French wedding songs are the heartbeat of a romantic celebration. From walking down the aisle to dancing until dawn, music sets the tone for every unforgettable moment of your 2026 wedding. To help you decide on what songs to play at your wedding, we’ve created this guide of 22 handpicked French wedding songs, blending elegant classics with modern French hits.
Let’s dance away and get stuck in:
Table of Contents
French Wedding Songs to Walk Down the Aisle (Cérémonie d’entrée)
Choosing a song to walk down the aisle to can be daunting, it’s a special moment, that’s why we’ve selected some of our favourite French wedding songs to walk down the aisle to help you out.
La Vie en Rose – Édith Piaf
A timeless classic that wraps your entrance in pure romance.
Je l’Aime à Mourir – Francis Cabrel
A tender, poetic ballad that speaks of deep devotion—ideal for a heartfelt wedding ceremony moment.
Et si tu n’existais pas – Joe Dassin
A soulful love song celebrating the meaning of true connection, creating an unforgettable atmosphere on your wedding day.
L’amoureuse – Carla Bruni
Gentle, poetic, and deeply romantic – perfect for an intimate wedding entrance or first dance.
Comme des Enfants – Cœur de Pirate
Sweet and whimsical with a modern French touch, adding charm and lightness to your wedding soundtrack.
Mon Amour – Slimane
A heartfelt declaration of passion and devotion, making it an emotional highlight for any romantic celebration.
✨ Bonus tip: Mix in a few instrumental versions of classics (like La Vie en Rose on violin or accordion) for moments like walking down the aisle or aperitif. It keeps the mood elegant without distracting lyrics.
French Wedding Songs For the Cocktail Hour (le vin d’honneur)
For the cocktail hour, you want a collection of French wedding songs that are both soft and magical, chic and uplifting. For this part of the wedding we recommend the following songs:
Quelqu’un m’a dit – Carla Bruni
Delicate and romantic, this timeless French classic is always a wedding favourite for intimate, heartfelt moments.
Le Festin – Camille
Soft, magical, and charming – best known from Ratatouille – a whimsical choice for a fairytale wedding atmosphere.
Alors Regarde – Patrick Bruel
A gentle classic with poetic lyrics, bringing deep romance and nostalgia to your wedding playlist.
Ma Benz – Brigitte (Cover)
A retro-glam reinterpretation of a French rap song – unexpected, chic, and perfect for a stylish celebration.
Tous les garçons et les filles – Françoise Hardy
Melancholic yet sweet, this pure slice of 60s French cool adds vintage charm to your big day.
Il jouait du piano debout – France Gall
Energetic, punchy, and full of 80s character – ideal for getting guests smiling and dancing.
Je veux – Zaz
Upbeat, joyful, and bursting with French flair – perfect for couples who want their wedding soundtrack to celebrate love and life.
French Wedding Songs for the Wedding Ball
In France it is custom to dance late into the night (or the morning!), many venues have a very late curfew, or no curfew at all. That means the music is playing all night long, here we suggest French wedding songs for specific moments and to really get the party and dancing started.
For The Father Daughter Dance:
Ma Fille – Serge Reggiani
Poignant and full of emotion, this heartfelt song is a touching choice for special family moments at a wedding.
Mistral gagnant – Renaud
Tender and nostalgic, with beautiful lyrics – perfect for a meaningful father-daughter dance.
If you go for a first couple dance:
For Me Formidable – Charles Aznavour
Playful and romantic, this charming love song blends French and English for a joyful first dance.
L’Hymne à l’Amour – Édith Piaf
A soaring declaration of love – deeply moving and unforgettable for a first dance in true French style.
French Wedding Song Party Starters
Especially if you have some French guests in the crowd, these upbeat and iconic tracks will guarantee the dance floor stays full. From modern club favourites to nostalgic 80s hits, these songs are woven into the fabric of French wedding celebrations – and they’re perfect for getting everyone moving, from your little cousins to your grandparents.
Alors on danse – Stromae
A modern French classic with an irresistible beat – guaranteed to get guests of all ages on their feet.
Aux Champs-Élysées – Joe Dessin
One of the most famous French songs worldwide – joyful, singalong, and perfect for bringing everyone together.
Alexandrie Alexandra – Claude François
An iconic and high-energy hit that gets every generation dancing – pure French wedding party magic.
Les démons de minuit – Images
A must-play at 80s-themed French weddings – infectiously fun and perfect for barefoot dancing at 1AM.
Il est cinq heures, Paris s’éveille – Jacques Dutronc
Not a love song, but its moody, poetic, and très Parisien vibe makes it a late-night crowd favourite.
✨ French wedding tradition tip: If you manage to party until dawn, don’t forget to serve a hot bowl of French onion soup before guests head home.
Frequently Asked Questions: French Wedding Songs
What is the father-daughter dance at French weddings?
In traditional French weddings, the father–daughter dance often marks the official start of the evening’s dancing. The bride begins by dancing with her father, and partway through, he gracefully hands her over to the groom so the couple can complete the dance together. It’s a touching moment that combines family tradition with romance, and it’s a must-see for guests.
Why do French weddings have all-night festivities?
One of the most unique aspects of a French wedding is the celebration’s incredible length. After a leisurely multi-course dinner, dancing typically begins around midnight and can go on until dawn — often 6 or 7 a.m. It’s a true party atmosphere, where the energy never fades and guests enjoy every moment together.
What late-night food is served at French weddings?
A much-loved tradition is serving French onion soup in the early hours, around 4 or 5 a.m., before guests begin to leave. This comforting, savoury dish is the perfect pick-me-up after hours of dancing and socialising, and it’s something many guests look forward to as part of the full French wedding experience.
What is the most played song at a wedding in France?
It’s hard to beat the timeless romance of “La Vie en Rose”. This classic French song often features during the reception — sometimes as part of the first dance, sometimes as a slow-dance moment later in the night. Its dreamy melody and heartfelt lyrics make it a favourite across generations.
What is the normal curfew at a French wedding?
Unlike in some countries where venues close earlier, many French wedding venues allow celebrations to continue into the early morning hours. While each venue has its own policy, it’s common for French weddings to have no strict curfew or to set it very late — often 4 a.m. or later. Check out our ‘At a glance’ section on each venue page.
Are You Ready to Start Your French Wedding Journey?
Choosing the right music is just one piece of the puzzle when planning your dream destination wedding in France. From walking down the aisle to dancing until dawn, these songs bring the music and magic of France to life – but the setting matters just as much. That’s where Chateau Bee can help! We showcase French wedding venues from villas to chateaux, ensuring you find the perfect venue for your big day.
If you’re ready to take the next step, delve into our collection of chateaux or say bonjour today!
22 Romantic French Wedding Songs For 2026 Brides By Olivia
