French reading practice, graded A1 to C1

French reading practice with graded passages A1–C1

Lire is a French reading practice platform for learners from A1 to C1. Read graded French passages with optional English translation on every line, build vocabulary in context, and practice reading comprehension with real French.

Interlinear French-English translation, vocabulary in context, and reading tools for self-study — across A1, A2, B1, B2 and C1 French reading.

20 free passages · No account needed to start
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Le Petit Prince · Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
Chapitre I — L'oiseau
Extrait · A2 level · 12 vocabulary words
Lorsque j'avais six ans, j'ai vu, une fois, une magnifique image,
When I was six years old, I once saw a magnificent picture,
dans un livre sur la Forêt Vierge qui s'appelait « Histoires Vécues ».
in a book about the Virgin Forest called 'Stories of Real Life'.
Ça représentait un serpent boa qui avalait un fauve.
It depicted a boa constrictor swallowing a wild beast.
J'ai alors beaucoup réfléchi aux aventures de la jungle,
I then thought a great deal about the adventures of the jungle,
et j'ai réussi, avec un crayon de couleur, à tracer mon premier dessin.
and I managed, with a coloured pencil, to trace my first drawing.

magnifiquemagnificent, beautiful
la Forêt Viergethe Virgin Forest
avalaitwas swallowing
un fauvea wild beast
réfléchithought, reflected
un crayon de couleura coloured pencil

One passage. Three layers of learning.

Read the French. Reveal the English translation. Learn the vocabulary in context. Reading is one of the most effective ways to build vocabulary and comprehension.

01

Pick your level

From complete beginner (A1) to advanced reader (C1). Every passage is graded so you're always challenged, never lost.

02

Read with translation underneath

Each French line sits above its English equivalent. Toggle it off when you're ready to go without the safety net.

03

Build vocabulary naturally

Key words are pulled out at the end of every passage with definitions and grammar notes — no flashcard apps needed.

04

Read something new every day

New passages added weekly across fiction, news, travel, food, and culture. Real French, not textbook French.

Why use Lire for French reading practice?

Graded passages A1–C1

Every passage carries a CEFR level, so choosing an appropriate difficulty takes a second. A1 and A2 for beginner French reading, B1 and B2 for intermediate, C1 for advanced literary French.

Interlinear French-English translation

The English sits under each French line, so you check meaning without switching to a dictionary and losing the sentence.

Vocabulary connected to the passage

Key words come with definitions and grammar notes, attached to the text you just read rather than sitting in an isolated deck.

Topics from everyday life to literature

Daily life, travel, food, work, culture, journalism and fiction — French as it is actually written.

A gradual path from A1 to C1

Progress level by level at your own pace, with reading progress tracked as you go. Reading is one of the most effective ways to build vocabulary and comprehension.

Go deeper: French reading practice A1–C1 · graded French passages · interlinear French reading · French reading for beginners · reading comprehension practice · vocabulary through reading

Quick answers to everyday French questions

Less than a French café au lait per month

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  • Full access to 200+ graded passages
  • Interlinear translation toggle on every passage
  • Vocabulary lists with grammar notes
  • New passages added every week
  • Reading progress tracker
  • A1 through C1 levels

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