📚 Best Books To Learn French: Our Top Recommendations
As much as I love teaching with tech, I do appreciate the value of paper books. When you have a physical book, you embrace the learning experience differently. You can feel that knowledge has weight and volume. Plus, you can write notes in it, with your pen.
Here I will make you a short list of essential books to learn French. They are organized by category, so there is something to match everyone’s needs.
- Prononciation
- Grammar
- Vocabulary
- Communication
- All-in-one
Prononciation
Phonétique essentielle du français
Editor: Didier
Level: From A1 to B1 (beginner)
Audio: Yes
More info here
Have a look here
I do think phonetics is where to start with the French language. There are languages where one letter is pronounced one way. For example, I have learned the Estonian language, and the phonetics is pretty easy. One letter, one sound. (m) is pronounced (m) “i” is pronounced (i) etc.
That’s not the case in the French language.
“m” = (m) but “em” = (en) “om” = (on), you get the picture.
Without phonetical skills you won’t be able to pronounce correctly what you read in French. And you will be tempted to use the phonetics of your mother tongue. This might harden the memorizing process of how French words sound. So I recommend training the phone graphics skills as soon as possible. Phone-graphic skill is the ability to associate a written element with a spoken element.
“Phonétique essentielle du français” is a great book for that. It’s divided into 42 lessons, with 700 progressive exercises. This means you will start with the basics and move on progressively. I insist on progressively because if you just deep into the language from movies and songs you listen to, you might feel overwhelmed by the quantity of what’s new to you. This book will go step by step to help you understand things without the hassle. But of course, movies and songs are a great way to train your ear, in addition. And soon you’ll be able to hear those French words that sounded mostly like a long chewing gum before.
The book is structured around various types of exercises: discrimination, repetition, vire-langue, transformation, phonics-graphics, reception, production, and group activity.
- Discrimination: You will learn how to make the difference between two sounds relatively similar, but different. To identify them and point out which one is what.
- Repetition: You will train to listen and repeat the correct sound.
- Virelangue: You will train to pronounce (sometimes weird) sentences composed of repetitive sounds, practice those sounds… and train the way you articulate them. Mouth, lips, and cheek muscles, be ready!
- Transformation:
- Phonics-graphics: You will train your ability to associate a written element with a spoken element.
- Reception: You will train to listen and understand what you’ve heard.
- Production: You will train to read out loud. Also, a very important task that I recommend to all of my students, even at higher levels.
- Groupe activity: In case you have a buddy to study with, this can be fun.
Have a look: https://www.calameo.com/read/005419417ee2b615a96e3
The series of books called “essentiel” is a must for me in my everyday practice with my students. Outside “Phonétique essentielle du français”, there is also “Grammaire essentielle du français” and “Vocabulaire essentiel du français”.
Grammar
Grammaire progressive du français
Editor: CLE
Level: A1 to B1 (beginner)
Audio: Yes
More info here
Have a look here
I will continue this list with a grammar book because many of my students love studying grammar. They want to speak grammatically perfectly from the beginning. From a didactic point of view, this is not necessary, and it’s rarely achieved, but I do understand their concern about making mistakes. And as I’m here to help, here it is.
If you want to train for grammar, this is a great exercise book.
It’s divided into 60 progressive units. What’s good about these grammar points is that they are used in the context of real life. This way you learn what you need, and not only a list of grammar points. For example, the first lesson is about expressing your name, nationality, and job using the verb “être”, to be. You are not only learning by heart like “I am, you are, he is, etc,” without context. Learning “Je suis Rose Nicolini, je suis française, je suis professeure de français” is usefull, therefore you will repeat it in real life, and fast it will become natural. Learning what you use is how you will memorize. I will never repeat that enough. I know some apps make you learn/repeat “the horse drinks milk”. From a didactic point of view, this doesn’t make sense.
The book offers a digital format, which is good. You can do the exercises from your computer; they are self-corrective, meaning you can do them as many times as you want. No hassle to find the answers at the end of the book or elsewhere. Plus, you have direct access to audio online.
Altogether, there are around 270 exercises, which should be enough to get you started.
Something I like about this book and why I use it with my students is the variety of exercises. They are short and numerous. So you won’t get bored.
⁃ Transforming: You have a model sentence, a stem that you have to fill.
⁃ Answering : You have to answer a question
⁃ Filling : You have to fill a gap
⁃ Pairing : You have to pair items
Have a look: https://biblio.cle-international.com/demo/9782090349221/?
I you like this first book, you can keep going with the next levels. You will find “Grammaire progressive du français A2-B1”, “(…)B1-B2”, “(…)B2-C2”.
This editor also offers a series about vocabulary, communication, orthography, and conjugation. I use them less myself because I tend to cover these topics through other types of materials, combining these topics, but for an individual practice focused on a specific topic, I would recommend them. They are all well-structured and easy to use.
If you want to focus specifically on grammar, check out our guide to the best French grammar books.
Vocabulary
Vocabulaire progressif du français
Editor: CLE
Level: 5 books from A1 to C2
Audio: Yes
More info here
Have a look here
Now, a vocabulary book, because many of my students want to build their vocabulary from an early stage. They feel that knowing words is key to expressing themselves clearly. From a didactic perspective, vocabulary is indeed essential for communication, and I completely understand their desire to start with a strong foundation. So, here it is.
