11 French Love Songs For The Romantic

Are you looking for French love songs? France is known for romance – from the city of love to compelling French love quotes written by great French thinkers to French songs.

French love songs, especially the older ones are known to be distinctly theatrical and stirring. The themes are not just about the pleasures of being in love, but also the pain and sadness of the loss.

From the beloved Edith Piaf to modern classics, romantic songs in French are fascinating to listen to. Those who are just discovering and learning French will also find it helpful to listen and sing along to these songs. 

11 French Love Songs For The Romantic

Whether you are out to impress a special someone, creating a romantic playlist, or learning how to pronounce certain words, here are some of the best romantic French songs to listen to. 

1. Hymne à l’amour (The Hymn to Love) – Édith Piaf

Year Released: 1950

This Edith Piaf’s song one has a rather sad backstory. Piaf is one of the most popular French singers of all time and her songs became a big part of French culture.

This song is about eternal love, a nod to the singer’s enduring love for her husband who passed away.

It is a powerhouse tune that showcases Edith Piaf’s range, as well as the powerful emotions brought by losing the love of her life. It is sad, yet romantic and hopeful 

2. Etrangère Au Paradis (Stranger in Paradise) – Gloria Lasso

Year Released: 1955

The beautiful and sweet “Etrangère Au Paradis” is one of those romantic songs in French that is perfect for slow dancing. It is often included in those lists of wedding party songs that couples dance to. Dreamy and chanting, the song tells of finding love unexpectedly.

The singer Gloria Lasso’s stirring rendition is wonderfully fused with the song’s unforgettable melody. It is a light, feel-good song that’s great to listen to, and one doesn’t have to be in a relationship to appreciate it. 

3. Ne me quitte pas (Don’t Leave Me) – Jacques Brel 

Year Released: 1959

Jacques Brel is a Belgian singer, songwriter, actor, director, and poet who is known for his masterful take on the modern chanson. It is a type of lyric-driven French song that started in the late Middle Ages and the Renaissance.

The modern chanson “Ne me quitte pas” is about how one was still unwilling to accept the end of a  relationship.  It’s one of those songs that might be painful to listen to, because of the raw emotions in the lyrics plus the stirring piano and violin accompaniment. As harrowing and dramatic as it is, this French love song is also determined and hopeful. 

4. Comme Moi (Like Me) – Edith Piaf 

Year Released: 1959

An unapologetically over-the-top song, Comme Moi is classic Edith Piaf. Dramatic, and grand, the song is about a woman’s anticipation and longing for her lover. The lyrics depict compelling imagery of someone who thinks lovingly of her lover as she waits for him. 

Edith Piaf may be best known for “La Vie En Rose” (Life in Pink) but Comme Moi is the definitive French love song.  

5. Le Tourbillon de la vie (The Whirl of Life) – Jeanne Moreau

Year Released: 1961

A song that was featured in the popular French film “Love Me If You Dare” from the early 2000s, “Le Tourbillon de la vie” is about a man who was helplessly in love with a femme fatale. The song was originally sung by actress Moreau in her film “Jules et Jim”.

The descriptive lyrics present a man’s fascination with the object of his affection. Fun and upbeat, the song emphasizes both the joys and desperation of being in love with a temptress. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dcVcwwo8QFE

6. Quelqu’un m’a dit (Someone Told Me)  — Carla Bruni (2002)

Year Released: 2002

Another fun song to listen to and sing along with, “Quelqu’un m’a dit” by Carla Bruni is about not being too affected by what people say.

Instead, the narrator in the song wants to focus on something good and more important: the fact that someone still loves her. A delightful romantic French song, “Quelqu’un m’a dit” brings images of a relaxing Sunday afternoon. 

7. T’es belle (You’re Beautiful) – Volo 

Year Released: 2007

Another modern classic, this sweet French love song is a beautiful declaration of love. The lyrics of the song are about everything that the singer adores about the woman he loves, including her imperfections.

The soothing guitar accompaniment gives “T’es belle” a chill and mellow vibe. It is one of those songs that celebrate being with that special person and everything about him or her that’s worth loving. 

8. Je veux (I Want) – Zaz 

Year Released: 2010

The unique voice of French singer-songwriter Isabelle Geffroy, or Zaz, gives “Je veux” (“I Want”) such a unique vibe, and is considered a modern classic.

Unlike most romantic French songs about the highs and lows of being in love, “Je veux” is more about loving the idea of love and romance. It is a delightful fun tune that may not have the trappings of the usual French love song, but it captures the joy of love and love. 

9. Non non non (No No No) — Camélia Jordana 

Year Released: 2010

A danceable and fun romantic French song, ‘Non Non Non” is a bit of a sad number. Camélia Jordana sings about not wanting to do anything while pining for someone. A line in the song even hints that the other person may not come back, but the upbeat tune sort of gives hope.

For now, the lover in the song is unwilling to move on and let go just yet (hence the title”Non non non”). 

10. Et si (And If ) – Shy’m 

Year Released: 2012

A departure from the usual melodrama of most classic French love songs, Shy’m’s “Et si” is fresh, laidback, and whimsical. For a song that’s about the emotions and risks that go with allowing oneself to love, “Et si” is quite chill. Yet this is one of those modern romantic songs in French that still manages to capture that certain flair for romance that the French are known for. 

This is also a great song to listen to or sing along with during a road trip because of its mellow vibe. 

11. La Rumeur (The Rumor) – Christophe Maé 

Year Released: 2017

The current “La Rumeur” is one of those songs about the one that got away. The theme is rather bittersweet but presented in a cute and catchy tune, giving it a unique vibe. This song by Christophe Maé is one of those romantic French songs that’s fun to listen to and sing-along to, even if you’re not quite fluent in French.