24 World Famous French Female Singers That You Should Hear

France has long been celebrated for its rich cultural heritage, particularly in the realm of music. The country has produced some of the most iconic and influential female singers, whose voices have transcended borders and generations.

From the timeless classics of Édith Piaf to the contemporary sounds of Zaz, French female singers have captivated audiences with their powerful performances, emotive lyrics, and distinctive styles. This article explores the careers and contributions of some of the most famous French female singers, celebrating their impact on music and their enduring legacies.

Join us as we delve into the stories of these remarkable women who have shaped the soundtrack of France and beyond.

24 Most Famous French Female Singers of All Time

These artists have made significant contributions to French music and have achieved both national and international fame.

Here is a list of 24 famous French female singers spanning various genres and eras:

#1 Édith Piaf

Édith Piaf, born in 1915, is one of France’s most iconic and beloved singers. Known as “La Môme Piaf” (The Little Sparrow), her powerful, emotive voice and poignant songs earned her international acclaim. Piaf’s most famous songs include “La Vie en rose,” “Non, je ne regrette rien,” and “Hymne à l’amour.”

Her music often reflected her tumultuous personal life, marked by tragedy and romance. Piaf’s influence extends beyond her music; she became a symbol of French resilience and passion. Despite her early death at the age of 47, her legacy endures, and she remains a defining figure in French chanson.

#2 Françoise Hardy

Françoise Hardy, born in 1944, is a French singer, songwriter, and actress who became a leading figure in the yé-yé movement of the 1960s. Hardy’s debut single “Tous les garçons et les filles” (1962) catapulted her to fame, resonating with the youth of her time.

Her music blends pop, folk, and rock elements, characterized by introspective lyrics and her distinctive voice. Hardy’s influence extends to fashion, where her style became iconic. Over her career, she has released numerous albums, continually evolving her sound. Despite facing health challenges, Hardy’s contributions to music and culture have made her a beloved and enduring figure in French music.

#3 Dalida

Dalida, born Yolanda Cristina Gigliotti in 1933, was an Italian-Egyptian-French singer and actress who achieved great success in France and internationally. Her career spanned over three decades, during which she released numerous hits in multiple languages, including French, Italian, Arabic, and English.

Dalida’s most famous songs include “Bambino,” “Paroles, paroles,” and “Gigi l’amoroso.” Known for her glamorous image and emotional performances, she captivated audiences worldwide. Despite her professional success, Dalida’s personal life was marked by tragedy and heartbreak, culminating in her suicide in 1987. Her legacy endures, and she remains a significant figure in the history of French music.

#4 Vanessa Paradis

Vanessa Paradis, born in 1972, is a French singer, model, and actress who rose to fame as a teenager with her hit single “Joe le taxi” in 1987. The song topped the charts in France and internationally, establishing her as a pop sensation.

Paradis transitioned successfully into acting, starring in films such as “Noce Blanche” and “La Fille sur le Pont.” Her music career continued to flourish with albums like “Variations sur le même t’aime” and “Divinidylle.” Paradis’ versatility and talent have earned her numerous awards in both music and film. She remains a prominent figure in French entertainment, known for her distinctive voice and artistic contributions.

#5 Juliette Gréco

Juliette Gréco, born in 1927, was a French singer and actress who became a symbol of French bohemian culture. She began her career in the post-World War II era, becoming a muse for intellectuals and artists in Paris’s Saint-Germain-des-Prés district.

Gréco’s deep, expressive voice and poetic lyrics made her a leading figure in French chanson. Her repertoire includes songs like “Sous le ciel de Paris” and “Déshabillez-moi.” Gréco also enjoyed a successful acting career, appearing in films such as “The Sun Also Rises” and “Bonjour Tristesse.” Her influence on French music and culture was profound, and she continued to perform well into her later years until her death in 2020.

#6 France Gall

France Gall, born in 1947, was a French pop singer who achieved fame in the 1960s as part of the yé-yé movement. She won the Eurovision Song Contest in 1965 with the song “Poupée de cire, poupée de son,” written by Serge Gainsbourg.

Gall’s collaboration with Gainsbourg produced several hits, known for their playful and innovative style. In the 1970s and 1980s, she reinvented herself with a more mature sound, collaborating with her husband, composer Michel Berger. Hits like “Il jouait du piano debout” and “Ella, elle l’a” solidified her status as a French pop icon. Gall’s enduring appeal and contributions to French music remained significant until her death in 2018.

