As I was putting together the chapter openings for my upcoming cookbook Tasting Paris, I was inspired to illustrate each with a few lines from a beautiful French song about Paris. (I’ve got to admit, I’m pretty pleased with this idea; I hope my editor keeps it in.)
Wanting to expand beyond my own knowledge of Paris-inspired songs, I asked my Facebook friends — such a clever, resourceful bunch — to suggest their own favorites. The resulting collection was so uplifting and brought me so much joy I couldn’t keep it to myself, so here it is, for your enjoyment.
You can listen to the songs individually, or play the whole bunch using this YouTube playlist or
Spotify playlist I created for you (and for me).
Do you have one you love that’s not included here? (Note: I decided to stick to French-language songs as a theme here, but feel free to submit songs in other languages!)
Classic Songs about Paris
“J’ai deux amours”, Josephine Baker
“Les Prénoms de Paris”, Jacques Brel
“Paris”, Edith Piaf
“À Paris”, Yves Montand
“Sous le ciel de Paris”, Yves Montand
“Paris mai”, Claude Nougaro
“Les Champs Élysées”, Joe Dassin
“Revoir Paris”, Charles Trenet
“Revoir Paris” cover by Benjamin Biolay
“La romance de Paris”, Charles Trenet
“Paris en colère”, Mireille Mathieu
“L’âme des poètes”, Charles Trenet
“La Valse à Mille Temps”, Jacques Brel
“La Valse à Mille Temps” cover by Babel
Free Download for Paris Lovers!
