Table Of Contents
Please read also my list of 18 Most Popular French Songs 90s (Official Sources) or my Top 15 Most Popular Frenchs Songs Of 2022 (Official Sources)
And today I would present you my selection of best alternative French bands from 70s to today.
Enjoy !
16 Alternative French Bands: My Selection
1. Christine and the Queens
- Genre: alternative French band
- Origin: France
- Year of Founded: 2010
- Style: electropop, synth-pop, indie pop
- Popular Songs: Tilted, Saint Claude, La marcheuse, 5 dollars
- Description: Christine and the Queens is the stage name of French singer-songwriter and producer Héloïse Letissier. Her music combines electropop, synth-pop, and indie pop elements, with thought-provoking lyrics and captivating visuals that challenge gender norms and societal expectations.
- YouTube :
2. La Femme
- Genre: alternative French band
- Origin: France
- Year of Founded: 2010
- Style: psychedelic pop, surf rock, electronic
- Popular Songs: Sur La Planche, Antitaxi, Où va le monde, Sphynx
- Description: La Femme is known for their eclectic mix of musical genres, blending psychedelic pop with surf rock and electronic elements. Creating a unique sound that has garnered them international acclaim.
- YouTube :
3. Kyo
- Genre: alternative French band
- Origin: France
- Year of Founded: 1997
- Style: indie rock, pop
- Popular Songs: Dernière danse, Le Graal, Je saigne encore, Je cours…
- Description: Kyo is a popular French band that rose to prominence in the early 2000s with their catchy indie rock and pop tunes. Their emotionally charged lyrics and memorable melodies have made them a staple of the French music scene.
- YouTube :
4. Les Négresses Vertes
- Genre: alternative French band
- Origin: France
- Year of Founded: 1987
- Style: folk rock, world music, punk
- Popular Songs: Zobi la mouche, Voilà l’été, Sous le soleil de bodega, C’est pas la mer à boire
- Description: Les Négresses Vertes is a French band that combines various musical styles, such as folk rock, world music, and punk. They are known for their energetic performances and unique fusion of sounds.
- YouTube :
6. Noir Désir
- Genre: alternative French band
- Origin: France
- Year of Founded: 1980
- Style: rock, punk, post-punk
- Popular Songs: Le Vent Nous Portera, L’Homme Pressé, Tostaky, Un Jour en France
- Description: Noir Désir was a prominent French rock band that gained a significant following throughout the 1980s and 1990s. Their music is characterized by poetic lyrics, powerful guitar riffs, and a distinctive blend of rock, punk, and post-punk styles.
- YouTube :
7. Indochine
- Genre: alternative French band
- Origin: France
- Year of Founded: 1981
- Style: new wave, post-punk, pop rock
- Popular Songs: L’Aventurier, J’ai demandé à la lune, Trois nuits par semaine, Canary Bay
- Description: Indochine is a highly influential French band that has been active since the early 1980s. Their music features a mix of new wave, post-punk, and pop rock elements, with thought-provoking lyrics and catchy melodies.
- YouTube :
8. Phoenix
- Genre: alternative French band
- Origin: France
- Year of Founded: 1995
- Style: indie pop, alternative rock, synth-pop
- Popular Songs: Lisztomania, 1901, If I Ever Feel Better, Too Young
- Description: Phoenix is a French indie pop and alternative rock band known for their unique sound and energetic live performances. Their music combines elements of synth-pop, rock, and electronic music, creating a distinct style that has earned them international success.
- YouTube :
9. Mano Negra
- Genre: alternative French band
- Origin: France
- Year of Founded: 1987
- Style: punk rock, world music, ska
- Popular Songs: Mala Vida, King Kong Five, Out of Time Man, Pas assez de toi
- Description: Mano Negra was a groundbreaking French band that blended punk rock, world music, and ska influences. Known for their high-energy shows and politically charged lyrics, the band gained a loyal following in France and beyond.
