20+ French Kids Shows (For Each Age Group
- Homeschool Languages
- Aug 25
- 11 min read
Looking for the best French kids shows to help your child learn the language? From timeless classics to modern series available on Netflix and YouTube, these shows can turn screen time into meaningful language exposure, even if you don't speak French yourself.
Whether you're trying to connect your kids with their heritage, prep for a future move abroad, or add a little more French into your homeschool routine, the right show can make all the difference.
But not all shows are created equal, and not all families have the same goals.
That's why I've broken it down by situation:
Need cultural connection? Try nostalgic, slow-paced shows that reflect real French life.
Prepping for travel? Choose shows with geography, dialogue, and modern accents.
Want an educational edge? Look for clear narration, rich vocabulary, and repetitive phrases.
Trying to help your child talk to family members? Pick relatable shows with daily conversation starters.
Feeling overwhelmed? Start with dubbed versions of shows they already love. Low-stress, high reward.
And if you're wondering which platforms offer French audio, what to do when your child still won't speak French, or how to tell if a show is even working, don't worry. We'll cover that too.
But here's the real secret: Shows are the start. If you want your child to actually speak French, not simply hear it, you need a plan beyond a playlist.
That's where Homeschool Languages comes in.
We don't simply list "resources." We help you bring French into your home with tools you can actually use. Scripts. Printables. Prompts. Puppets. Real phrases for real families. Even if you're not fluent.
Start with our free sample lessons to see how it works.
👇 Curious how to make French stick in your home? Keep reading. You're in the right place.
What Are French Kids Shows, and Are They Worth It?
So what exactly makes a show a "French kids show"? It's not any cartoon with a French audio track. A truly French kids show is:
🎬 Originally produced in French (not dubbed)
🌍 Culturally rooted with baguettes, berets, and Parisian parks
🗣️ Voiced by native French speakers, often using expressions and rhythms that reflect real-life conversation
💛 Bottom line: French shows are absolutely worth it, as long as you treat them as a tool, not a magic wand. They're not the whole meal. But they're a great appetizer for language learning that actually sticks.
The Best French Shows by Age Group
If you're anything like me, you've probably tried to turn on a French cartoon only to have your toddler wander off in 30 seconds. Or worse, your tween roll their eyes and beg for something "not baby-ish."
The key? Pick the right show for the right age. Here's a breakdown based on what's actually worked in real homes (mine included!).
For Toddlers & Preschoolers (Ages 2–5)
Gentle, comforting, and centered around daily routines like brushing teeth or going to bed. The language is slow and natural, which makes it perfect for first-time exposure.
Think Daniel Tiger meets French family life. Relatable storylines, easy-to-understand vocabulary, and a classic look that toddlers surprisingly love. Bonus: tons of repetition.
I know, I know. Caillou gets a bad rap in the U.S., but in French? He's gold. The speech is slow, the vocabulary is beginner-friendly, and the stories center around everyday life.
Helpful Blog -> Teaching Foreign Languages To Toddlers
For Early Elementary (Ages 5–8)
🐴 Trotro
Fast, silly, and super French. Trotro is a cheeky little donkey who gets into everyday mischief. His stories are short and loaded with practical vocabulary.
🌍 Mouk
This globe-trotting bear visits different countries and cultures, using simple French narration to explore geography, food, and customs. Great for curious kids!
🦓 Zou
A sweet show about a zebra family navigating emotions, friendships, and new experiences. The language is expressive, but still clear enough for beginners.
This is the age when kids can start engaging with what they're watching. After an episode, try asking:
"Qu'est-ce qu'il a fait?" ("What did he do?")
"Tu veux faire comme lui?" ("Do you want to do what he did?")
Even if they reply in English, they're thinking in French. That's a win!
For Tweens (Ages 9–12)
🦸 Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir
This one's a hit, even in English-speaking households. But did you know it was created in France? The French version keeps the original rhythm, idioms, and expressions. Perfect for kids who need action to stay interested.
😆 Titeuf
Silly, a bit edgy, and full of middle-school drama.
The vocabulary is advanced, but kids this age love the sass and social themes. Preview first. Some jokes may need a quick parental edit.
🕵️ Les Aventures de Tintin
A classic for a reason. Adventure, mystery, and strong vocabulary wrapped into an iconic French-Belgian series. Best for strong listeners or kids who are already familiar with the stories in English.
Repetition Matters Over Variety: It's tempting to chase a bunch of different shows hoping something sticks. But really? Watching the same show again and again helps your child master the rhythm, vocabulary, and structure of the language without even realizing it.
Where to Watch French Kids Shows
Let's be honest. Half the challenge isn't what show to watch, but where to find it without spending your entire homeschool prep time clicking through menus or dealing with geo-blocks.
