13 Best Songs About Paris

Bask in the charm of the City of Love with our handpicked selection of the best songs about Paris.

Beautifully capturing the allure of the city that has inspired so many composers, poets, and artists, these 13 songs do Paris justice.

Each song, from oldies to newer releases depicts the romance, beauty, and rich history of this bewitching city. Listening to these songs will surely put you in the mood to fall in love with Paris.

13 Best Songs About Paris

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1. Paris sera toujours Paris by Maurice Chevalier (1939)

French singer Maurice Chevalier was a major star in the 1930s and 1940s. To this day, “Paris Sera Toujours Paris” remains an unofficial hymn for the City of Light. It was written in 1939, before World War II, and it lauds Paris for its splendor and greatness.

The lyrics are a love letter to the city’s historic buildings, bustling cafes, and potential for romance. There have been several renditions of this song by countless performers throughout the years.

This song is an ode to the people of the City of Light, who have never wavered in their resolve even in the face of adversity.

Check out the video here.

2. Revoir Paris’ by Charles Trenet (1947)

Trenet, one of the most well-known and well-loved popular singers in France, had his first major hit in 1938 with the song “Boum!.” However, he truly took off in the years after the war with a series of songs that combined catchy melodies with poetic words, and they quickly became national treasures.

Trenet, who spent several years in America after the war, makes the song “Revoir Paris” even more special. The lyrics perfectly describe the thrill of finding himself back home in Paris.

Other songs that became massive hits were “La Mer” and “Douce France,” both of which have been covered by Gréco and countless other artists over the years.

Check out the video here.

3. Sous le Ciel de Paris by Édith Piaf (1954)

Listen and be swept by the captivating charm of the legendary 1951 film song “Under the Parisian Sky.” With colorful depictions of a happy river, strolling lovers, an accordion-playing sailor, and a rainbow-painted sky, this heartfelt tribute beautifully depicts the splendor of the City of Light.

Exceptional performances by great singers like Bing Crosby and André Rieu are largely responsible for the song’s widespread appeal. But Edith Piaf’s 1954 rendition stands out as being possibly the most potent and stunning, with her voice bursting with unbridled emotion. This classic musical masterpiece allows you to immerse yourself in the alluring spirit of Paris.

Check out the video here.

4. Les prénoms de Paris by Jacques Brel (1961)

Belgian singer Jacques Brel, who had a soft spot for the City of Lights, put out “Les Prénoms De Paris” in 1961. With a touch of nostalgia and romance, Brel compares and contrasts the many facets of the City of Light.

The scenes he describes in the song trigger certain feelings. It also celebrates the many cultures that have made their mark on the city. The song of “Les Prénoms De Paris” has endured as a classic of French music, enjoying as much success now as it did upon its initial release in 1961.

Check out the video here.

5. J’aime Paris au mois de mai by Charles Aznavour (1964)

In 1964, the renowned French songwriter Charles Aznavour gifted the world with his masterpiece “J’aime Paris au mois de Mai“.

This enchanting song beautifully captures the essence of spring in the magnificent capital. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of blooming parks, inviting terraces, and an atmosphere brimming with rejuvenation.

Aznavour’s music transports listeners to the enchanting streets of Paris, capturing the essence of each season with his beautifully crafted lyrics. This iconic French song has achieved timeless status in the realm of music.

This timeless melody has been embraced by numerous artists, who used it in films and TV shows. This way, the song effortlessly conjures the enchanting ambiance of the city.

Check out the video here.

6. Le Temps de l’Amour by Françoise Hardy (1962)

Departing from the jazzy show tunes, “Le Temps de l’Amour ” is smooth and nostalgic.

This Françoise Hardy song opens with a surf guitar riff, which encapsulates the carefree spirit of summer and makes us long for our carefree childhood.

In the song, Hardy, in a voice that manages to be both profound and instantly catchy, declares, “This is the time of love, friends, and adventure.”

The song easily conjures images of long summer nights in Paris spent sipping rosé and kissing along the Seine or Canal St. Martin in Paris.

Check out the video here.

7. Les Champs-Elysées by Joe Dassin (1969)

 “Les Champs-Elysées,” is Joe Dassin’s wonderful homage to the magic of Paris. This mesmerizing song transports you to the prestigious street, where love blossoms in the romantic ambiance, highlighting its undeniable sweetness.

