Zazie
Isabelle Marie Anne de Truchis de Varennes (born 18 April 1964), better known by her stage name Zazie, is a French pop singer and songwriter. Her greatest hits include "Je suis un homme", "À ma place" and "Speed". She co-produces all her albums and is noted for her playful use of language.
Also recorded as Isabelle de Truchis de Varennes
Zazie

Michaël Bemelmans · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Name
- Zazie
- Birth Name
- Isabelle de Truchis de Varennes
- Born
- 18 April 1964
- Birthplace
- Boulogne-Billancourt, France
- Occupation
- * Singer
- Full name
- Isabelle Marie Anne de Truchis de Varennes.
- Nationality
- France.
- Fields
- music.
- Honours
- Prix Raoul-Breton, Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres, Victoires de la Musique – Female artist of the year, Officer of Arts and Letters, Knight of the National Order of Merit and Victory for the female variety revelation.
- Languages
- French.
VALÉORINE Encyclopedia
VALÉORINE documentary reading
Documentary summary
Isabelle Marie Anne de Truchis de Varennes (born 18 April 1964), better known by her stage name Zazie, is a French pop singer and songwriter. Her greatest hits include "Je suis un homme", "À ma place" and "Speed". She co-produces all her albums and is noted for her playful use of language.
Admitted source layer · organised and presented by VALÉORINE
Note VALÉORINE
No house-authored Note is published until its assertions and sources pass the VALÉORINE evidence contract. The documentary article remains available in full while that enrichment is being consolidated.
Documentary enrichment in progress · no unsupported statement published
Reference Check
Propose documentary evidence for Zazie. A contribution is never written directly as fact: identity, source, rights and evidence gates still decide.
Sign in to contribute
World of VALÉORINE
Documentary connections
Only confirmed graph relationships appear here. Images are shown only when their identity and reuse rights both pass the documentary gate.
Documentary evidence
Evidence Panel
not yet certified
- Identity
- resolved
- Independent source families
- 0
- Admitted assertions
- 0
- Open conflicts
- 0
Authority files
gnd · 124246656 · wikidata · Q167889 · wikipedia · Zazie
In this article
Biography
Biography
The recorded working language is French. The field of work recorded is music. Subjects and genres recorded for the work are pop music. Jacques Brel is recorded as an influence. Distinctions recorded are Prix Raoul-Breton, Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres, Victoires de la Musique – Female artist of the year and Officer of Arts and Letters.

French singer Zazie on stage, 2019 Papillons de nuit festival in Saint-Laurent de Cuves, Normandy, France.
Selbymay
Key facts
Key facts
• Name — Zazie • Birth Name — Isabelle de Truchis de Varennes • Born — 18 April 1964 • Birthplace — Boulogne-Billancourt, France • Instrument — Vocals • piano • guitar • Genre — * Pop • pop rock • Occupation — * Singer • songwriter • record producer • Years Active — 1992–present • Label — * Universal Music • Wrasse (UK) • Website — zazieonline.com
Early life
Early life
Isabelle de Truchis de Varennes was born on 18 April 1964 in Boulogne-Billancourt, France. She was nicknamed "Zazie" in reference to the title character of the Raymond Queneau novel Zazie dans le métro. Her mother was a music teacher and her father, Hervé de Truchis de Varennes, was an architect. At home, they listened to Georges Brassens, Jacques Brel and Barbara, as well as classical music. Inspired, Zazie began learning to play the violin at the age of ten, later teaching herself to play the piano and guitar. After high school, Zazie began studying to become a psychotherapist; however, her classic beauty and nearly six-foot stature caught the attention of modelling agents, and she abandoned her schooling to become a fashion model.
1992: Initial forays into music and Je, Tu, Ils
1992: Initial forays into music and Je, Tu, Ils
In 1990, Zazie began her musical career. She signed a contract with Phonogram in 1991. In 1992, she released Je, tu, ils, her first album recorded in the studios of Peter Gabriel. She collaborated for the first time with Pascal Obispo on the song "Un, deux, trois, soleil". She wrote almost all the tracks of the album and participated in the composition. The album had minor success, and the single "Sucré salé" was ranked No. 46 on the Top 50 (French SNEP Singles Chart). The following year, Zazie was awarded 'Best New Female Pop Artist of the Year' (révélation variétés féminine de l'année) at the Victoires de la musique. The other two singles from the albums were much less successful, but the singer's career was launched. Her record label agreed to sign for a second album. From Je, tu, ils Zazie distinguished herself as a songwriter by crafting songs notable for their wit, alliteration, homophonies and double entendres.