#7 Mireille Mathieu

Mireille Mathieu, born in 1946 in Avignon, France, is a renowned chanson and pop singer. Discovered on the television show “Télé-Dimanche” in 1965, she quickly rose to fame with her debut single “Mon Credo,” which sold over a million copies.

Mathieu’s powerful voice and traditional chanson style made her an international star, earning her the nickname “La Demoiselle d’Avignon.” She has recorded over 1200 songs in eleven languages and sold more than 150 million albums worldwide. Her repertoire includes hits like “La Paloma Adieu” and “Une Femme Amoureuse.” Mathieu’s enduring appeal and prolific output have solidified her status as one of France’s most beloved singers.

#8 Patricia Kaas

Patricia Kaas, born in 1966 in Forbach, France, is a prominent singer and actress known for her unique blend of chanson, jazz, and pop. She debuted in 1988 with the album “Mademoiselle chante…” which featured hits like “D’Allemagne” and “Mon mec à moi.”

Kaas’ smoky, sultry voice and dramatic delivery quickly garnered her a large following in France and abroad. Throughout her career, she has released several successful albums, including “Je te dis vous” and “Le mot de passe,” selling over 17 million records worldwide. Kaas has also acted in films and on stage, further showcasing her versatility. Her contributions to French music have earned her numerous awards and accolades.

#9 Zazie

Zazie, born Isabelle Marie Anne de Truchis de Varennes in 1964, is a celebrated French pop singer, songwriter, and former fashion model. She began her music career in the early 1990s and gained recognition with her debut album “Je, tu, ils” (1992), featuring the hit single “Sucré salé.”

Zazie’s music is known for its witty, introspective lyrics and eclectic sound, blending pop, rock, and electronic elements. Albums like “Zen” (1995) and “Made in Love” (1998) solidified her reputation as an innovative and influential artist. Zazie has also been a coach on the French version of “The Voice.” Her enduring success and creative contributions have made her a prominent figure in contemporary French music.

#10 Alizée

Alizée, born Alizée Jacotey in 1984 in Ajaccio, Corsica, is a French pop singer who gained fame in the early 2000s. Discovered by Mylène Farmer, she released her debut single “Moi… Lolita” in 2000, which became a massive hit in France and internationally. Her debut album “Gourmandises” (2000) and its follow-up “Mes courants électriques” (2003) were also highly successful.

Alizée’s music is characterized by catchy melodies and a youthful, energetic style. She took a brief hiatus before returning with a more mature sound in albums like “Psychédélices” (2007) and “Une enfant du siècle” (2010). Alizée’s impact on French pop music continues, and she remains a beloved figure in the industry.

#11 Brigitte Bardot

Brigitte Bardot, born in 1934 in Paris, France, is a legendary actress, singer, and fashion icon. While primarily known for her acting career and status as a sex symbol in the 1950s and 1960s, Bardot also had a successful music career. She collaborated with Serge Gainsbourg on several songs, including the controversial duet “Je t’aime… moi non plus.”

Bardot’s music often reflected her sultry image, with hits like “Harley Davidson” and “Contact.” Despite retiring from entertainment in the 1970s to focus on animal rights activism, Bardot’s influence on French culture and music remains significant. Her unique blend of beauty, talent, and charisma has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.

#12 Céline Dion

Céline Dion, born in 1968 in Charlemagne, Quebec, Canada, is an internationally acclaimed singer known for her powerful voice and emotive performances. Although primarily associated with Canadian and international music, Dion has had a significant impact on French music.

She began her career in the 1980s, achieving success in Francophone countries with hits like “D’amour ou d’amitié” and “Ne partez pas sans moi,” which won the Eurovision Song Contest in 1988. Dion’s French albums, such as “D’eux” (1995) and “Encore un soir” (2016), have been critically acclaimed and commercially successful. Her remarkable vocal range and ability to convey deep emotion have made her one of the best-selling artists of all time, with a lasting legacy in both French and global music.

#13 Carla Bruni

Carla Bruni, born in 1967 in Turin, Italy, is a French-Italian singer, songwriter, and former model who gained fame in the early 2000s. She transitioned from modeling to music with her debut album “Quelqu’un m’a dit” (2002), which was a critical and commercial success.

