This is a VERY difficult question. There are so many good songs, good singers that made history, and it depends on your tastes too !

Check the "classical" French singers, listen to them and their works - this is my suggestion of famous singers in France (still in my opinion) :

- Edith Piaf
- Jean Ferrat
- Georges Brassens
- Jacques Brel (he was from Belgium but he sang in French and his songs are great)
- Charles Aznavour
- Juliette Greco
- Maxime Le Forestier
- Bernard Lavillier
- Serge Gainsbourg
- Thomas Fersen
- Benabar

These covers more recent and older time periods. There are many others, as much worthy. French singing is a very profuse world. You'll have to listen and pick up your own favorites. But that's a trip you won't regret.

Hey Mallory,
I don't know if you're looking for traditional French music or modern French pop, but I've rounded up a whole bunch of good French songs on my page from artists like Camille, Yelle, Carla Bruni, and Rose. Let me know if you like any of them.