Here's where the best French kids shows are hiding (and how to unlock them).
Does Netflix Have French Kids Shows?
Yes, and it's one of the easiest places to start.
Go to the audio settings and switch the language to French. You can even change your profile's default language to make it automatic.
Here are a few kid-approved French-language titles on Netflix:
Miraculous: Ladybug & Cat Noir. Action-packed and wildly popular. A great pick for older kids or siblings learning together.
Astérix: The Secret of the Magic Potion. Hilarious and filled with French cultural references. Best for ages 7+ due to story complexity.
Ballerina (aka Leap!). Set in 1880s Paris, this is one of the most visually beautiful ways to introduce French culture and vocabulary, especially for artsy kids.
Trotro (Available in some regions). Short, simple, and energetic. Ideal for early learners.
Can't find what you want? Use a VPN to switch your location to France or Canada and unlock even more French-language content.
Are Dubs Better Than Originals?
Great question, and honestly, it depends on your goals.
For language exposure: Native French shows (T'choupi, Mouk, Titeuf) give you natural rhythm, culture, and expressions you won't get in a dub.
For overwhelmed parents (or picky kids): Dubbing a familiar show (Peppa Pig, Paw Patrol, Octonauts) into French is a fantastic low-pressure way to get started. The story's already known, so your child isn't trying to decode plot and language at the same time.
Mom-to-mom? Start with dubbed shows to build confidence, and then transition to native French content as your child becomes curious.
🎬 Streaming French kids shows doesn't have to be complicated.
A few clicks, a language switch, and voilà. You're adding real French to your day without adding another lesson to your plate.
Smart Viewing Tips for Language Learning
Alright, so you've found a French show your child doesn't hate (yay!). But now what?
Here's the truth most blogs won't tell you: watching alone won't do it.
French shows are input, like soaking up language through your ears. But speaking it back? That takes a little extra nudge.
Luckily, it doesn't have to be hard (or Pinterest-perfect). These easy, real-life tips will help turn screen time into language time, even if your child isn't saying "bonjour" yet. Research shows that children learn best when they understand the language being used, making the follow-up activities after watching crucial for retention.
Turn Off English Subtitles
Subtitles in English might feel like a safety net, but for language learning, they actually short-circuit the brain's ability to connect sound and meaning in French.
Try this: Start with no subtitles, then switch to French subtitles if your child is ready for extra reading support.
Use a Puppet or "French-Only" Toy
This tip changed everything for my littles. Bring in a stuffed animal or puppet who only understands French. Suddenly, your child has a reason to speak, and it feels like play, not pressure.
Bonus: Puppets don't judge pronunciation.
Co-Watch and Repeat Key Phrases
Don't hit "play and walk away." Sit with your child (even for 5 minutes), and repeat simple phrases together:
"Regarde ça!" ("Look at that!") "Il court vite!" ("He runs fast!") "C'est drôle!" ("That's funny!")
Even if they answer in English, repeating after the show builds confidence and memory.
Use Printables, Games, or Drawing
After an episode, try one quick activity tied to what they saw.
Draw a character and label it in French
Match vocab with a printable worksheet
Act out the episode with toys
These mini follow-ups help the language stick without feeling like a chore.
Parent Question: "My kid won't speak French even after watching shows. What do I do?"
Many parents face this challenge.
Here's the thing: watching is input. Speaking is output. And output doesn't happen right away, especially when your child knows you speak English!
What helps?
Give them a "French-only" zone or character (puppets work wonders!)
Use ready-made scripts and prompts (which, by the way, is exactly what we offer in our French Level 1 curriculum)
Lower the pressure. If they're listening, they're learning.
So yes, French cartoons can teach language. But they work so much better when paired with a little guidance, a lot of repetition, and the right sprinkle of fun.
Why TV Isn't Enough (And What to Do About It)
Here's the part most of us don't want to admit (I didn't either at first):
French shows aren't a silver bullet.
They help a lot, but they don't teach your child to speak. Not by themselves.
TV = Passive Input
When your child watches a show, they're absorbing sounds, patterns, and rhythm. That's good! But unless you follow it up with speaking, the language stays stuck in "watch mode."
The brain says, "Cool, I've heard that." But the mouth says... nothing.
Real Fluency Happens at Home
Fluency doesn't happen because your child watched Trotro 10 times. It happens when you follow up that episode with phrases like:
"Qu'est-ce que Trotro a fait aujourd'hui?"
"Tu veux courir comme Trotro?"
"On regarde encore?"
You don't need perfect pronunciation. You don't need a script. (Although if you do want a script... our play-based approach has you covered)
But Most Parents Don't Know What to Say
This was the hardest part for me.
