Champs-Élysées vs Fluent French Audio

There are two excellent French audiomagazines available, and my readers often ask me which one is better, when what they want to know is which one is right for them. Here is a detailed comparison to help you decide.


Both Champs-Élysées and Fluent French Audio offer subscription-based French audio exercises: 60 minutes of high-quality, ongoing, authentic French listening practice, a transcript of the audio, and some language notes. Both can be used by independent students, homeschoolers, teachers, travelers, or anyone else who needs French listening practice. That is where the similarities end.

Champs-Élysées is published 11 times a year and is aimed at low-intermediate to advanced students. It is available on audio tape or CD and is in the format of a radio show with professional broadcasters. Each issue includes about a dozen features (interviews, articles, music) on topics in French current events and culture, such as politics, business, theater, and sports. The booklet offers a glossary and extensive language/cultural notes. The optional Champs-Élysées Plus™ component includes a second audio tape or CD with several features read at a slower pace, audio flash cards, and an English-language feature (À la recherche de mots) that discusses various aspects of French, plus a booklet with an English summary of each feature and post-listening exercises. (Champs-Élysées website)

Fluent French Audio is published 6 times per year and is aimed at upper-beginning to advanced French students. It is published on CD, and each issue includes around 5 unrehearsed conversations between native French speakers about practical situations, anecdotes about daily life, and discussions of French culture. In addition to the main CD, Fluent French Audio also includes a second CD with slowed-down readings and a third with listen-and-repeat pronunciation exercises. The booklet includes a line-by-line English translation and some language notes. You can choose between a year's subscription or a bi-monthly billing option. (Fluent French Audio website)

So the question of which one is right for you boils down mainly to three factors:

1. Your level of French
2. Which style you prefer
3. How often you want to receive it

If you're still not sure, you can read my detailed reviews of each audiomgazine and/or listen to a few samples.