Bruni’s music is characterized by its intimate, acoustic style and poetic lyrics. Her subsequent albums, such as “No Promises” (2007) and “Comme si de rien n’était” (2008), continued to receive acclaim. Bruni also gained international attention as the First Lady of France, married to former French President Nicolas Sarkozy. Her artistic contributions and public life have made her a notable figure in contemporary French culture.

#14 Zaz

Zaz, born Isabelle Geffroy in 1980 in Tours, France, is a contemporary French singer known for her eclectic mix of jazz, soul, and acoustic pop music. She gained widespread recognition with her self-titled debut album “Zaz” in 2010, featuring the hit single “Je veux,” which became an anthem for a new generation.

Her unique voice, characterized by its raw and expressive quality, and her engaging live performances have made her a favorite both in France and internationally. Zaz’s subsequent albums, including “Recto Verso” and “Effet miroir,” have continued to showcase her versatile musical talent. Her ability to blend various genres while maintaining a distinct French flavor has earned her numerous awards and a loyal fan base.

#15 Christine and the Queens (Héloïse Letissier)

Héloïse Letissier, known by her stage name Christine and the Queens, is a French singer, songwriter, and producer born in 1988 in Nantes, France. She debuted in 2014 with the album “Chaleur Humaine,” which received critical acclaim and commercial success, especially with the hit single “Tilted.”

Letissier’s music blends synth-pop, indie, and art pop with deeply personal and often introspective lyrics. Her performances are known for their theatrical and choreographed elements, drawing inspiration from drag and queer culture. Christine and the Queens’ follow-up albums, such as “Chris” (2018), have further solidified her reputation as an innovative and influential artist in contemporary music. Her work has earned her numerous awards and a strong international following.

#16 Mylène Farmer

Mylène Farmer, born in 1961 in Pierrefonds, Quebec, Canada, is one of France’s most successful and enigmatic pop stars. She moved to France at a young age and began her career in the 1980s with the hit single “Maman a tort.” Known for her distinctive voice, provocative lyrics, and elaborate music videos, Farmer has cultivated a mysterious and seductive image.

Her albums, including “Ainsi soit je…” (1988), “L’autre…” (1991), and “Innamoramento” (1999), have sold millions of copies, making her one of the best-selling French artists of all time. Farmer’s influence extends beyond music to fashion and visual arts, and she remains a significant figure in French pop culture.

#17 Jacqueline Taïeb

Jacqueline Taïeb, born in 1948 in Tunis, Tunisia, is a French singer-songwriter known for her contributions to the yé-yé movement of the 1960s. She gained fame with her debut single “7 heures du matin” in 1967, which became a hit with its catchy melody and playful lyrics.

Taïeb’s music often featured a blend of pop, rock, and psychedelic influences, capturing the spirit of the era. Despite a relatively short period of active recording, her work has had a lasting impact on French pop music. Taïeb’s songs continue to be celebrated for their charm and innovation, and she remains an influential figure in the history of French pop.

#18 Lara Fabian

Lara Fabian, born in 1970 in Etterbeek, Belgium, is a Belgian-Canadian singer known for her powerful voice and emotional ballads. She began her career in the late 1980s and gained fame with her debut album “Lara Fabian” in 1991. Fabian’s ability to sing in multiple languages, including French, English, Italian, and Spanish, has broadened her international appeal.

Her hits, such as “Je t’aime,” “Tout,” and “Adagio,” have become classics. Fabian’s versatility and vocal range have earned her numerous awards and a devoted fan base. She continues to release successful albums and perform worldwide, solidifying her status as a leading figure in contemporary pop and ballad music.

#19 Barbara

Barbara, born Monique Andrée Serf in 1930 in Paris, France, was a legendary French singer-songwriter and actress known for her deeply emotional and poetic music. She began her career in the 1950s, performing in Parisian cabarets, and gained recognition with her album “Barbara chante Barbara” (1964). Barbara’s music often dealt with themes of love, loss, and existential reflection, delivered with her distinctive voice and poignant lyrics.

Some of her most famous songs include “L’Aigle noir,” “Nantes,” and “Ma plus belle histoire d’amour.” Her unique ability to convey profound emotion through her music earned her a dedicated following and lasting legacy. Barbara’s influence on French chanson remains significant, and she is celebrated as one of France’s most important musical figures.

