For years, French learners have been searching for a study method that goes beyond grammar drills and vocabulary lists—a method that builds real fluency through exposure to authentic language, culture, and stories. That’s exactly what I’ve created with ExploreFrench, my online platform designed to help learners of all levels make lasting progress through immersive resources. I’m Anthony Diaz, a French teacher and content creator, and on ExploreFrench, I bring together everything I believe language learners need: bilingual graded readers, classic authentic readings, high-quality audio, and a unique color-coding system that finally makes French verb tenses clear.
If you’re looking for a structured way to improve your French while reading real stories, mastering grammar, and expanding your vocabulary, this complete method can transform your online French study into something truly effective—and enjoyable.
Step 1: Build Your Foundation with Graded Readers
One of the most common challenges learners face is finding reading material that’s not too difficult, but still interesting and useful. That’s why I created a collection of graded readers for French learners that follow two families through everyday life in France. Designed for beginner and intermediate levels (A1–B1), these stories focus on real-life conversations, cultural situations, and practical language.
What makes these readers different from traditional textbooks is the built-in support:
- Parallel English translations to help you follow the story without constantly checking a dictionary.
- Full transcripts with my color-coding system to highlight verb tenses.
- Carefully selected French word lists focusing on the most useful vocabulary.
- Professional audio recordings at both slow and natural speeds to help you develop your listening skills from the start.
By working with these readers, you’ll reinforce your grammar, build your vocabulary, and train your ear—all at the same time.
Step 2: Level Up with Authentic French Stories
As you grow more confident, it’s important to move into authentic, unadapted material—the kind of French that native speakers actually read. That’s where the collection of authentic French stories on ExploreFrench comes in.
This curated library features some of the most important names in French literature, including:
- La Fontaine’s fables, timeless and full of moral lessons.
- Short stories by Guy de Maupassant, including La Parure and Le Horla.
- Fairy tales like Le Petit Chaperon Rouge and Cendrillon.
- Philosophical works such as Qu’est-ce que les Lumières ? by Emmanuel Kant.
- Powerful political texts like Victor Hugo’s Plaidoyer contre la peine de mort.
To make these classics approachable, each story includes:
- Full transcripts with color-coded verb tenses, so you can follow how the language works in real literary contexts.
- Key vocabulary translated into English, so you expand your vocabulary naturally.
- High-quality French language learning audio, recorded at natural speed to develop listening skills.
- Comprehension quizzes to check your understanding and help you review.
These readings allow you to explore French culture while advancing your grammar and vocabulary through real, meaningful content.
Step 3: Master Verb Tenses Visually
Mastering French verb tenses is one of the most difficult parts of learning the language. Many learners spend years struggling with a French verb tenses chart, only to feel lost when those tenses appear in real texts.
That’s exactly why I designed the color-coding system used across all ExploreFrench materials. Instead of memorising conjugations in isolation, you can see every tense—passé composé, imparfait, subjunctive, and more—marked in its own color directly in the text. This visual method reinforces recognition and understanding, helping you learn how tenses function in context while you enjoy a story.
Over time, your brain begins to associate tenses with colors, making it easier to recognise patterns and build confidence in both reading and speaking.
Step 4: Strengthen Your Listening with Audiobooks
Listening is often the most neglected skill in language learning, but it’s essential if you want to sound natural and understand French in real life. That’s why every story on ExploreFrench is paired with French learning audio, recorded by native speakers at appropriate speeds for your level.
Listening to the same story while reading the transcript—especially when supported by color-coded tenses and vocabulary lists—creates a powerful learning loop. You hear how words are pronounced, understand how sentences are structured, and connect spoken language with its written form.
Step 5: Build Vocabulary in Context
Learning random word lists rarely works. Vocabulary sticks best when you meet it in meaningful, repeated contexts. That’s why each graded reader and authentic story includes carefully curated French words vocabulary lists, focused on the most useful terms from the story. By reading, hearing, and reviewing these words in context, you’ll remember them long after you close the book.
Why This Study Plan Works
This isn’t just about reading or listening—it’s about creating an integrated, balanced learning process that covers all aspects of the language:
- Graded readers to guide you from beginner to intermediate.
- Authentic readings to immerse you in real French literature and culture.
- Color-coded grammar support to help you finally master verb tenses.
- Audio practice to sharpen your listening.
- Vocabulary tools to grow your word bank efficiently.
For learners looking for a comprehensive, high-quality French study website, ExploreFrench combines all these elements into one complete, intuitive system.
Ready to Get Started?
If you’re serious about progressing in French with a method that makes sense, I invite you to explore the full range of resources I’ve designed. Whether you’re reading graded stories about everyday life, discovering classic French fables, or working through authentic literary masterpieces, you’ll find everything you need for real, lasting improvement at ExploreFrench.