Paris, the City of Light, is often considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world. With its rich history, unrivaled culture, and picturesque charm, it’s not surprising that it has inspired countless French songs over the years. These songs often touch on universal themes such as love, nostalgia, and the very essence of what makes Paris an unforgettable experience.
Through the words and melodies of these musical masterpieces, we discover a unique and intimate portrait of the French capital, which continues to seduce and enchant millions of people around the world.
Among the best French songs about Paris are songs that have crossed generations and continue to resonate deeply with listeners. Whether performed by iconic singers such as Édith Piaf or by contemporary artists, these songs reflect various facets of the city and capture the imagination of Parisians and visitors alike.
This selection of best French songs about Paris also includes more recent songs by Thomas Dutronc, Zaz, Oxmo Puccino, and Louise Attaque, all of whom have brought their own unique perspective on Paris. Whether you’re a lover of Paris or simply interested in discovering the city through its music, this selection of iconic songs is a great place to start.
French Songs about Paris from 1930-1950
- Paris sera toujours Paris – Maurice Chevalier (1939)
Maurice Chevalier is an important French singer who enjoyed great success in the 1930s and 1940s. He is best known for his French song “Paris Sera Toujours Paris”, which has become an anthem for the city of love. Written in 1939, just before World War II, it celebrates the beauty and greatness of Paris.
The lyrics celebrate the city’s cobbled streets, lively cafés, and romance. The song is a timeless classic that has been covered by many artists over the years. The song is a tribute to the City of Light and its people, who have always remained strong and united, even in the most difficult of times.
This French song about Paris also became a symbol of French resistance during the war. It was sung by French soldiers at the front and by resistance fighters in the streets of Paris. Even today, “Paris Sera Toujours Paris” is a very popular song in France and around the world.
Maurice Chevalier wrote many other songs about Paris, but “Paris Sera Toujours Paris” remains one of his finest creations. His light, joyful voice, and the song’s poetic lyrics are a moving tribute to the city of love and light.
Lien Spotify : Paris sera toujours Paris – Maurice Chevalier
- À Paris – Yves Montand (1948)
Yves Montand is a talented French actor and singer born in Italy in 1921. He is best known for his performances in films such as “Les Portes de la nuit” and “Le Salaire de la peur”. Montand was also an accomplished singer and recorded many famous songs in French.
He sang “À Paris” in 1948. In this song, Montand describes the beauty and magic of Paris, evoking the city’s iconic streets, monuments, and neighborhoods.
“À Paris” is a vibrant song with poetic lyrics and a catchy melody. The song illustrates the diversity and cultural richness of the city, as well as the friendliness and welcome of its inhabitants. Montand sings with passion and emotion, perfectly capturing the spirit of the city.
The song is a must for anyone who loves French music and the city of Paris. The song has become a veritable ode to the French capital and is still popular today.
Spotify Link: À Paris – Yves Montand
- Sous le ciel de Paris – Édith Piaf (1954)
French chanson legend Édith Piaf sang “Sous Le Ciel De Paris” in 1954. The song was written by Jean Dréjac and composed by Hubert Giraud.
The song is a poetic ballad describing moments of daily life under the Parisian sky. Piaf sings with emotion and sincerity, expressing the beauty and soul of the city.
This French song about Paris is a must for any lover of French music. It’s a tribute to the beauty of the city of Paris and its people. Édith Piaf’s poetic, romantic lyrics and powerful, moving voice add emotional depth to the song.
Spotify Link: Sous le ciel de Paris – Édith Piaf
French Songs about Paris in the 1960s
- Paris – Édith Piaf (1960)
Édith Piaf is one of Paris’ most emblematic singers. She was born in the city in 1915 and spent most of her life singing on its stages. Her unique, powerful voice captivated listeners the world over.
Édith Piaf’s songs are often associated with the city of Paris, as she spent most of her life singing there. She was also associated with Montmartre, the bohemian district of Paris where she began her career.
In 1960, she released “Paris”, a song about the beauty and unique atmosphere of the city. The song is marked by her powerful voice and passionate interpretation, which is typical of the artist.
Spotify Link: Paris – Édith Piaf
- Paname – Léo Ferré (1960)
Léo Ferré is a famous French singer and poet, born in Monaco on August 24, 1916. He wrote and performed many songs, including “Paname”, a familiar nickname for Paris, released in 1960.
