France has participated in the Eurovision Song Contest 64 times since its debut at the first contest in 1956. France is one of only seven countries to be present at the first contest, and has been absent from only two contests in its history, missing the 1974 and 1982 contests.
Along with Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom, France is one of the “Big Five” countries that are automatically prequalified for the final, due to being the largest financial contributors to the European Broadcasting Union (EBU).
France has won the contest five times.
France first won the contest in 1958 with “Dors, mon amour” performed by André Claveau. Three more victories followed in the 1960s, with “Tom Pillibi” performed by Jacqueline Boyer in 1960, “Un premier amour” performed by Isabelle Aubret in 1962 and “Un jour, un enfant” performed by Frida Boccara, who won in 1969 in a four-way tie with the Netherlands, Spain and the United Kingdom. France’s fifth victory came in 1977, when Marie Myriam won with the song “L’Oiseau et l’Enfant”.
After reaching the top five in 24 contests in the 20th century, France has had less success in the 21st century and finished last for the first time in 2014, when Twin Twin received only two points.