Chanson masterpieces. Recommended popular songs.
A roundup of chansons, all in one go!
We’ve curated a wide range—from those famous hidden gems known to aficionados to the latest, slightly under-the-radar French music!
We also include tracks by lesser-known artists, so if you’re looking for stylish, high-sense French tunes, this is a must-see!
Chanson enjoyed huge popularity in Japan in the 1960s.
Even if you’re not familiar with chanson, listening to older tracks can evoke a warm sense of nostalgia, right?
We’ve picked out those nostalgic songs too, so be sure to check them out!
- Everything is stylish! Popular music in France
- Edith Piaf Popular Song Rankings [2026]
- [Nostalgic Collection] Classic oldies masterpieces. Recommended popular songs
- [Touching the Heart] Timeless Ballad Masterpieces. A Collection of Unfading Classics and the Latest Songs [2026]
- Chanson masterpieces. Recommended popular songs.
- Summary of French music genres
- Recommended Western music for women in their 60s: world classics and popular songs
- Stylish Western music: Chic hidden gems that only the in-the-know recognize make an appearance!
- For those of you who want to discover French singers and musicians: standout artists
- [Tango] Famous Tango Songs: Recommended Popular Tracks
- [Classics] Famous waltzes: recommended popular pieces
- Famous songs recommended for musical beginners
- Masterpieces of contemporary (art) music. Recommended popular pieces.
Chanson masterpieces: Recommended popular songs (21–30)
Göttingen (Göttingen)Barbara
The song that makes you swoon with the beautiful French intonation and melody of the legendary chanson singer Barbara is the gem of a masterpiece, “Göttingen.” As you listen, its overwhelming beauty leaves such a deep impression that tears naturally well up—it’s a truly wonderful piece.
The Soul of Poets (L’âme des Poètes)Juliette Gréco
Juliette Gréco, a grand dame of French chanson, sings “The Poet’s Soul” in a way that makes you listen, entranced.
Her slightly husky voice and conversational style intertwine with the beautiful melody to create a dreamy, intoxicating rapture—an exceptional song.
“The Poet’s Soul” was written and composed by Charles Trenet in 1951, and he also performed it himself.
Tell me words of love.Lucienne Boyer
“Parlez-moi d’amour” is one of the representative songs of French chanson.
Written and composed by Jean Renoir in 1930 and sung by Lucienne Boyer, it became immensely popular.
It has been covered by many artists and remains a classic of the chanson repertoire.
Heard in Nana Mouskouri’s clear, pure voice, “Parlez-moi d’amour” is filled with gentleness and brings a sense of calm.
The Hill of Montmartre (La complainte de la butte)Cora Vaucaire
A classic chanson that evokes the image of a beautiful hill swept by a refreshing, invigorating breeze is La complainte de la butte, about the Hill of Montmartre.
The song is sung by Cora Vaucaire, known as the “White Lady of Saint‑Germain‑des‑Prés,” and she is also famous as the chanson singer who first made Autumn Leaves a hit.
La MerMireille Mathieu
Mireille Mathieu, a singer who represents France, is a female chanson artist endowed with a natural gift whose vocal prowess and expressive power move and delight listeners.
Born in the city of Avignon into a poor family with 14 children, she moved to Paris at 16, won a television singing contest with Édith Piaf’s Hymn to Love, and from there rose on her own merits to become one of the world’s top artists.