“Paname” is a song that pays tribute to Paris, the city of love and light. In this song, Léo Ferré describes the beauty of the city and the lives of its inhabitants. The lyrics are poetic and moving, and the music is gentle and melancholy, creating a timeless work that continues to inspire people today…
This Parisian song was a big hit in France and has been covered by many artists. It has become a symbol of love for Paris and the French art of living. Today, “Paname” is considered one of the best French songs about Paris.
Spotify Link: Paname – Léo Ferré
- Les prénoms de Paris – Jacques Brel (1961)
In 1961, Jacques Brel, Belgian singer and lover of the capital, released “Les Prénoms De Paris”. In this song, with its nostalgic, romantic lyrics, Brel describes the city of Paris, comparing the different faces of the capital. He links events and emotions.
It pays tribute to the diversity and richness of the city’s history. “Les Prénoms De Paris” is a perfect example of how music can capture the essence of a city and its people. The song is still as popular today as it was when it was released in 1961, and remains a classic of French music.
Spotify Link: Les prénoms de Paris – Jacques Brel
- Sous le ciel de Paris – Yves Montand (1964)
Yves Montand, famous French actor, and singer, sang “Sous Le Ciel De Paris” in 1964. This song, written by Jean Dréjac and composed by Hubert Giraud, has become another classic of French music. “Sous le ciel de Paris” is a cover of the Julien Duvivier song released in 1951. It has also been covered by many other artists, including Édith Piaf, Juliette Gréco and Zaz.
This French song about Paris recounts a stroll through the city, where lovers cross paths and the streets are bustling with activity. Montand succeeds in conveying the light, romantic atmosphere of Paris.
In this song, Montand describes the city of Paris under a starry sky, evoking the beauty of the city at night. Yves Montand’s song remains a timeless testimony to the love and admiration the French feel for their capital city.
Spotify Link: Sous le ciel de Paris – Yves Montand
- Titi d’Paris – Léo Ferré (1964)
A song by Léo Ferré about the French capital, “Titi d’Paris”, released in 1964. This touching song tells the story of street children, typical of the working-class districts of Paris.
As for French vocabulary, “Titi” is Parisian slang for a child from Paris. We also hear the insult “Parigot” to describe the inhabitants of Paris. Finally, “Paname” is a nickname for the city of Paris.
The music is simple and catchy, with a cheerful melody that recalls the lively streets of Paris. This French song has been covered by many artists over the years, but Léo Ferré’s original version remains the best known.
Spotify link: Titi d’Paris – Léo Ferré
- J’aime Paris au mois de mai – Charles Aznavour (1964)
In 1964, world-famous French songwriter Charles Aznavour released “J’aime Paris au mois de mai”, in which he describes the joys of spring in the capital, evoking the parks, terraces, and atmosphere of renewal. Aznavour captures the seasonal beauty of Paris with poetic lyrics. The multilingual artist expresses his admiration for the city’s beauty and romance.
The song has become a classic of French music. It has been covered by many artists and is often used in films and TV shows to evoke the romantic atmosphere of the city.
Spotify link: J’aime Paris au mois de mai – Charles Aznavour
- Il est 5h du matin, Paris s’éveille – Jacques Dutronc (1968)
In 1968, Jacques Dutronc released “Il est 5h du matin, Paris s’éveille”. The song describes the city’s daily awakening, with its noises and lights. Dutronc immerses us in the morning energy of Paris.
The song describes the streets of Paris gradually coming to life, workers on their way to work, delivery men unloading their trucks, bakers preparing fresh bread, cafés opening their doors, and people starting their day.
The song has become a staple of French music and is often considered one of the best songs about Paris. It’s also known for its catchy chorus and driving rhythm.
Spotify link: Il est 5 h du matin, Paris s’éveille – Jacques Dutronc
French Songs about Paris in the 1970s
- Les Champs-Élysées – Joe Dassin (1969)
“Les Champs-Élysées”, is an iconic song about Paris. The song was written by Mike Deighan and Michael Wilshaw and first performed by Joe Dassin in 1969.
This song praises the famous Parisian avenue, the Champs-Élysées, as a place for romantic encounters and strolls. The song tells the story of a romantic stroll along the Champs-Elysées, a tree-lined avenue of cafés and luxury stores. Joe Dassin describes the Parisian atmosphere with a light, romantic touch.
Spotify link: Les Champs-Élysée – Joe Dassin
- Amoureux de Paname – Renaud (1975)
Renaud is a French singer well known for his committed songs and poetic lyrics. “Amoureux de Paname”, released in 1975, is a song Renaud wrote in his own style, recounting his love for the city of Paris.