From 1995: Success
From 1995: Success
• Illustration — Zazie performing in 2023 In 1995, she released her second album Zen, which was co-written by and co-produced with Vincent-Marie Bouvot. The album produced the singles "Zen" and "Homme sweet homme". Her 1996 single "Un point c'est toi" from the same album was discussed on Canada's MuchMusic TV program Too Much 4 Much because of its controversial content. Ultimately, the discussion panel deemed the video okay for audiences. In the video, a group of four smitten women, including Zazie, follow a pair of men down to a lake. There, the two men strip off their clothes and swim in the water. Zazie fantasizes about undressing one of the men and kissing him. However, her fantasies are spoiled as the two men kiss each other. In 1997, Pascal Obispo and Zazie released the single "Les meilleurs ennemis". Her 1998 album Made in Love was co-produced by Ali Staton, Pierre Jaconelli, and herself. The album photos were taken by fashion designer Jean-Baptiste Mondino. The songs "Ça fait mal et ça fait rien", "Tous des anges", and "Tout le monde" were released as singles. This album was followed by a live album, Made in Live, the next year. In 1999 she also wrote a song for Jane Birkin. In 2001, Zazie teamed up with Axel Bauer on the single "À ma place". It was her most successful single in France, reaching number four on the French charts. Zazie once again addressed homosexuality on her 2002 single "Adam et Yves" from her 2001 album La Zizanie. This album was produced solely by Pierre Jaconelli. Other singles included "Rue de la paix" and "Danse avec les loops". In 2003, she released another live album, Ze Live. Her 2004 album Rodéo was co-produced with Jean-Pierre Pilot and Philippe Paradis. The video for the single "Excuse-moi" features Zazie playing the role of an Indian woman who leaves her cheating husband. She followed this album up with a live album, Rodéo Tour in 2006. Her sixth album, Totem, was released in February 2007. Like her previous album, it was co-produced with Jean-Pierre Pilot and Philippe Paradis. The "Totem Tour" began on 1 July. • Illustration — Zazie in Paris in 2007. Also in 2007, she wrote several songs for Christophe Willem's album, Inventaire. In June 2010, Zazie released a new single "Avant l'amour" (Before Love). Avant l'amour was the first single from the album "Za7ie"; it reached No. 54 on the French SNEP radio airplay chart. "Za7ie" was constructed as a concept project of 49 songs, split into seven theme albums of seven songs each. A shorter version with 14 songs was released in September 2010, with the 49 song project released as a box set in November of the same year. Zazie announced eighth album, "Cyclo", which is scheduled for release in spring 2013. The album was produced by Olivier Coursier of AaRON and mixed by Tony Hoffer. In 2015, she released her ninth album "Encore heureux". On 24 May 2018, Zazie released a single "Speed". Her tenth studio album, "Essenciel" was released on 7 September 2018. On 5 October, the SNEP announces that the disc is certified gold. On 15 February 2019 "Essenciel" was certified platinum for more than 100,000 copies sold. on 15 February 2019. Her new tour "Essenciel Tour" began in March 2019.
Personal life
Personal life
Zazie's father came from a family of aristocratic background. Zazie and her former partner, Fabien Cahen, have a daughter, Lola, who was born on 16 August 2002.
Studio albums
Studio albums
• Year — Album — FR — BE (Fl) — BE (Wa) — SWI — Sales • 1992 — Je, Tu, Ils — 173 — – — – — – • 1995 — Zen — 8 — – — 15 — – — France: Gold (300,000+) • 1998 — Made in Love — 3 — – — 17 — – — France: Gold (345,000) • 2001 — La Zizanie — 1 — – — 1 — 28 — France: Platinum (447,600) • 2004 — Rodéo — 2 — – — 2 — 45 — France: Platinum (315,600) • 2007 — Totem — 1 — – — 1 — 10 — France: Platinum (400,000) • 2010 — Za7ie — 1 — – — 1 — 28 — France: Platinum (120,000) • 2013 — Cyclo — 3 — 70 — 3 — 22 — France: Gold (60,000) • 2015 — Encore Heureux — 4 — 196 — 2 — 12 — France: Gold (55,000) • 2018 — Essenciel — 2 — 176 — 2 — 8 — France: Platinum (100,000) • 2022 — Aile-P — 15 — — — 12 — 45 • 2023 — Air — — — — — 19 — —
Live albums
Live albums
• Year — Album — FR — BE — SWI — Sales • 1999 — Made in Live — 30 — 39 — – — France: Silver (75,000) • 2003 — Ze Live!! — 3 — 6 — 47 — France: Gold (120,000) • 2006 — Rodéo Tour — 12 — 7 — 79 — France: 26,000
Compilation albums
Compilation albums
• Year — Album — FR — BE — SWI — Sales • 2008 — Zest of — 1 1 — 1 — 39 — France: 152,650+ • 2015 — Les 50 plus belles chansons — 18 — – — – • 2016 — L'intégraRe — 139 — – — – 1 Reached No. 1 on the French compilations chart.