I'd turn off the cartoon and stare at my kids like, "So... French now?" But I had no idea what to say that wouldn't feel awkward or forced. I didn't want to quiz them. I didn't want to make it school. I wanted connection.
Cue the Screen Time Worries
And when the cartoon ends and your kid doesn't say a word in French? It's easy to feel like it "didn't work." Like the screen time wasn't worth it. That worry creeps in fast, and it's heavy.
But here's the truth: the show was only one piece of the puzzle.
The missing piece? You.
That's exactly why we created the programs, to help families like yours go from passive watching to active speaking.
You don't need to be fluent. You don't need to prep. You need a few simple tools that bridge the gap between the cartoon world and your living room.
Why Homeschool Languages Is the Missing Piece
I know the feeling of trying to DIY language learning with nothing but a handful of shows, a Google Doc of vocab words, and a prayer.
You hit play on Peppa Pig en français, hope something magical happens... and then go right back to English because it's easier, faster, and familiar.
Here's the truth I had to learn the hard way:
Doing It Alone Means...
You'll be guessing what to say after the show ends
The show might not match your family's routines or language needs
Your child won't speak unless you speak too
And let's be real... you'll probably burn out without a plan
It's not because you're failing. It's because you're missing the piece that makes the whole thing work.
With Homeschool Languages, You Get...
Open-and-go scripts tied to the exact show you watched
Real-life phrases that fit your home and your child's daily life
Printables, games, and audio tools to make repetition funPuppet prompts that give your child a safe way to speak out loud
And most importantly: confidence, even if you're not fluent in French
For families ready to progress beyond basic conversations, our French Level 2 curriculum builds on these foundations with more advanced speaking skills.
Homeschool Languages doesn't replace your favorite French shows. It turns them into conversations.
Because your child doesn't need to hear French on a screen. They need to hear it from you, in real life, with real love behind it.
Whether you're trying to reconnect with family roots, prepping for a move abroad, or hoping to add a little beauty and bilingualism to your homeschool day, you don't have to do it alone.
Homeschool Languages is here to walk with you.
And you don't need to be a native speaker to raise a child who sees the world in multiple languages. (We also offer our proven Spanish curriculum for families looking to explore multiple languages.)
Ready to Make French Part of Your Home?
You don't need to move to Paris. You don't need to be fluent. And you definitely don't need to figure it all out by yourself.
If you've made it this far, one thing's already clear: you care. You're ready to raise a child who can appreciate another culture, another voice, another way of seeing the world.
So let's stop hoping the language sticks and start building a home where it does.
Explore Our Programs and discover how to turn cartoons into conversations, shows into shared moments, and French into a living language your child actually uses.
Ready to start immediately? Get instant digital access to our complete curriculum, or explore our complete French curriculum bundle for long-term language learning success.
Your couch can become a classroom. Your voice can become the connection. And French can become a part of your family story.
We're here to help you every step of the way. 💛
Frequently Asked Questions About French Kids Shows
What is the best cartoon to help kids learn French?
T'choupi, Petit Ours Brun, and Trotro are top-tier for beginners. Simple speech, repetitive vocabulary, and relatable storylines. They're like French training wheels for little ears!
Which cartoons are actually made in France?
Look for native productions like Barbapapa, Titeuf, SamSam, Astérix, Lou!, and Les Schtroumpfs (yep, the Smurfs are French-born!).
The French animation industry continues to be a global leader in creative storytelling.
What's the oldest French cartoon?
Barbapapa (1973) and Wattoo Wattoo Super Bird (1978) are among the earliest. But if you want to go way back, Émile Cohl's Fantasmagorie from 1908 was the first-ever fully animated French film!
Can kids really learn French from TV?
Yes! Especially when they hear the same vocabulary often. Pair it with co-watching and follow-up chats or games, and you'll see the magic build over time.
What's the French Disney movie?
Ratatouille! It's set in Paris and makes an excellent bridge between fun and cultural immersion. You can learn more fascinating facts about France to share with your children as you explore the French language together.
What is the "magical French family show"?
That would be Lou!, a whimsical animated series that blends real-life moments with magical daydreams. It's a tween favorite.
What are French cartoons called?
They're often referred to as "dessins animés", which literally means "animated drawings."
Is Tom and Jerry French?
Nope! It's American, but widely available with French dubs, which can still be great for exposure.
What's the cartoon capital of France?
Paris! It's home to major studios like Xilam (creators of Oggy and the Cockroaches) and Ellipsanime.
Who is the father of French animation?
Émile Cohl, who pioneered the art with Fantasmagorie back in 1908. If you're ever teaching animation history, he's your guy! Learning about French culture and history can enrich your child's understanding of the shows they watch.