The lengthy history of french music begins back in the 10th century with court songs and chivalrous music. Much of France's early folk music was instrumental, with a few simple instruments; but there was a group of poet-composers who began their work around the 10th century as well.

In ancient times, France was part of the Celtic territory known as Gaul or Gallia. Its present name is derived from the Latin Francia, meaning "country of the Franks", a Germanic people who conquered the area during the 5th century, at the time of the fall of the Western Roman Empire. It became a separate country in the 9th century.

French architecture consists of a mix between medieval and gothic styles. These styles either originated in France or elsewhere and were developed within the territories of France. Due to the medieval influence in French architecture, gargoyles can be found embedded in the walls and on the roofs of many buildings in France. Gargoyles were commonly used in medieval times to ward off evil spirits and to divert rain water.