#20 Jane Birkin

Jane Birkin, born in 1946 in London, England, is an Anglo-French actress and singer who became an iconic figure in French pop culture. She gained widespread fame in the late 1960s through her personal and professional partnership with Serge Gainsbourg. Their provocative duet “Je t’aime… moi non plus” became a massive hit and cemented her status as a pop icon. Birkin’s breathy, distinctive voice and effortless style made her a beloved figure in France.

She released several successful albums, both solo and in collaboration with Gainsbourg. Beyond music, Birkin is also an acclaimed actress, known for her roles in films such as “Blow-Up” and “La Piscine.” Her contributions to music, film, and fashion have made her a lasting cultural icon.

#21 Camille

Camille, born Camille Dalmais in 1978 in Paris, France, is a singer-songwriter known for her innovative approach to music and her eclectic style. She first gained attention with her debut album “Le Sac des filles” (2002), but it was her second album, “Le Fil” (2005), that brought her widespread acclaim.

“Le Fil” is notable for its continuous drone that runs through the entire album, showcasing her creativity and willingness to experiment. Camille’s music blends pop, folk, and avant-garde influences, and her vocal versatility allows her to explore various sounds and textures. Subsequent albums like “Music Hole” and “Ilo Veyou” have further established her as a unique and influential artist in contemporary French music.

#22 Sheila

Sheila, born Annie Chancel in 1945 in Créteil, France, is a pop singer who rose to fame in the 1960s and became one of France’s best-loved pop icons. Her career began with the hit single “L’école est finie” (1963), which quickly propelled her to stardom. Sheila’s music evolved over the decades, encompassing yé-yé, disco, and pop styles.

She achieved international success in the late 1970s with the disco group Sheila and B. Devotion, particularly with the hit single “Spacer.” Sheila’s enduring appeal and ability to adapt to changing musical trends have kept her in the public eye for over five decades. She remains a beloved figure in French pop culture.

#23 Ingrid Chauvin

Ingrid Chauvin, born in 1973 in Argenteuil, France, is primarily known as an actress rather than a singer. She gained fame for her roles in French television series such as “Femmes de loi,” “Dolmen,” and “Les Toqués.” While Chauvin has not had a significant singing career, her popularity as a television actress has made her a well-known figure in French entertainment.

Her performances have earned her critical acclaim and a loyal fan base. Chauvin’s work in television has solidified her status as one of France’s most respected actresses, and she continues to be a prominent presence in French media.

#24 Imany

Imany, born Nadia Mladjao in 1979 in Martigues, France, is a singer-songwriter known for her deep, soulful voice and blend of folk, soul, and blues music. She began her career as a model before transitioning to music. Imany’s debut album “The Shape of a Broken Heart” (2011) was a critical and commercial success, featuring the hit single “You Will Never Know.” Her music often deals with themes of love, heartbreak, and social issues, delivered with her distinctive and emotive voice.

Imany’s second album, “The Wrong Kind of War” (2016), further established her as a powerful voice in contemporary music. Her ability to connect with audiences through her heartfelt lyrics and soulful sound has earned her a dedicated following.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is considered the “Queen of Chanson” and what are her most famous songs?

Édith Piaf is considered the “Queen of Chanson” due to her powerful voice and emotive performances. Her most famous songs include “La Vie en rose” and “Non, je ne regrette rien,” which have become timeless classics.

Which French singer gained international fame with the song “Joe le taxi” as a teenager?

Vanessa Paradis gained international fame as a teenager with her hit song “Joe le taxi” in 1987. The song topped charts in France and several other countries, establishing her as a pop sensation.

Who won the Eurovision Song Contest for France in 1965, and with which song?

France Gall won the Eurovision Song Contest for France in 1965 with the song “Poupée de cire, poupée de son,” written by Serge Gainsbourg. The song’s playful and innovative style captured the audience’s attention, leading to her victory.

Which French singer is known for blending pop, jazz, and soul, and gained recognition with the hit single “Je veux”?

Zaz is known for blending pop, jazz, and soul in her music, and she gained widespread recognition with her hit single “Je veux” in 2010. Her unique voice and engaging performances have made her a favorite both in France and internationally.