France in the Eurovision Song Contest

France has participated in the Eurovision Song Contest 58 times since its debut at the very first contest in 1956. France is one of only seven countries to be present at the first contest, and has only been absent from two contests in its history, missing the 1974 and 1982 contests. France has won the contest five times, and along with Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom 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).