When it comes to French music, many people probably think of chanson or French pop.
In fact, France has many musicians who effortlessly cross genre boundaries.
From electro to hip-hop to rock, there are quite a few artists who captivate listeners around the world with their unique sensibilities.
In this article, we’ll be introducing plenty of such singers and musicians from France.
Encounters with music you’ve never heard before might just add a splash of color to your everyday life!
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For those who want to discover French singers and musicians: Notable Artists (1–10)
JOUR 1NEW!Louane
Louane, the French artist who starred in the film La Famille Bélier and was acclaimed for both her acting and singing, rose to prominence on a 2013 audition show, and her debut album Chambre 12, released in 2015, became a record-breaking hit.
She also boasts a distinguished acting career, having won the César Award for Most Promising Actress, one of the highest honors in French cinema.
Her appeal lies in French pop imbued with genuine, relatable emotion, and in recent years she made major headlines by representing France at Eurovision 2025.
If you want to experience first-rate artistry from both an actress and a singer, be sure to check her out.
Avant qu’elle parteNEW!Sexion d’Assaut
Sexion d’Assaut is a rap group that’s indispensable when discussing the French hip-hop scene.
Formed in 2002 as a Paris-based collective, they’re known for members like Gims and Black M who have also found success as solo artists.
Their music is characterized by a style that blends powerful rap with pop melodies and dance beats.
Their album L’Apogée, released in March 2012, was a massive hit, certified diamond and winning major awards such as the NRJ Music Awards.
Seamlessly fusing technical rap skills with broad appeal, they’re a highly recommended group for anyone looking to get into French rap.
Be sure to check out their sound, which continues to be celebrated as legendary.
Balance Ton QuoiNEW!Angèle
Angèle is a singer-songwriter from Belgium.
If you’re familiar with French music, you’ve probably heard her name.
Raised in a family of entertainers, she’s known for her pop sound that blends piano and electro.
She released the album “Brol” in 2018, and songs like “Tout oublier,” a collaboration with her brother, became hits.
At the Victoires de la Musique awards, she won multiple honors, including the 2019 Best New Album.
Her down-to-earth approach—such as taking a break after her 2023 tour—is also part of her appeal.
She’s the perfect artist for anyone who wants to listen to contemporary French pop.
“Balance ton quoi” is one of her signature tracks that showcases her sensibility.
Tout savoirNEW!Adé
Ade, a Paris-born singer-songwriter who blossomed as a solo artist after her band career.
She first gained prominence as the vocalist of Therapy Taxi, a band formed in 2016, and now draws attention with a distinctive style that blends pop with country and rock.
Her album “Et alors ?,” released in September 2022, sparked a strong response as a new starting point.
Her talent is widely recognized—she was nominated in the Francophone Newcomer category at the 2022 NRJ Music Awards—building a brilliant career even after going solo.
Her sound, which harmonizes the urban energy of her band days with a folk-rock resonance, is a must-hear.
If you enjoy genre-defying, free-spirited sounds, be sure to check her out.
One more timeDaft Punk
Daft Punk, the French electro duo with worldwide popularity, have released a wide range of tracks centered on techno and house.
One of their biggest appeals is, without a doubt, their sampling.
Many of the sources they sample are extremely niche, and when you listen to the original tracks, you can really appreciate their high level of arranging skills.
One More Time is one of their signature hit songs and became a massive success around the world.
Eblouie par la nuitZAZ
Zaz is currently the artist most loved by listeners in France.
She’s an internationally acclaimed musician whose unique appeal lies in blending a variety of genres, including jazz and Latin music.
Above all, her greatest strengths are her expressive power and her voice.
With a very husky tone, her voice is guaranteed to stick in your ears after just one listen.
Among her songs, Eblouie par la nuit stands out as one of the most emotional works, notable for its philosophical lyrics.
Trop FreshMonsieur Nov
Mr.
Nobu, a Vietnamese R&B singer.
He was born in Vietnam but moved to France, where he has developed most of his career.
While he is an R&B singer, his songs strongly reflect neo-soul influences.
So if you like artists such as D’Angelo or Bilal, he comes highly recommended.
His track “Trop Fresh” is one of his most stylish and sophisticated melodies.
Be sure to check it out.