France has participated in the Eurovision Song Contest 68 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.
Guy Mardel in Naples (1965)
Les Fatals Picards in Helsinki (2007)
Sébastien Tellier in Belgrade (2008)
Patricia Kaas in Moscow (2009)
Eurovision Song Contest 1974
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The Eurovision Song Contest 1974 was the 19th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest, held on 6 April 1974 in the Dome in Brighton, United Kingdom. Organised by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and host broadcaster the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), and presented by Katie Boyle, this was the fifth time that the United Kingdom had staged the contest.
The Concert Hall of the Dome, Brighton – host venue of the 1974 contest
Gigliola Cinquetti (pictured in 1966) had previously won the contest in 1964 for Italy, and competed again at this year's event.
Prior to the event, Dutch duo Mouth and MacNeal were considered among the favourites to win the contest.
Image: Olivia Newton John (1974)