Extended plays
Extended plays
• Year — Album — BE (Wa) • 2022 — L'EP — 107
Singles
Singles
• Year — Single — FR — BE Top — BE Tip — Album • 1992 — "Sucré, salé" — 46 — - — - — Je, Tu, Ils • "Je, tu, ils" A — - — - — - • "Un petit peu amoureux" A — - — - — - • 1995 — "Larsen" — 38 — - — - — Zen • "Zen" — 23 — - — - • 1996 — "Un point c'est toi" — 24 — - — - • "Homme sweet homme" — - — - — - • 1997 — "Les meilleurs ennemis" (with Pascal Obispo) — 39 — 20 — - — Superflu (Obispo album) • 1998 — "Tous des anges" — 87 — - — - — Made in Love • "Ça fait mal et ca fait rien" — 75 — - — - • "Tout le monde" — 23 — 34 — - • "Made in Love" A — - — - — - • "Chanson d'ami" A — - — - — - • 1999 — "Cyber" A — - — - — - — Made in Live • 2001 — "À ma place" (with Axel Bauer) — 4 — 1 — - — Personne n'est parfait (Bauer album) • "Rue de la paix" — 11 — 11 — - — La Zizanie • 2002 — "Adam et Yves" — 22 — - — 2 • "Sur toi" A — - — - — - • 2003 — "Danse avec les loops" — 53 — - — 7 • 2004 — "Rodéo" A — - — - — - — Rodéo • "Toc, Toc, Toc" A — - — - — - • "Excuse-moi" A — - — - — - • "Oui" A — - — - — - • 2007 — "Des rails" — - — 25 — - — Totem • "Je suis un homme" — 7 — 7 — - • "J'étais là" A — - — - — 23 • 2008 — "Flower power" — - — - — - • "FM Air" — 8 — 19 — - — |Zest of Zazie • 2010 — "Avant l'amour" — - — 8 — - — Za7ie • "Etre et avoir" — - — - — - • 2011 — "Chanson d'amour" — - — - — - • "Me taire te plaire" (with Mademoiselle K) — - — - — - — |Jouer dehors • 2013 — "Les contraires" — 34 — - — - — Cyclo • "20 ans" — - — - — 48 • "Temps plus vieux" — - — - — - • 2015 — "Discold" — 42 — 30 — - — Encore Heureux • "Pise" — 87 — - — - • 2016 — "Faut pas s'y fier" — - — - — - • 2018 — "Speed" — 2 — - — - — Essenciel • "L'Essenciel" — - — - — - • 2019 — "Nos âmes sont" — - — - — - • 2022 — "Let it shine" — - — - — - — TBA • 2023 — "Comment on fait" (with Vianney) — 37 — - — - A Promotional release only.
Other charted songs
Other charted songs
• Year — Song — FR — Album • 2015 — "Adieu tristesse" — 102 — Encore Heureux • "Encore heureux" — 122
Identity
Identity
Zazie is recorded as having received Prix Raoul-Breton, Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres and Victoires de la Musique – Female artist of the year.
Life and career
Dated record
Life and career
The full dated record · 1 entries
1964
Zazie born at Boulogne-Billancourt.
Licensing
Text attribution
Part of the biographical narrative on this page reuses licensed material. Its origin, revision and licence are recorded here.
The biographical narrative on this page is based on the Wikipedia article Zazie, revision 1373501758 (EN edition), by its contributors. VALÉORINE has edited that text and built its own documentary record around it. The reused material is available under CC BY-SA 4.0, and this page's reuse of it is offered under the same licence. Everything else on this page — the chronology, the holdings, the evidence, the plates and the connections — is VALÉORINE's own record. Sources and licences.
