Electronic music officially enters France’s intangible cultural heritage list

Electronic music has officially secured a place on France’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list, marking a historic breakthrough for club culture and nightlife across the country. More importantly, the move represents the first formal step toward granting French electronic music – often referred to as French Touch – UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage status.

The announcement places France alongside Germany, where Berlin techno joined the national intangible heritage list in 2023. UNESCO’s framework allows countries to register cultural practices that communities recognise as essential to their identity, spanning music, rituals, craftsmanship, cuisine, and social traditions. With this decision, electronic music now stands recognised as a living cultural expression rather than a fringe movement.

French Culture Minister Rachida Dati confirmed the development, stating that electronic music “has a rightful place in our national intangible heritage.” Alongside this recognition, the Ministry of Culture introduced a new label identifying clubs as “places of artistic expression and celebration,” reinforcing their role as cultural institutions.

Earlier this year, President Emmanuel Macron openly backed the initiative, calling for French electronic music to receive UNESCO recognition. “We are the inventors of electro. We have that French touch,” he said, emphasising France’s foundational influence on global dance music culture.

The announcement also arrives with new legislation that formally recognises nightclubs as cultural actors, a move welcomed by industry groups such as Culture Nuit, which represents venues including Rex Club and Le Badaboum. After years of lobbying, the organisation praised the government’s commitment to improving conditions for nightlife spaces.

Following Berlin’s earlier recognition of club culture, France’s decision signals a wider shift across Europe. electronic music now stands acknowledged not only as entertainment, but as heritage – social, artistic, and deeply embedded in contemporary culture.

Réunion au ministère avec les représentants du Syndicat @CultureNuit.

Il est important de reconnaître les clubs et discothèques comme des acteurs culturels populaires.

J’ai décidé de faire droit à leur demande : les clubs et discothèques seront reconnus comme « acteur culturel… pic.twitter.com/JyEgfcCjdW

— Rachida Dati ن (@datirachida) April 2, 2024