5 Great Music Videos for Your French Class

French music is known for its sophistication and sweet melodies. What better way to teach French class than incorporating some of these songs? Music is proven to enhance memory, and these songs are guaranteed to improve your students grasp on the language, and have fun while doing it!

1. Alouette: French-Canadian Folk Song

Some may already be familiar with this traditional children’s song. The simple melody and English translation make it a great song to show beginners, although, for a challenge, you may want to turn off the monitor and give them the French lyrics to sing along to. The song may be about a bird, but it’s also a chance to practice vocabulary for body parts. This is catchy version is sure to have students singing along in no time!

2. Les Champs Elysées: Joe Dassin

The Champs Elysées is one of Paris’ most historic and famous avenues beginning at the base of the famed Arc de Triomphe. This song could be used to introduce a few different types of lessons: history, culture, geography, or anything that will get your students thinking about why they are studying French. Learning the language is even more valuable when you understand the culture behind it!

3. Le Parapluie: Georges Brassens

While this lighted-hearted song may be old fashioned, its useful for more advanced students. It’s a great grammar practice¬—you could print out the lyrics and have them find all the different conjugations. For a challenge, you could ask students to summarize the story to help them really get into the details!

4. Je Veux: Zaz

This video is a great example of French pop. It’s not only catchy and fun to sing along to, but it’s also full of common French phrases and expressions. It’s a useful tool to introduce conversation practice in the classroom and can help students feel more comfortable having informal conversations. (Here’s a lower-res version of the same song with French subtitles)

5. French Greetings Song for Children

This song is perfect for beginners. It’s a simple, catchy tune that introduces and translates common French greetings. Students won’t be able to get it out of their heads, but they’ll never forget how to say “Bonjour!”

What songs and music videos do you like to share with your students? Let us know in the comments section below!