Les tournesols

"Les tournesols" (English: "The Sunflowers") is a song by French singer-songwriter Marc Lavoine, released on 30 August 1999 as the lead single of his seventh studio album, 7e ciel (1999), through RCA Records and BMG. Released as the lead single of 7e ciel, the track was written by Marc Lavoine, with music composed and production handled by Michel Cœuriot. The song explores themes of emotional vulnerability and introspection. Its lyrics use sunflower imagery as a metaphor for inner fragility, reflecting on the contrast between outward brightness and internal struggles. The song blends elements of French pop and chanson.

Upon release, "Les tournesols" achieved moderate commercial success in France. The single peaked at No. 62 on the French Singles Chart (SNEP) and remained on the chart for a total of 12 weeks, supported by consistent radio airplay and sales. Critically, the song was praised for its poetic lyricism and understated emotional depth. Reviewers highlighted Marc Lavoine's restrained vocal delivery and the song’s minimalist arrangement, noting how it conveyed introspection and melancholy with subtlety and elegance.

The music video for "Les tournesols" was released alongside the single. Directed by Didier Le Pêcheur, the video features a soft, cinematic color palette with warm, muted tones that enhance the reflective mood of the song. It follows Lavoine as he moves through a series of quiet, everyday environments—such as city streets, stairwells, and dimly lit interiors—capturing moments of solitude and introspection. Visual motifs such as sunflower fields and gentle natural light are interspersed throughout the video, echoing the song's central metaphor of emotional fragility. The video avoids a linear narrative, instead focusing on atmosphere and expression to visually underscore the song's contemplative themes.