He describes Paris in an unglamorous way, singing, for example, “Moi j’suis amoureux de Paname, du béton du macadam” (“I’m in love with Paname, with the concrete of the road”). In this song, Renaud expresses his passion for Parisian life, its streets, its buildings, and its unique atmosphere.
Spotify link: Amoureux de Paname – Renaud
- J’ai vu Paris – Charles Aznavour (1977)
In 1977, Charles Aznavour sang “J’ai vu Paris”, a tribute to the City of Light. In this song, Aznavour describes with emotion the Paris he knows and loves, evoking, in particular, its emblematic monuments, its popular districts, and its inhabitants.
This Parisian song is a true hymn to the French capital and its unique character. The song’s lyrics are poetic and cheerful, reflecting Aznavour’s love of the city. Lyrically, the song is reminiscent of Jacques Brel’s “Les prénoms de Paris”.
Spotify link: J’ai vu Paris – Charles Aznavour
French Songs about Paris from 1980-1990
- Paname City Rappin’ – Dee Nasty (1984)
Dee Nasty, whose real name is Daniel Bigeault, is a pioneer of French hip-hop. He is considered the first hip-hop DJ in France and played a key role in the spread of hip-hop in the country. In the 80s, he took part in the first hip-hop radio shows in France and was one of the main actors.
Dee Nasty released the song “Paname City Rappin'” in 1984. This song is considered an emblematic track from the early days of French rap. The song describes life in Paris and its overpopulation. Dee Nasty describes the reality of the streets of Paname (Paris’ nickname) with a serious tone.
Spotify link: Paname City Rappin’ – Dee Nasty
- Ici Paris – Noir Désir (1992)
Noir Désir is a French rock band formed in 1980. Their song “Ici Paris” is a signature track from their 1992 album “Tostaky”.
“Ici Paris” is a song about the city of Paris, its lights, its streets, and its people, with a rhythmic, catchy feel and a melody that stays in your head.
This French song about Paris begins with an introduction of guitar and drums, followed by the voice of Bertrand Cantat, the band’s extremely controversial singer (found guilty in 2004 of murdering his girlfriend). The band finally split up in 2010.
Spotify link: Ici Paris – Noir Désir
- Paris sous les bombes – Suprême NTM (1995)
Suprême NTM, the iconic rap group of the 90s (and still today), made their mark with the song “Paris sous les bombes” in 1995.
In this title, they depict a dark vision of the French capital. They tackle themes such as violence, social injustice and underprivileged neighborhoods. The duo, Kool Shen and JoeyStarr, make their point without concession. The song’s lyrics are a call to action for suburban youth, urging them to stand up against injustice and fight for their rights.
“Paris sous ses bombes” became an anthem for suburban youth and a symbol of the fight against injustice in France. The Parisian song is also considered a classic of French hip-hop and has influenced many artists in the genre.
You should listen to their song “Seine Saint-Denis Style” released in 1998. They proudly sing about their ghetto and how positively impactful their suburb has been.
Spotify link: Paris sous ses bombes – Suprême NTM
- Les nuits parisiennes – Louise Attaque (1997)
“Les nuits parisiennes” is a song by French rock band Louise Attaque, released in 1997. The song was a commercial and critical success, and is today considered one of the classics of French rock.
This French song about Paris begins with a gentle, melancholy introduction, with lyrics that evoke the beauty of the city at night. Then the pace quickens and the singer’s voice becomes more energetic, reflecting the effervescence of Parisian nightlife.
The track evokes Parisian nightlife, describing the city as an enchanting place where every night is a unique adventure. Singer Gaëtan Roussel’s voice and the band’s sound combine to capture the essence and energy of Parisian nights.
Spotify link: Les nuits parisiennes – Louise Attaque
French Songs about Paris from 2000-2020
- J’aime plus Paris – Thomas Dutronc (2007)
Thomas Dutronc, son of the famous Jacques Dutronc, released his song “J’aime plus Paris” in 2007. This song contrasts with songs about Paris in general, which are relatively positive about the French capital.
In this French song, he expresses a sense of tiredness about Parisian life, touching on themes such as pollution and the stress of living in the French capital. The song ends on an optimistic note, with Thomas Dutronc saying “Pourtant Paris, c’est toute ma vie, c’est la plus belle” (But Paris is my whole life, it’s the most beautiful place in the world).
