginner can realistically follow along. The result is a short list that actually works.

How To Watch French TV Channels From Abroad

Most French channels block access outside France. When you try to watch, you'll see: "This content is not available in your country." Here's how to fix that problem.

Best Option: Use Lingopie (No VPN Needed)

Lingopie works in every country. No geographical restrictions. No VPN setup. You get real French TV shows, films, and documentaries with interactive subtitles that actually help you learn. Click any word for instant translations. Save vocabulary. Take quizzes based on what you watch.

A subscription costs less than a VPN plus a regular streaming service combined. You get thousands of hours of French content designed specifically for language learners. This is what I use.

Option 2: Get a VPN for French Channels

A VPN makes websites think you're in France. Here's how it works:

1. Subscribe to a VPN service
2. Download and install the software on your computer or phone
3. Connect to a server in France
4. Open the French TV website and start watching

Good VPNs cost $5 to $10 per month. You'll need one to watch France TV, Arte, Canal+, and most other French channels from abroad. The setup takes about 5 minutes.

Option 3: Use a French Streaming Service

If you don’t want to deal with a VPN, a few French streaming services still work internationally. Sling TV, for example, offers French channel packages specifically for U.S. viewers. As of January 2026, some TF1 channels are also available on Netflix for French subscribers. Meanwhile, France 24 and TV5MONDE can be streamed in most countries without any VPN at all.

That said, there’s a trade-off.

These services only give you partial access. You won’t get the full range of French channels, and many French TV websites remain geo-blocked. If you want unrestricted access to everything French TV offers, a VPN is still unavoidable.

French TV Websites You Need To Try

Lingopie

Available on: Web | iOS | Android | Roku

Lingopie is the only streaming service built specifically to help you learn French through TV. You get real French TV shows, French films, reality TV, documentaries, and news programs with interactive dual subtitles that let you click any word for instant translations. The website works on your computer, phone, or TV, and you can browse a large variety of content from France and other French-speaking countries.

Unlike Netflix or regular French channels, Lingopie creates personalized quizzes from the shows you watch. You can also access short stories and news articles written in easy French for beginners. Every feature focuses on one thing: helping you learn French while watching entertainment you actually enjoy.

Arte

Available on: Web | iOS | Android

Arte is a public channel run by both France and Germany. Programs air in both French and German, which means you can switch languages if you get lost. The focus is culture, but Arte also broadcasts popular TV shows like Breaking Bad dubbed into French.

If you speak German, this is perfect for learning French. Watch a French TV episode, then replay scenes in German to check what you missed. The website has a VOD platform where you can browse and digitally borrow from their collection. Classic French cinema, documentaries, drama series, and concert replays from French music artists are all available.

Unfortunately, Arte blocks access from abroad. You’ll need a VPN to watch it outside France. Most content is free once you can access the website. The language level is advanced, so beginners might struggle without subtitles.

Canal+

Available on: Web | iOS | Android

Canal+ is the most popular paid cable channel in France. It's a private channel that features French films, foreign movies dubbed into French, and original French TV shows you can't find anywhere else. In fact, it has partnered with Disney+ and Netflix to bring their content into one subscription. You get access to a large variety of programs from multiple streaming services without needing separate accounts.

Regarding the range of content, you'll be pleased to know that it caters to all audiences. Kids' shows, sports coverage, documentaries, and edgy drama series are all available. French subtitles are included on most programs.

The problem? Canal+ is expensive. You'll also need a VPN to access it from abroad since the website blocks viewers outside France. It's worth the money if you're passionate about French cinema and want the best original French content, but beginners might find cheaper options more useful for learning French.

TV5MONDE

Available on: Web | iOS | Android

TV5MONDE is a public channel designed for audiences outside France. You can watch it on cable and satellite in many countries, or access the website for free on your computer or phone. The channel broadcasts news, documentaries, French films, drama series, comedy shows, and reality TV from France and French-speaking countries around the world.

Here's why it's perfect for learners: TV5MONDE has a section called "Langue Française" built specifically for people learning French. Videos are organized by language level. French subtitles are available. You can browse short clips or full programs about culture, Paris, sports, and world news. Most content is free to watch. Some programs appear on their official YouTube channel, so you can access them from abroad.

France 24

Available on: Web | iOS | Android

France 24 is one of France’s biggest news channels. It covers world news from a French perspective and was specifically created for audiences living outside France. You can watch it live for free from any country on the official website.