If you’re looking to expand your vocabulary, this is a great book for you.
It’s part of the Progressive collection and is designed for all levels, from beginners (A1) to experts (C1), aimed at both teenagers and adults. The structure of the book is really clear. On the left side of the page, you have the vocabulary lesson, and on the right side, you’ll find exercises and communicative activities that help you use the words in context. It’s a practical approach that keeps you engaged.
What I like about this book is its progressive nature. It follows the natural flow of language learning, building up vocabulary step by step. It’s perfect for learners at the beginning stages, gradually increasing in difficulty. Plus, it can be used both in class and for self-study, so it’s flexible for different learning styles.
This book also prepares you well for certification exams. With plenty of revision exercises and regular assessments, you can track your progress and feel confident going into your exams. The bonus? It includes audio recordings of the communicative activities, which are available on the digital platform. This way, you can practice pronunciation and listening skills, making it even more interactive.
What stands out to me is the variety of exercises. They’re designed to keep things interesting and ensure you don’t get bored.
Overall, this book provides a balanced and effective way to expand your vocabulary while keeping it practical and engaging.
Communication
Communication progressive du français
Editor: CLE
Level: 5 books from A1 to C2
Audio: Yes
More info here
Have a look here
Then, a communication book, as many of my students love practicing speaking and interacting in French. They want to feel confident engaging in real conversations, and I completely validate the importance of communication in learning a new language. So, if you’re looking to improve your French communication skills, here’s a great resource for you.
This book is part of the Progressive collection and is designed for beginners (A1), perfect for both teenagers and adults. The structure is very straightforward: on the left page, you’ll find the lesson, and on the right, you’ll find exercises and communicative activities. This clear layout makes it easy to follow and puts the focus on practical language use.
What’s great about this book is that it covers the essential topics usually taught at the A1 level, following the guidelines of the Cadre européen commun de référence pour les langues (CEFR). With 40 different sheets, you’ll learn the most useful points for beginners, making sure you build a solid foundation.
One of the strengths of this book is its progressive nature. The lessons build on each other, just like how you naturally learn a language. It’s perfect for anyone looking to start speaking French without feeling overwhelmed. Plus, it’s super flexible: you can use it in class or study on your own at your own pace.
It’s also great for preparing for certifications. There are plenty of exercises designed to help you improve and feel ready for exams. With regular practice and self-assessment, you’ll have everything you need to succeed.
In this second edition, there are even more features to explore. For example, the CD audio includes 69 different listening documents, which is a fantastic way to improve your listening and pronunciation skills. You’ll also find a test at the end to evaluate your progress, along with its answers.
Something I particularly appreciate is the colorful, modern illustrations that make the book even more engaging and easier to understand. Plus, there are 50 new exercises that add more variety to your practice, keeping things fresh and challenging.
Overall, this book provides a great mix of theory and practice, all while focusing on real communication. It’s designed to help you not only learn the language but use it confidently in everyday situations. Perfect for beginners who want to start speaking right away!
And if you are not a beginner, you will find intermediate and expert levels too.
All in one
French All-in-One For Dummies, with CD
Editor: Dummies
Last edition: 2012
Level: Beginner (A1-A2)
Audio: Yes
More info here
Have a look here
I’m going to continue with a fantastic resource for anyone looking to learn French from scratch or improve their skills. A lot of my students love having a complete guide that covers everything, and this book is just that. It’s a one-stop shop for grammar, vocabulary, and conversation practice. So, if you’re ready to dive into French, here’s a great option.
Too bad the edition feels a bit old, 2012. It could use a freshening up. Plus, it’s in black & white. But for now, it serves its purpose, so it will do.
This book, French All-in-One For Dummies, is perfect for beginners to intermediate learners. What I love about it is that it combines several different aspects of language learning in one place: grammar, vocabulary, and real-life conversation. It’s a comprehensive guide, which is especially useful for students who want to get a solid understanding of the language, all while learning in a fun and approachable way.
One of the best things about this book is how it’s organized. It’s broken down into different sections, each focused on a key aspect of French. Whether you’re working on mastering verb conjugations, building your vocabulary, or perfecting pronunciation, it’s all covered here. Plus, it’s written in a way that’s easy to follow, with clear explanations and plenty of examples.
The book also comes with a CD, which is fantastic for improving your listening and pronunciation skills. You can listen to native speakers and practice along with them, helping you sound more natural as you speak. The audio also makes it easy to reinforce what you’ve learned from the book, so you don’t miss out on the practical, real-life usage of French.
Another great feature is the interactive approach. There are quizzes and exercises throughout the book that help reinforce what you’ve learned. It’s a hands-on way to test your knowledge and make sure you’re progressing, rather than just reading and memorizing. It’s perfect for those who prefer learning by doing.
What stands out to me is the wide range of topics covered. It’s not just about grammar and vocabulary; the book also includes tips on French culture, which helps you understand how the language fits into real-life situations. This kind of context makes learning much more engaging. All in all, French All-in-One For Dummies is a solid, well-rounded choice for anyone looking to learn French. With its mix of explanations, exercises, and audio support, it’s an ideal way to build a strong foundation, improve your skills, and get confident speaking French. Whether you’re self-studying or using it alongside other resources, this book has everything you need to succeed.
Final word
If you’re just starting out, take a look at our guide to French for beginners for essential tips and resources.