20 Songs to Discover Paris Through Music
Paris in Songs: A Wounded City

Paris: A City Wounded

Paris has experienced war, a difficult and destructive period. During World War II (1939–1945), France was under German occupation. This era, commonly referred to as “the Occupation,” inspired many artists.Absolutely French

• “Les loups sont entrés dans Paris” – Serge Reggiani
  Written by Albert Vidalie, this song is considered an allegory of the German army’s entry into Paris and a tribute to the Resistance.

• “Paris en colère” – Mireille Mathieu
  This song reflects the determination of the Resistance. It echoes General de Gaulle’s famous speech on August 25, 1944: “Paris outraged! Paris broken! But Paris liberated!”

• “Paris sera toujours Paris” – Maurice Chevalier
  This song evokes the French people’s preparation for combat. At that time, war with Germany seemed inevitable, and the government was preparing to defend the capital.

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Paris: A City of Hope

After the rain comes the sunshine. Gradually, Paris recovered from the war years and regained hope.

• “Il est 5 heures, Paris s’éveille” – Jacques Dutronc
  This song tells the authentic story of a Parisian morning, blending work, love, and nightlife.

• “Sous le ciel de Paris” – Édith Piaf
  With a tone of freedom and poetry, this song brings the capital to life.

• “Paris t’es belle” – Mickey 3D
  This song captures the Parisian spirit, intertwining football, tourism, and celebration.

• “Amoureux de Paname” – Renaud
  An ode to the French capital, its monuments, and its poetic charm.

• “À Paris” – Yves Montand
  A long-standing tribute to Paris’s beauty, expressed through love.

Paris: A Secret City, Breathe It In!

Paris is a city with many facets, hiding numerous secrets.

• “La Seine” – Vanessa Paradis & -M-
  A beautiful homage to the Seine, the river that flows through Paris. This song is from the film “Un monstre à Paris” by Eric Bergeron, released in 2011.

• “Dans ma rue” – Doc Gyneco (18th Arrondissement)
  In this song, Doc Gyneco describes life in the 18th arrondissement of Paris. He paints a raw and contrasted portrait of his neighborhood, far from the romanticized image many have of the capital. Born on May 10, 1974, in Clichy-sous-Bois (Seine-Saint-Denis), Bruno Beausir, known as Doc Gynéco, is a French singer, rapper, songwriter, and producer originally from the 18th arrondissement.
• “Paris” – Camille
  This song criticizes and rejects the capital for its uncleanliness—its gray sky, metro vents, dirty sidewalks, and the color of the Seine. Camille Dalmais, born March 10, 1978, in Paris, is a French singer, songwriter, and actress.
• “Parisvélib” – Philippe Katerine
  The city never sleeps! “Parisvélib” is a nighttime bike ride through Paris, set to music. Born Philippe Blanchard on December 8, 1968, in Thouars (Deux-Sèvres), Philippe Katerine is a French singer-songwriter, actor, director, and writer. His music career took off in 1991 with the album Les Mariages Chinois.
• “Ça balance pas mal à Paris” – France Gall & Michel Berger
  In this song, Michel Berger compares Paris to America. France Gall (1947–2018) was a beloved French pop singer. Michel Berger (1947–1992), born Michel Hamburger, was a renowned pianist, songwriter, artistic director, and music arranger—and France Gall’s husband.
• “Le poinçonneur des Lilas” – Serge Gainsbourg
  Back then, the “poinçonneur” was a subway ticket inspector who punched holes in tickets, turning them into confetti. “Les Lilas” refers to the Paris Métro station Porte des Lilas (line 3b). This job disappeared in 1973 with the introduction of turnstiles. Gainsbourg tells the story of this underground worker, buried six meters below the surface, living a tough life. Serge Gainsbourg (1928–1991) was a legendary French songwriter known for his poetic, often provocative lyrics. He was famously in a relationship with Jane Birkin for over a decade.
• “Pigalle” – Pigalle
  Pigalle is a district straddling Paris’s 9th and 18th arrondissements. Once infamous and poorly regarded, the neighborhood has transformed significantly. The band Pigalle, formed in 1982, blends folk rock, pop rock, and alternative rock, led by its unique frontman François Hadji-Lazaro.
• “Bienvenue à Paris” – Vitaa
  Paris is a multicultural and cosmopolitan city, and that’s where its strength and richness lie. Born March 14, 1983, in Mulhouse, Charlotte Gonin—better known as Vitaa—is a French R’n’B singer and songwriter of French-Italian origin.

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Paris in Songs: A Romantic City Loved by Foreigners!
Paris in Songs: The Romantic City

Of course, you can’t talk about Paris without mentioning love!

• “Paris, c’est une blonde” – Mistinguett
  By personifying the capital as a blonde woman, Mistinguett captures the irresistible charm of Paris. Jeanne Florentine Bourgeois (1875–1956), known as Mistinguett, was a famous French singer and actress. She performed extensively at the Moulin Rouge and had a long relationship with Maurice Chevalier. Together, they were iconic stars of the 1920s.
• “Paris au mois d’août” – Charles Aznavour
  A beautiful, nostalgic love story. If there’s one month made for love, it’s August. This song, inspired by the film Paris in August, tells the story of a romantic encounter between a man and a woman. Charles Aznavour (1924–2018) was a legendary French-Armenian singer-songwriter, actor, and author, beloved in France.
• “Les prénoms de Paris” – Jacques Brel
  Jacques Brel (1929–1978), originally from Belgium, was a poet, singer-songwriter, actor, and film director. His songs are cult classics in France—such as Amsterdam, La Valse à mille temps, Quand on n’a que l’amour, Vesoul… His charisma, powerful voice, and intense presence continue to inspire today’s artists.
• “La Seine” – M & Vanessa Paradis
  A beautiful tribute to the Seine, the river that flows through Paris. This song is from the animated film A Monster in Parisby Eric Bergeron (2011), which tells the story of a gentle monster causing panic in the capital. A must for any Paris-themed playlist.
  Mathieu Chedid, born December 21, 1971, in Boulogne-Billancourt, known as “M”, is a French singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and guitarist. “I chose the ‘M’ for love, and the fantasy of the soul.”
  Vanessa Paradis, born December 22, 1972, in Saint-Maur-des-Fossés, is a French singer, actress, and model. She became famous at age 14 with her hit song Joe le taxi, and now enjoys a successful career in both music and film.

_With Absolutely French: Learn French and discover Paris in all its forms!
Paris in songs – from its culture, monuments, artists, history, and gastronomy… The capital is full of surprises!

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