A Francophile is a term used for a person who displays a strong disposition to everything French. Whether it is films, literature, or the language itself, Istanbul has a population of French loving individuals, enough to blast Zaz's "Je Veux" from every available half-open car window. Francophiles will then surely unite for five concerts happening in the city this summer:

Zaz (June 27, October 22)

The young French songstress Isabelle Geffroy, better known as Zaz, was in Istanbul on October 22nd at the Istanbul Convention and Exhibition Center as part of the 21st Akbank Jazz Festival. The tickets for that concert ran out quickly, disappointing many Istanbulites who wanted to see the hugely popular singer, especially known for her hit song “Je Veux,” live on stage.

Charlotte Gainsbourg (June 23)

Double threat Charlotte Gainsbourg will perform polished pop ballads from her 2011 release Stage Whispers, a double album of both live and studio recordings. The Anglo-French singer’s fragile voice lends a stylish nonchalance to a variety of tracks from folk refrains to synth-y dance beats. Her third album in six years, Stage Whispers is a diverse anthology, its disparate genres bound together by the songstress’s cool, affected tones.

Imany (June 1)

Last summer, French radio was obsessed with “You Will Never Know,” a jazzy, neo-soul lament by French-Comorian vocalist Imany who dominated airwaves, supported by the singer’s already fervent online following. The singer and former Ford model’s first album, The Shape of a Broken Heart, was met with record sales.

Nouvelle Vague (June 25)

A sexy and provocative musical cabaret is promised to Istanbul fans of the French band Nouvelle Vague, who became a household name after doing bossa-nova covers of well known 80s new wave and punk hits. The musical titled “Dawn of Innocence,” will be produced by Jean Charles de Castelbajac, who has frequented fashion weeks in Paris, Milan and London. Specially designed costumes, exotic dance numbers, and dialogue based on the theme of death and sex will all be present in this special event.  

Dany Brilliant (June 11)

French-Tunisian artist Dany Brillant invites modern audiences to relish the bygone sounds the Big Band-era with a Latin and French twist. Brilliant rose to fame with the 1950s-inspired track “Suzette,” from his 1997 debut album C'est ça qui est bon. His mambo and salsa-infused retro swing style has made Brilliant one of France’s best known jazz vocalists.