The song easily makes anyone feel the lively energy of this famous boulevard. The splendor of “Les Champs-Elysées” is undeniable, from its upscale shops to the grandiose Arc de Triomphe at the very edge.

A true classic, “Les Champs-Elysées” is a timeless reminder of the enduring beauty found throughout Paris.

Check out the video here.

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

8. Bonjour, Paris’ by Audrey Hepburn, Fred Astaire & Kay Thompson (1957)

A song that doesn’t take itself too seriously, the 1957 film Funny Face’s signature song “Bonjour, Paris.” This is the first Paris-based number in the film, led by its three main characters:  photographer Dick Avery (Astaire), editor Maggie Prescott (Thompson), and model Jo Stockton (Hepburn).

The song has an unabashedly American-in-Paris flavor with lines like ‘I’m strictly tourist but I couldn’t care less.’

 Throughout the scene are a series of comedic interludes set outside the Ritz, on the Seine, atop Notre Dame, and concluding in a scene atop the Eiffel Tower.

“Bonjour, Paris” captures the fantastic expression of the pinch-yourself enthusiasm we all still feel on our first day in Paris. This is perhaps what makes the song so timeless, despite the vibrant 1950s setting.

Check out the video here.

9. J’ai Deux Amours’ by Josephine Baker (1953)

The song “J’ai Deux Amours,” which features the now-iconic “I have two loves, my country, and Paris,” has become something of an unofficial anthem for American expats in the City of Light.

The singer, Josephine Baker’s comedic skill, heavenly physique, and happy dancing won over Parisians immediately upon her arrival with La Revue Nègre in 1925. She moved permanently there after discovering her calling and went on to appear in films and other forms of theater.

Baker debuted the lyrics that would become her credo during a 1931 season at the Casino de Paris when she performed “J’ai Deux Amours.” a song that’s both dreamy and enduring, the song appears to capture Baker’s entire character.

Check out the video here.

10. April In Paris by Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Amstrong (1956)

Enjoy this jazzy interpretation of the 1934 song “April In Paris” by Ella Fitzgerald and Freddie Martin. This timeless duet evokes memories of a lovely season spent in the city and perfectly portrays the essence of Paris in the spring.

The song assumes a new and captivating interpretation with the voices of two American music legends, extolling the splendor of Paris at this time of year.

The fact that “April In Paris” is one of the most well-known and cherished songs about the romantic city speaks volumes about the skill and artistry of these talented musicians. As you listen to this enduring song, allow the music’s power to work its magic as you lose yourself in the enchantment of Paris.

Check out the video here.

11. I Love Paris by Frank Sinatra (1962)

Paris has an eternal anthem in Frank Sinatra’s “I Love Paris,” which has become a worldwide hit. Decades after its initial release, this classic is still touching the hearts of listeners and reminding them of Paris’s timeless romance. It’s a symbol of the city of love itself, Paris, and the charm and romance that draw people there.

This song takes listeners on a musical journey through the streets of Paris, where love and enchantment combine. Frank Sinatra’s soulful voice and the song’s enticing melody, make “I Love Paris” a timeless classic. “I Love Paris” is sure to carry you away to one of the world’s most beautiful and romantic cities.

Check out the video here.

12. Free Man in Paris by Joni Mitchell (1974)

Legend has it that musical prodigy Joni Mitchell penned this tune as a gift for producer and pal David Geffen.

The song, which was released as her album’s second single in 1974, depicts the story of a stressed-out executive who just can’t seem to escape the needs of his job. However, being on the streets of Paris provide him with anonymity and independence.

This is one of Mitchell’s more upbeat and lighthearted compositions. The jazzy refrain is based on the woodwinds, but it also incorporates catchy guitar riffs. Background vocals are provided by Graham Nash and David Crosby.

Check out the video here.

13. Paris by Taylor Swift (2022)

From her album “Midnights,” Taylor Swift’s “Paris” is one of her most mesmerizing songs. It was part of the 3 AM edition’s surprise drop, and its lyrics deal with being passionately in love and wanting to shut out the world.

Swift’s lyrics paint a picture of devoted fixation, with the protagonist so infatuated with their love that they tune out the world and invent fantastical stories to share with their beloved.

“Paris” represents idealization and a portal to a fantastical world, hence the allusion. It’s a beautiful tribute to how love can make its reality out of nothing.

Check out the video here.