Other activities
Zazie co-composed the music of the 1997 film Ma vie en rose. Zazie made her acting debut in the 1998 film by Didier Le Pêcheur "J'aimerais pas crever un dimanche" (Don't Let Me Die on a Sunday)., In 2007, Zazie wrote and co-composed seven of the fifteen tracks of Christophe Willem's first album, Inventaire, while also providing backing vocals in the tracks she wrote. In 2009, she participated in Rendez-vous en terre inconnue. Zazie started coaching on the French version of The Voice in 2015 and one of her team, Lilian Renaud, won that 4th season. She again coached in 2016, 2017, 2018, 2023 and 2024. She also participated in 2021 for All Stars format. Zazie has been a member of the Les Enfoirés charity ensemble since 1997.
Primary material
Documents and archives
reference work
- Wikidata, structured authority record Q167889: Zazie
Reputable secondary · Wikimedia Foundation
- “Zazie”, English Wikipedia, consulted as further reading
Reputable secondary · Wikipedia
authority file
- Gemeinsame Normdatei 124246656, Zazie.
Unverified · Deutsche Nationalbibliothek
Awards and nominations
Awards and nominations
* Award — Year — Nominee(s) — Category — Result — Ref. References
* NRJ Music Awards — Made in Live — Concert of the Year
* Herself — Music Website of the Year
* "À ma place" (with Axel Bauer) — Francophone Song of the Year
* Zazie and Axel Bauer — Francophone Duo/Group of the Year
* La Zizanie — Francophone Album of the Year
* 2003
* Victoires de la Musique — 1993 — Female Revelation of the Year
* Female Artist of the Year
* "Larsen"
* "Un point c'est toi"
* "Les meilleurs ennemis"
* "Ça fait mal et ça fait rien"
* Made in Love — Pop/Rock Album of the Year
* Herself — Female Group or Artist of the Year
* La Zizanie — Song/Variety Album of the Year
* "À ma place" (with Axel Bauer) — Original Song of the Year
* Herself — Female Group or Artist of the Year
* Rodeo Tour — Musical Show, Tour or Concert of the Year
* 2007 — Rodéo Tour — Music DVD of the Year
* Herself — Female Group or Artist of the Year
* Totem — Song/Variety Album of the Year
* Original Song of the Year
* Music Video of the Year
* Totem Tour — Musical Show, Tour or Concert of the Year
* 2009 — "J'étais là" — Music Video of the Year
Awards
Awards
• Victoires de la musique: • Musical show, tour or concert of the year (2006) • Female group or artist of the year (2002) • Female artist of the year (1998) • Music video of the year: Larsen, directed by Philippe Andre; (1996) • Popular music Female révélation of the year (1993) • NRJ Music Awards: • Best French language song (2002) with Axel Bauer for À ma place Altogether she has six awards.
References
Citations
References
Each reference names the institution holding it, so a reader may go to the document itself.
authority file
Gemeinsame Normdatei 124246656, Zazie.Deutsche Nationalbibliothek
Partially resolvedreference work
Wikidata, structured authority record Q167889: ZazieWikimedia Foundation
Partially resolvedreference work
Partially resolved
Further particulars
Held on the record
Further particulars
Open the remaining particulars
Zazie was recorded at birth as Isabelle Marie Anne de Truchis de Varennes. She also worked under the name Zazie. The authorities additionally record the heading Isabelle de Truchis de Varennes. Her recorded language was French. Zazie received Prix Raoul-Breton, Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres, Victoires de la Musique – Female artist of the year, Officer of Arts and Letters, Knight of the National Order of Merit and Victory for the female variety revelation.
Identity and origins
Recognition and collections
The Encyclopedia exists whether or not anything is for sale. Corrections are recorded rather than overwritten, and every version of this record is kept. Published 14 August 2026.
Elsewhere in Music memorabilia
42,307 published records in this field, each with its sources named.
- Zascha MoktanPerson
- ZavaidocPerson
- Zavel KwartinPerson
- Zayn MalikPerson
- Zbigniew NamysłowskiPerson
- Zbigniew PreisnerPerson
- Zbigniew PromińskiPerson
- Zbigniew SeifertPerson
Best supported in this field
For owners
Own a work by Zazie?
A specialist will read what you send and tell you what the house can establish, what it cannot, and whether the object is suited to sale. There is no charge and no obligation. The object stays with you throughout; nothing is shipped to us unless it is arranged in writing beforehand.