24 Famous French Songs That You Must Listen To

Are you looking for famous French songs to listen to?

Music is a fantastic way to learn about a country’s culture and history. In France, songs are often laden with drama and emotion, while the more common ones pay homage to individuals, locations, and even that which is unique.

24 Famous French Songs That You Must Listen To

Do you want to learn more about what the French have been listening to then and now? Here’s a short rundown of some of the most well-known French songs.

Classic

1. La Vie En Rose (Life in Pink)

Artist: Edith Piaf
Year Released: 1945

Easily one of the most famous French songs of all time, La vie en rose will always be one of those things that define France. Written by Piaf towards the end of World War 2, it was honored by some as the unofficial French national anthem. This song made Edit Piaf one of the best French singers of all time. 

It is the quintessential sad but beautiful love song and loved even by those who do not speak French. Over seventy years after its release, La Vie En Rose continued to be a familiar and beloved tune, covered by the likes of Andrea Bocelli and Lady Gaga.

Check out the video here.

READ MORE : La Vie En Rose Lyrics In French

2.  Ne me quitte pas (Don’t Leave Me)

Artist: Jacques Brel
Year Released: 1959

Ne me quitte pas, considered the ultimate classic by Belgian singer Jacques Brel, was another international hit. It may be another sad love song, but it remains to be one of the popular French classics.

Like Edith Piaf’s La Vie En Rose, other well-known singers covered Ne me quitte pas, including Shirley Bassey, Barbara Streisand, Cyndy Lauper, Neil Diamond, Sting, Celine Dion, and Wyclef Jean.

Check out the video here.

READ MORE : Ne Me Quitte Pas Lyrics in French

3. Non, je ne regrette rien (I Don’t Regret Anything)

Artist: Edith Piaf
Year Released: 1960

The French seem to have a penchant for poignant yet beautiful songs, and Edith Piaf’s Non, je ne regrette rien is one of them. Edith Piaf wrote this song when she was 44, and it is comparable to Frank Sinatra’s My Way.

A sad yet hopeful song that implies letting go and starting over, it was one of Edith Piaf’s last great hits before her death at the age of 47.

Check out the video here.

READ MORE : Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien Lyrics In French.

4. Sous le Ciel de Paris – Yves Montand (1964)

This is actually another one of Édith Piaf’s original songs, but Yves Montand’s rendition of it became one of the most popular French songs as well.

Yves Montand, a famous French singer, and actor who was born in Italy was discovered by Edith Piaf when he was performing in a music hall. Montand had been performing in France for many years. This song, which is performed in the style of a traditional French crooner, is quite simple and straightforward.

Check out the video here.

Chanson

5. Alexandrie (Alexandra)

Artist: Claude Francois
Year Released: 1977

Alexandrie is about the city of Alexandria on the banks of the River Nile in Egypt, and also about girls and finding love. The song came out during the disco era, a fun and tune that was sadly released during the singer’s funeral, after his accidental death. 

Check out the video here.

READ MORE : Alexandrie Alexandra Lyrics in French.

6. Tous les garçons et les filles (All The Boys and Girls)

Artist: Francoise Hardy
Year Released: 1987

Released in 1987 and sung by Françoise Hardy, Tous les garçons et les filles is far from your usual 80s pop love song. For one thing, it’s not about falling in love or longing for someone.

Instead, the song is about a young woman who wishes to be with someone and compares herself to them. This catchy tune is also one of Françoise Hardy’s signature hits. 

Check out the video here.

READ MORE: Tous Les Garçons Et Les Filles Lyrics in French

Pop/Rock

7. Comme D’Habitude – Claude François (1967)

When you listen to Comme d’habitude, the melody of Frank Sinatra’s “My Way” will come to mind almost instantly. This timeless ballad was originally performed in French by Claude Francois two years before it became a hit for Frank Sinatra. After hearing the song played on the radio, Paul Anka reworked it into an English version just for Mr. Sinatra.

The lyrics of the two songs do not convey the same message. The difference between the English and French versions is that the English one is about looking back on a life well-lived, while the French one is about the monotony of life and falling out of love.

Both of these renditions have been reimagined numerous times, most recently in 2016 by acclaimed French pop singer M. Pokora.

Check out the video here.

8. Les Champs-Elysées – Joe Dassin (1992)

This jazz composition by Joe Dassin is a fitting tribute to the historic and picturesque Champs-Élyées. Located in the heart of the city, the boulevard is lined with stores, restaurants, and cafés and is bookended by the iconic Arc de Triomphe and other historical landmarks.

