Learn French with films, on video
The Clap Français YouTube channel (@clapfrancais) offers free videos to learn French with films and TV series: shadowing sessions with French actors, film breakdowns and expressions from spoken French. It has over 20,000 subscribers and is run by Marion Trotté, a qualified French teacher.
Four ways to learn with the channel
Every video starts from a real film or TV scene, so you hear French the way it is actually spoken.
Shadowing with actors
Listen to a line and repeat it at the same time: Audrey Tautou, Camille Cottin, Jean Dujardin…
Film breakdowns
The vocabulary, expressions and context of a French film or series.
Spoken French
Swallowed words, linking and the expressions native speakers really use.
Stars speaking French
Jodie Foster, John Malkovich, Timothée Chalamet: their strengths and mistakes.
Try a shadowing session now
With Jonathan Cohen: you listen to a scene, then repeat each line, copying the rhythm and intonation. Around ten minutes is enough.
- Watch full screen, with headphones.
- Repeat out loud, even if you get it wrong.
- Do the session again the next day: that's when it sticks.
Six videos, depending on what you need
Over 400 videos on the channel: here is a selection to get started.
Why you cannot understand native French speakers
What makes spoken French so fast, and how to get used to it.
Shadowing practice with Jonathan Cohen
The most watched video on the channel: one scene, repeated line by line.
Do you understand French as it's spoken in movies?
A test built on film scenes to check your level.
Dix pour cent, the film
The vocabulary and humour of the Call My Agent movie.
Jodie Foster speaks French
Her strengths and mistakes, analysed by a teacher.
Autant: the word that makes you sound smart
A small, very common word, explained with examples.
Depending on the video, explanations are in English or in French.
YouTube or the Club: what's the difference?
| YouTube channel | French Film Fluency Club | |
|---|---|---|
| Content | One video a week on varied topics | A monthly path built around films and series |
| Practice | On your own, at your pace | Conversation lives with Marion and members |
| Feedback | No personal feedback | Corrections and guidance during lives |
| Price | Free | 3- or 12-month membership |
About the YouTube channel
Is the Clap Français YouTube channel free?
Yes. All the videos are free and available without signing up at youtube.com/@clapfrancais.
What level do I need to follow the videos?
Most videos are for intermediate and advanced learners (B1 to C1). The film-scene test helps you find your level, from A2 to C1.
What is shadowing?
Shadowing means repeating a sentence at the same time as a native speaker, copying their rhythm and intonation. It improves both listening comprehension and pronunciation.
Are the videos in French or in English?
The scenes are always in French. Depending on the video, explanations are in English or in French.
Where can I find the films used in the videos?
Marion names the films and series she uses. To watch them legally from abroad, the free guide to French series lists the platforms.
Go from watching to speaking
The videos teach you to understand. The Club teaches you to speak, with weekly lives built around films.