- YouTube :
10. Louise Attaque
- Genre: alternative French band
- Origin: France
- Year of Founded: 1994
- Style: folk rock, indie rock
- Popular Songs: J’t’emmène au vent, Léa, Ton invitation, Je t’emmène au vent (Live)
- Description: Louise Attaque is a French folk rock band known for their energetic live performances and catchy melodies. Their music often features violin and acoustic guitar, which sets them apart from many other alternative French bands.
- YouTube :
11. Téléphone
- Genre: alternative French band
- Origin: France
- Year of Founded: 1976
- Style: rock, new wave, punk
- Popular Songs: Ça (C’est Vraiment Toi), Un autre monde, La Bombe Humaine, Cendrillon
- Description: Téléphone was a pioneering French rock band that rose to fame in the late 1970s and 1980s. Their music blended rock, new wave, and punk styles, and they are considered one of the most successful French rock bands of all time.
- YouTube :
12. Eiffel
- Genre: alternative French band
- Origin: France
- Year of Founded: 1998
- Style: rock, alternative rock, punk
- Popular Songs: Tu vois loin, A tout moment la rue, Sous le même ciel, Te revoir
- Description: Eiffel is a French rock band that formed in the late 1990s. They are known for their energetic rock sound, poetic lyrics, and engaging live performances. Eiffel’s music often incorporates elements of punk and alternative rock.
- YouTube :
13. Luke
- Genre: alternative French band
- Origin: France
- Year of Founded: 1998
- Style: rock, alternative rock
- Popular Songs: La Sentinelle, Stella, Soledad, Je n’éclaire que moi
- Description: Luke is a French alternative rock band known for their intense and poetic lyrics, as well as their powerful guitar-driven sound. They have gained a dedicated fan base in France and abroad with their compelling music and live performances.
- YouTube :
14. Les Cowboys Fringants
- Genre: alternative French band
- Origin: Quebec, Canada
- Year of Founded: 1995
- Style: folk rock, country, alternative rock
- Popular Songs: Les étoiles filantes, Mon Chum Rémi, La Manifeste, Comme Joe Dassin
- Description: Les Cowboys Fringants is a French-Canadian band known for their unique blend of folk rock, country, and alternative rock styles. Their music is characterized by energetic performances, humorous and socially conscious lyrics, and a strong connection to their Quebecois roots.
- YouTube :
15. Feu! Chatterton
- Genre: alternative French band
- Origin: France
- Year of Founded: 2011
- Style: indie rock, chanson, art rock
- Popular Songs: La Malinche, A l’aube, L’ivresse, Côte Concorde
- Description: Feu! Chatterton is a French indie rock band that combines elements of chanson, art rock, and poetic lyrics. They have earned a dedicated following for their distinctive sound, evocative storytelling, and captivating live performances.
- YouTube :
16. Rita Mitsouko
- Genre: alternative French band
- Origin: France
- Year of Founded: 1980
- Style: new wave, pop, post-punk
- Popular Songs: Marcia Baïla, Les Histoires d’A., C’est comme ça, Andy
- Description: Rita Mitsouko was a highly influential French new wave band known for their eclectic style and unique sound. Their music combined elements of pop, post-punk, and avant-garde, making them one of the most innovative bands of their time.
- YouTube :
What is alternative music genre in French?
In French alternative music genre is called “musique indépendante” or “rock indé” (“rock indépendant“).
It’s equivalent in English to indie music or indie rock.
Alternative French music genre covers different subgenres : indie rock, new wave, punk, post-punk, and electronic music…
Please see examples above in my selection of alternative French bands.
Who is the most famous French rock band?
The most famous French rock band could be :
- Telephone in 70s and 80s
- Noir Désir in 80s and 90s
- Indochine from 80s to today
- Phoenix from 90s to today
- La Femme from 2010s to today
Please see examples above in my selection of alternative French bands.