France 24 broadcasts in three languages: French, English, and Arabic. This makes it perfect for beginners learning French because you can watch the same news story in English first, then replay it in French. The website features live programs plus replays of past content. The focus is on news and world events, so you won't find French films or entertainment here. But if you want free access to French-language news content from abroad, this is your best option.

France TV

Available on: Web | iOS | Android

France TV is the streaming website for France's public channels. You can watch French TV channels France 2, France 3, France 4, and France 5 all in one place. Programmes include French TV series, documentaries, movies, drama shows, and kids' content. Everything airs in real time, or you can watch replays a few hours after they've aired.

You can browse the entire catalog on the website for free. The problem? France TV blocks access from abroad. So again, you'll need a VPN to watch it outside France.

France Channel

Available on: Web | iOS | Android

France Channel is the most beginner-friendly option on this list. Shows come with both English and French subtitles, so you can follow along even when the dialogue is too fast. The website features French films, documentary series, and content specifically designed for people learning French.

Just note that France Channel costs money to subscribe to, but the dual subtitles may make it worth considering if you're just starting to learn French.

Netflix

Available on: Web | iOS | Android | TV

Netflix has a large variety of French films, French TV series, and dubbed content. You can watch French originals like Lupin or Emily in Paris, plus international shows with French audio. Other popular French series include Call My Agent! (Dix pour cent), The Bureau (Le Bureau des Légendes), and Spiral (Engrenages).

With Netflix, you can also use French subtitles on most programs. But if you're learning a language, note that this app wasn't built for people learning French. You can't click words for translations. You can't slow down dialogue. You can't save vocabulary.

So technically, Netflix works fine if you already speak French and just want entertainment, but beginners will struggle without interactive features that actually help you learn the language.

BFMTV

Available on: Web | iOS | Android

BFMTV is the most-watched French news TV channel in France. With it, you can stream content for free on your phone or computer. No subscription needed. If you still have cable TV, BFMTV is probably already in your lineup.

The focus is on breaking news, weather forecasts, and live coverage of major events. The language is fast and advanced, so this isn't ideal for beginners. BFMTV targets audiences who are passionate about staying updated on current events. A younger audience might find the constant news cycle overwhelming, but if you're learning French and want to follow French politics or Paris news in real time, BFMTV delivers.

DieuTV

Available on: Web | iOS | Android

DieuTV streams French TV content with a Christian focus. The name literally means "God TV" in French. If religious programming doesn't interest you, skip this one. If you're comfortable with Christian perspectives, DieuTV has a decent selection of shows, documentaries, and programs about French-speaking nations in Africa.

Euronews

Available on: Web | iOS | Android

Euronews is one of the most popular news outlets in Europe and the most beginner-friendly French news channel for language learners. The website broadcasts news about world events, culture, technology, and politics. If you're struggling with your French, you can switch to the English version of the site and compare the same news story in both languages.

Personally, I enjoyed using this because it features a formal but clear language. As someone trying to train my ears for proper French pronunciation, I highly recommend this.

Vosges TV

Available on: Web | iOS | Android

Vosges TV is a French channel that covers lifestyle, environment, and culture instead of constant breaking news. You'll find programs about French daily life, regional culture, and environmental topics. The channel also broadcasts some content about politics and economics, but the focus is lighter than 24/7 news channels.

Gulli

Available on: Web | iOS | Android

Gulli is a French TV channel that broadcasts cartoons and kids' shows. You'll find French versions of classic cartoons plus original French programs designed for children and a younger audience. Shows like Adventure Time air dubbed in French. If you need something to keep little French learners entertained, Gulli works.

You can also watch it for yourself if you want nostalgia with a French twist. Cartoons are perfect for beginners learning French because the language is simple and repetitive. Gulli is free to access on the website, though you'll need a VPN to watch it from abroad. Some content appears on YouTube. The focus is pure entertainment and fun, so don't expect educational programs or news.

Where's The Best Place To Watch French TV?

You now have 13 French TV channels to choose from. Some are free, some need a VPN, and some cost money.

But if you actually want to learn French from TV, most of these channels won't help you. They're designed for native French speakers who already understand everything. You'll get frustrated when you can't follow the dialogue. You'll waste time rewinding to catch words you missed. You won't know which vocabulary to focus on.

Lingopie solves all of these problems. You get real French TV shows and films with interactive subtitles that let you click any word for instant translations. The platform creates personalized quizzes from what you watch, so you actually remember the vocabulary. You can slow down dialogue, replay scenes, and track which words you've learned.

This is the difference between watching French TV and learning French from TV.

Try Lingopie free for 7 days to see what I mean 🙂