“It’s 5 o’clock… Paris, s’éveille!”… If you’ve never heard Jacques Dutronc’s iconic refrain, are you really from Paris? For true Parigots, newcomers and provincials alike, we’ve compiled the best music to capture the soul of the capital.
1) Sous le ciel de Paris, Edith Piaf
How can we begin this list without Edith Piaf herself, La Môme? This delightful song tells the story of Paris as few others have, and transports you to the capital in 1954.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKEzDfFiRBs
2) La Bohême, Charles Aznavour
Another classic that’s obligatory from the start. A painter’s youth in Paris, sung and recounted by one of France’s greatest songwriters– what better way to get nostalgic?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fVfnEyLOkrM
3) Pam Pa Nam, Oxmo Puccino
Hop, we change registers, with the rapper Oxmo Puccino, who pays tribute to Paris, its greyness as well as its sweetness… Just listen:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OTZhGDcK82k
4) La Seine, M and Vanessa Paradis
How could we not include the magnificent soundtrack to the film Un Monstre à Paris ? Vanessa Paradis and M sing of the river in this rousing ballad. Listen next, Pa Panam also from the film.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Z-NbQvhzKM
5) A Day in Paris, Miles Davis
To speak of Paris without mentioning jazz is to miss out on a large part of the city’s musical history. Miles Davis himself is closely associated with our beloved Paris, having composed the soundtrack for Louis Malle’sAscenseur pour l’échafaud. Listen to this passion, and the soul of Paris captured by the trumpeter:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9z8Ot6tXSFk
6) Paris By Night, Bénabar
You can say what you like about Bénabar, but if Paris By Night doesn’t sum up the euphoric, haphazard and joyously chaotic essence of Parisian nightlife, you can do better.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mYApOnwUnLI&feature=emb_title
7) Il est cinq heures, Paris s’éveille, Jacques Dutronc
Jacques Dutronc ‘ s inescapable Tribute, the soul of Paris recounted, the exaltation of the morning and the bustle of Parisians, sings the immortality of the Parisian atmosphere. Timeless, never really asleep, Paris is at its most beautiful in this anthem.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7whXkifG_ms
8) Paris, Edith Piaf
Yes, we’ve already put in Edith Piaf. But have you really had enough of this unique, magnificent voice that sings Paris like no one else can? “Paris, I think of you constantly”…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lMoSxYoV7cI
9) Les Champs-Élysées, Joe Dassin
Another French chanson staple, Tribute to the world’s most famous avenue, with the wonderful voice of Joe Dassin. Join us for a stroll along the Champs-Élysées!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tDWeLlvYyYU
10) Sur Paname, PNL
Paris is also a facade, hiding in its suburbs the misery, the desire to get by and the melancholy of life. If PNL isn’t the perfect representation of this facet of Paname, we can’t think of anyone else. On Paname, is the harsh past of two brothers, who see Paris from their suburb.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xX3qrI_tt8s
11) J’ai deux amours, Joséphine Baker
Good or bad, Paris leaves no one indifferent. It’s hard not to fall in love with the City of Light, as Joséphine Baker the legendary American singer who has made Paris her adopted home.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gRfrUdsL4Pk
12) Les Prénoms de Paris, Jacques Brel
A love story told through the monuments of Paris, sung by the gentle voice of Jacques Brel… A declaration of love to a woman or to Paris, the choice is yours.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BCSIGNBGjIo
13) Revoir Paris, Charles Trénet
If the previous Tribute can be interpreted as a declaration of love for Paris, Revoir Paris leaves no room for doubt. A true child of Paris, Charles Trenet expresses here his longing for the capital, its habits and favorite places, and his desire to see his Paris again.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TLpJGjI3aB8
14) Les nuits parisiennes, Louise Attaque
A more recent classic that we’ve all heard at least once. Louise Attaque is the unsatisfied Parisian, who always wants more but always returns to his beloved habits: Parisian nights, better than Brazilian evenings and beautiful evenings in Siena.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKTo75EHrFI
15) Titiparisien – Remix, Seth Gueko, Nekfeu, Oxmo Puccino
The Parisian rap scene (and the surrounding area) is undeniably the best of French rap: Nekfeu (and 1995, S-Crew, l’Entourage…), PNL, Seth Gueko, Booba, Niska, Vald… The list goes on and on. Here,Seth Gueko pays as much tribute to the city as to the musical heritage and the culture it offers us.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NY5Xtc6YuCg