Music to explore and enjoy

Michel Polnareff - On ira tous au paradis by William974

IF the sun is shining where you are, and even if it's not, here is a taste of some of my favourite French music from both the past and more recently.

And with many a music festival or village fête set to take place over the coming months, we open with Michel Polnareff as you can be pretty sure he will get an outing at late night discos and I know my pal Julia will be singing along already.

Below are a few more clips featured on YouTube you can click on through to watch.

Face à la Mer - Calogero
You couldn't get away from this song a couple of summers ago as it seemed to be on every radio station on the hour, it is still a great rock/rap number.

Les Voyages en Train - Grand Corps Malade
A poetic, simple song from Fabien Marsaud, otherwise known as Grand Corps Malade, who is described as a slam poet, yet his music slides over and around you rather than attacks you.

Paris au Mois d'Août - Charles Aznavour
How great is this song? Charles Aznavour takes you by the hand through the streets of Paris and the regrets of young lovers whilst the smoke of a Gitanes cigarette hangs in the air.

Mon Pays - Faudel
The music of Paris-born, but Algerian influenced, Faudel captures the influence of two continents where he explores his French life as well as Algeria, the country of his parents and family.

Dès que j'te Vois - Vanessa Paradis
Pure pop of the highest quality from Vanessa Paradis and if you click on through some of the related videos you will cross some classics like Be My Baby.

La Javanaise - Pauline Croze
Another musician I can't stop listening to and this acoustic version of the Serge Gainsbourg classic is best played with the volume turned up, glass in hand, as the sun sets.

Caravane - Raphael
Don't let the winter setting put you off, this song has summer festival anthem written all the way through it, although I'm not sure where the strange ending comes from.

Le Vent Nous Portera - Noir Desir
A great piece of French rock music from Noir Desir, but whose dark video mirrors the life of the band's lead singer Bertrand Cantat.

Frog 'n' Snail - The Lovers
Rounding off with a bit of fun from The Lovers who take a tour of the hills outside Sheffield and who clearly draw an influence from the French music of the 60s and 70s.