Considered one of the best French songs of all time, it will transport you to the streets of Paris, where you may shop till you drop, stop for a cappuccino, and take in the beauty of each new scene.

You might find yourself singing the tune to yourself while you wander the streets of Paris.

If karaoke is your forte, this is a great song to perform.

Check out the video here.

READ MORE: Champ Elysees Lyrics In French (With English Translation)

9. Aficionado – BB Brunes (2013)

Friends since childhood, Adrien Gallo, Karim Réveillé, and Raphal Delorme came together in the year 2000 to form the band Hangover, which sings only in the English language. The band eventually decided to go by the moniker BB Brunes, which was derived from the title of Serge Gainsbourg’s song “Initials BB” as well as the boulevard Brune in Paris, which was the location of the band’s rehearsals at the time.

One of the newer  French songs to listen to is their number one single, “Afficionado,” is quite well-known among French language students. Since the lyrics are sung so slowly and clearly, it is impossible not to pick up new words as you listen.

In addition to that, the chorus is memorable. You won’t even realize it, but you’ll soon find yourself singing along.

Check out the video here.

New Wave

10. L’aventurier (The Adventurer)

Artist: Indochine
Year Released: 1982

One of the most recognizable French songs because of its dramatic intro and fun lyrics, L’aventurier is easily one of the most popular songs in France. The song is about the fictional character Bob Morane, from his namesake book series. The catchy song is a tribute to the book series and is still one of the French rock genre’s favorites.

Check out the video here.

READ MORE: L’aventurier Lyrics in French

11. Cendrillon (Cinderella) 

Artist: Telephone
Year Released: 1982

Another sad song that also became a French classic was the band Telephone’s tragic take on the Cendrillon folktale. Far from the fairytale-like and hopeful story that we know, this song is about a beautiful young woman who had a lot of hopes and dreams.

As the years went by and beginning at the age of 30, she started losing her dreams. Her husband left, and she looked after the kids all by herself. She became an alcoholic, then a prostitute, and considered taking her own life.

Far from a happy ever after ending, yet this was one of the French favorites from the 80s. 

Check out the video here.

READ MORE: Cendrillon Lyrics in French

Pop

12. Je t’aime moi non plus (I love you, me neither)

Artist: Serge Gainsbourg et Jane Birkin
Year Released: 1969

Known for his provocative lyrics, Serge Gainsbourg is among those that defined French pop music. He was also known for his collaborations with other artists, such as the British singer-actress Jane Birkin (yes, the Hermes bag was named after her).

Their song, Je t’aime moi non plus, became an instant hit and caused quite a stir due to its raunchy lyrics. It was denounced by the Vatican and banned in the US, but it was also considered as one of the most erotic songs of all time. 

Check out the video here.

READ MORE : Je t’aime Moi Non Plus Lyrics in French .

13. Le Sud – Nino Ferrer (1975)

Many people consider Le Sud to be one of the best French songs ever written. Another one of Ferrer’s massive hits, this is a gorgeous tune that will have you imagining yourself racing through the picturesque valleys of the South of France, meeting up with old friends by the water, and having the finest summer ever.

This song is a tribute to Ferrer and tells the story of his formative years in the South.

Initially known as a “comic singer,” the label didn’t stick for long, and Nino was soon able to fully show his musical talent and creative side.

It’s an amazing tune that will forever imprint the moments you spend listening to it in your mind.

Check out the video here.

14. Les Lacs Du Connemara – Michel Sardou (1985)

Les Lacs du Connemara, one of Sardou’s most popular melodies, is widely considered to be among the best French songs of all time.

Lyrics and music work harmoniously together to create a song that is not only enjoyable to listen to but also conveys a strong message.

During the conflict between Protestants and Catholics in the Irish area of Connemara, where the Irish War of Independence took place, the poem was penned.

Even though the song isn’t specifically about France, its outstanding symphony has helped it find a place on many popular French music playlists.

Check out the video here.

15. Sympathetique – Pink Martini (1997)

Sympathique, the first studio album by Pink Martini, was released in 1997 and quickly became a hit. It has since sold over 975,000 copies worldwide, and its success has facilitated tours that have taken the band to such far-flung locales as the Cannes Film Festival, Europe, Lebanon, Turkey, Japan, and Taiwan.

One of the newer famous French songs, “Sympathetique” was nominated at the Victoires de la Musique Awards for “Song of the Year.”  The song is also one of the most well-known French pop tunes of the late 20th century.

Another tune that does well in French class. The tune sounds like it was taken from a French language textbook. The phrases are simple, and viewing the music video, which features visuals meant to increase vocabulary, is like attending a virtual school.

