France has participated in the Eurovision Song Contest 62 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 " who are automatically allowed to participate in the final because they are the five biggest financial contributors to the European Broadcasting Union ( EBU ) . France has won the contest five times
1982 contests
Eurovision Song Contest 1982
France in the Eurovision Song Contest