Music: The Champs-Elysées French Classic

"Les Champs-Élysées" is one of the most iconic songs in French music. Performed by Joe Dassin in 1969, it has become a true folk anthem, known far beyond the borders of France. In this article, discover the history of this timeless hit, its little-known English origins, Pierre Delanoë's brilliant adaptation, as well as the video and full lyrics.

A song born in England

Contrary to popular belief, "Les Champs-Élysées" is not originally a French creation. The melody comes from an English song called "Waterloo Road," written in 1968 by Mike Deighan and Michael Wilshaw. This version evoked a London street, but it never achieved great success.

It was the famous French lyricist Pierre Delanoë who decided to adapt it into French. He completely changed the universe and the setting, replacing the London street with the Avenue des Champs-Élysées, a symbol of romanticism and the French art of living. The result is a simple, catchy, and universal text.

Joe Dassin, the voice of the song

In 1969, Joe Dassin, then on the rise, recorded the French version. Thanks to his warm voice and natural charisma, he transformed the song into an instant hit. "Les Champs-Élysées" became one of his greatest hits, forever marking French song.

It has survived the decades without aging, used in advertisements, films, and even by supporters at sporting events.

A popularity that does not weaken

Even today, the song is taught in French schools, sung in karaoke bars, and used to celebrate the image of Paris around the world. It embodies the lightness, joie de vivre, and charm of the French capital.

Full lyrics of "Les Champs-Élysées"

I was walking along the avenue
Heart open to the unknown 
I felt like saying hello to anyone 
Anyone, it was you
I told you anything 
All I had to do was talk to you
To tame you 

On the Champs-Élysées
On the Champs-Élysées 
In the sun, in the rain
At noon or midnight 
There is everything you want
On the Champs-Élysées 

You told me, "I have an appointment."
“In a basement, with crazy people”
“Who live with guitar in hand, from evening to morning” 
So, I accompanied you
We sang, we danced 
And we didn't even think about kissing 

On the Champs-Élysées
On the Champs-Élysées 
In the sun, in the rain
At noon or midnight 
There is everything you want
On the Champs-Élysées 

Last night, two strangers
And this morning, on the avenue 
Two lovers, all dizzy from the long night 
And from the Étoile to the Concorde
An orchestra of a thousand strings 
All the birds of dawn sing of love 

On the Champs-Élysées
On the Champs-Élysées 
In the sun, in the rain
At noon or midnight 
There is everything you want
On the Champs-Élysées 

On the Champs-Élysées
On the Champs-Élysées 
In the sun, in the rain
At noon or midnight 
There is everything you want
On the Champs-Élysées 

On the Champs-Élysées
On the Champs-Élysées