Check out the video here.

16. Pour que tu m’aimes encore (That You’ll Love Me)

Artist: Celine Dion
Year Released: 1995

Celine Dion was introduced to the world through the power ballad My Heart Will Go On, but not everyone is aware that she also recorded songs in French.

One of the most popular and now considered a classic was Pour que tu m’aimes encore, which was released years before Titanic. 

Check out the video here.

READ MORE: Pour Que Tu m’aimes Encore Lyrics in French

17. Femme Librée (Liberated Woman) 

Artist: Cookie Dingler 
Year Released: 1984

A song that has become a karaoke staple, Cookie Dingler sings about being a liberated woman in this fun and catchy tune.

It is also a favorite among those learning the French language, with lyrics and melody that are easy to sing along to. A cute song that brings to mind summer afternoons and long drives, this is one of those modern French classics. 

Check out the video here.

Read More: Femme Librée Lyrics in French

Smooth Jazz

18. Joe Le Taxi – Vanessa Paradis (1987)

Joe le Taxi, performed by Vanessa Paradis (who was only fourteen when it was released) is widely considered to be one of the best French songs of all time.

Maria José Leo dos Santos, or “Joe,” is the subject of this song.  It recounts his family’s harrowing escape from Portugal during the country’s darkest days under an authoritarian rule and their subsequent life as cab drivers in the country’s most picturesque region, France.

It’s a lively jazz and blues ballad that developed and has remained a central element of Paradis’ musical legacy.

Check out the video here.

Dance

19. Nuit de folie (Night of Craziness) 

Artist: Debut de Soirée
Year Released: 1989

Nuit de folie, a song that’s perfect for the weekend, is the ultimate autumn for the weary soul. This popular dance tune from the late 80s was also the band Debut de soirée’s biggest hit.

This is a great song to sing along to for those who are learning French, as they get to enjoy this upbeat tune as well. 

Check out the video here.

READ MORE: Nuit de folie Lyrics in French.

20. Alors on danse (And so we dance)

Artist: Stromae
Year Released: 2009

The trend of poignant French songs went on until recent years, and not even an infectious melody and upbeat tune can hide it. This song by Belgian musician Stromae was an international breakout hit. Today, it is one of those party anthems that one simply can’t stop singing along with. 

Check out the video here. 

Read More: Alors On Danse Lyrics in French

21. Elle Me Dit – Mika (2011)

“Elle me dit,” a modern dance hit, is a catchy, energetic tune that has come to symbolize the French experience.

The film The Origin of Love used it in its plot. Mika, a Lebanese-British singer-songwriter and judge on X Factor Italy, wrote and performed the song. His music has become a phenomenon because it always manages to liven up a gathering.

The artist also released an English version of the song credited to her pen name, Emily. Lyrically, the first stanza is an accurate representation of its translation as follows: “She tells me to make a pleasant song, not a dismal song, one that everybody loves.”

Check out the video here.

22. Ego – Willy William (2015)

French artist and producer Willy William has released a new single titled “Ego.” Willy William, a French singer and record producer, had a version of the song released. It came out on September 24, 2015, via Play On and Warner Music. As of January 2022, there have been 822 million views of it on YouTube.

One of the French songs to listen to, “Ego” also happens to be a great choice for anyone trying to master the language. Great words for beginners are repeated throughout the song. Plus, Willy William speaks very slowly and with lots of repetitions. It’s perfect for listening to and singing along with if you’re a novice in French.

Check out the video here.

23. Tourner Dans Le Vide – Indila (2014)

Indila, a French singer-songwriter, is responsible for the song “Tourner dans le vide.” On February 22, 2014, it was made available to the public as the second single taken from the album Mini World.

This song by Indila is just one of the famous French songs in Tiktok recently. TikTok user “thelunasnow” is credited with starting a trend that led to the song’s rise to popularity on the platform after he did a straightforward choreography while hiding his face with his hands. The hands kind of progressively reveal a part of the face, like gradually revealing a piece of a puzzle, and convey various emotions in response to the rhythm of the song.

Check out the video here.

Folk

24. Quelqu’un m ’a dit (Someone Told Me)

Artist: Carla Bruni
Year Released: 2002

Before Carla Bruni became the First Lady of France (as the wife of former French president Nicholas Sarkozy), she was an accomplished model and singer.

One of her hits was Quelqu’un m ’a dit, a song about lost love, which is both catchy and haunting. It was a top hit for several months and is now regarded as among the newer classic French songs. 

Check out the video here.

READ MORE: Quelqu’un M ’a Dit Lyrics in French