France holds a special place as one of the founding members of the Eurovision Song Contest, having participated since its inaugural year in 1956. This year’s event in Liverpool marks France’s impressive 67th appearance in the contest!

France has been a consistent participant in the Eurovision Song Contest, with the exceptions of 1974 and 1982, when they chose to withdraw from the competition. Although they have clinched five victories, seven second places, and seven third places over the years, their greatest successes primarily occurred during the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s.

In recent years, France has faced challenges in securing strong placements in the Eurovision Song Contest. This can be attributed partly to the increased number of participating countries, making it more difficult for France to stand out amidst the competition. Furthermore, the implementation of televoting has intensified the competition, pitting French entries against more widely recognized and popular acts from other nations. Additionally, occasional missteps in the selection process by French broadcasters have contributed to less favourable outcomes in the contest.

Nevertheless, France has been actively striving to enhance its performance in recent years, yielding some notable successes. For instance, in 2016, France achieved a top-five finish with the song “J’ai cherché” by Amir, showcasing their potential for excellence in the competition.

Barbara Pravi‘s rendition of “Voilà” garnered widespread acclaim during the Eurovision Song Contest 2021, positioning her as a strong contender for victory. The song, a poignant and emotive ballad, served as a platform for showcasing Pravi’s distinctive vocals and artistic flair. Complemented by impactful staging and visuals, the performance effectively conveyed the heartfelt message of the song. Ultimately, Pravi’s memorable delivery secured her a commendable second-place finish, solidifying her status as a standout artist in the competition.

France has secured a Top 10 position an impressive 39 times over six decades of Eurovision participation, equating to an approximate 58% chance of achieving a favourable placement overall.

Renowned for its chansons and ballads, France has diversified its Eurovision repertoire in recent years, introducing French pop tunes to the competition. Notable examples include “Divine” by Sébastian Tellier and “Allez Olla Olé” by Jessy Matador, both of which have enjoyed success on international charts.

Throughout Eurovision history, France has been represented by notable figures such as Patricia Kaas, Natasha St. Pierre, and Patrick Fiori, although a victory has eluded them. However, in 1977, Marie Myriam captured the hearts of juries with “L’Oiseau Et L’Enfant,” securing a monumental victory and widespread acclaim across Europe. Despite this triumph over 40 years ago, France has encountered challenges in replicating similar levels of success since then.

As a member of the Big 5 countries, France benefits from automatic qualification for the Grand Final, alongside Germany, the UK, Spain, and Italy, affording them a prestigious position in the Eurovision landscape.