Spotify link: J’aime plus Paris – Thomas Dutronc
- Paris – Rohff (2008)
Rohff, whose real name is Housni Mkouboi, is a French-Comorian rapper born in Moroni in 1977. He is considered one of the pillars of French rap. In 2008, he released his album “Le Code De L’horreur”, which includes the track “Paris”, a tribute to the city of light.
The French song about Paris unveils a production that feels like the 2000s. The song’s chorus is a hymn to the city of Paris, with a catchy melody that makes you want to dance. The track has become one of Rohff’s most popular songs and is often considered one of his best.
The song pays homage to the City of Light and shows a darker side of the capital. Rohff depicts the complexity of Paris and the different social dynamics that make it up. He also evokes the Eiffel Tower and the Champs-Élysées, famous monuments of the city.
Spotify link: Paris – Rohff
- Pam-Pa-Nam – Oxmo Puccino (2012)
Oxmo Puccino, famous French rapper, released “Pam-Pa-Nam” in 2012. This French song is a magnificent poetic tribute to the city of Paris and its emblematic neighborhoods.
In it, the rapper celebrates the city’s cultural diversity and offers a glimpse into the daily lives of its inhabitants. In the song, Oxmo Puccino describes Paris as a city full of contrasts, where beauty and ugliness rub shoulders. He also evokes the city’s social problems, such as poverty and violence.
Spotify link: Pam-Pa-Nam – Oxmo Puccino
- Paris sera toujours Paris – Zaz (2014)
Zaz, the French singer with jazz and gypsy influences, revisits the song “Paris sera toujours Paris” in 2014. Zaz pays tribute to the city of Paris and its timeless charm.
In this rendition, Zaz reminds us of her eternal love for the city of Paris, with references to its greatest monuments. The song opens with a gentle, nostalgic melody, evoking the romantic atmosphere of the city. Zaz’s voice is strong and moving.
Spotify link: Paris sera toujours Paris – Zaz
- Titi Parisien Remix – Seth Gueko / Oxmo Puccino / Nekfeu (2015)
In 2015, Seth Gueko, Oxmo Puccino, and Nekfeu collaborated to bring us “Titi Parisien Remix”. This song is a hymn to the streets of Paris and the urban atmosphere that reigns there.
The artists share their pride in being Parisians and remind us of the capital’s undeniable assets, while the rhythm is catchy and the lyrics were well written. This is a track that will appeal to all fans of French rap and all those who love Paris.
YouTube link: Titi Parisien Remix – Seth Gueko / Oxmo Puccino / Nekfeu
- Paris Tropical (Kazy Lambist Remix) – Minuit, Kazy Lambist (2018)
In 2018, producer Kazy Lambist decided to remix “Paris Tropical” by French band Minuit. The song is an invitation to rediscover the beauty of Paris.
Kazy Lambist’s remix of Minuit’s song “Paris Tropical” is a piece of electronic music that transports the listener to a world of vacations and sunshine. The catchy rhythms and tropical sounds give the song a summery feel.
The remix adds a modern touch to the original song. The singer’s voice is enhanced by the electronic arrangements, creating a perfect harmony between music and lyrics.
Spotify link: Paris Tropical (Kazy Lambist Remix) – Minuit, Kazy Lambist
- Paris – L’Impératrice (2018)
L’Impératrice is a French music group that was formed in 2012. Their musical style is a blend of disco, pop, funk, and electronic music. As a result, the song is catchy and upbeat.
In “Paris”, released in 2018, French band L’Impératrice evokes the city through a synthetic pop sound with disco undertones. The song highlights the nostalgia that often accompanies Parisian life and the dreams that surround it.
Spotify link: Paris – L’Impératrice
- Paris – Sofiane Pamart (2021)
Sofiane Pamart is a French pianist and composer from northern France. In 2021, artist Sofiane Pamart released his superb album “Planet God”, featuring the instrumental piano track “Paris”. This melodious composition depicts a soothing, elegant vision of the capital, offering a contrast with the previously mentioned songs.
Spotify link: Paris – Sofiane Pamart
In conclusion, French music has produced a range of unforgettable songs that beautifully capture the essence and allure of Paris. Melancholy ballads that evoke the poetic spirit of the city. These French songs about Paris have become timeless classics that resonate with audiences the world over.
Thanks to the enchanting power of music, artists have painted striking portraits of Paris, highlighting its romantic charm, architectural grandeur, and complex emotions it arouses.
They have become not only the city’s soundtrack but also a testimony to the enduring love affair between artists, Paris, and the universal language of music.
