The chanson d'aventure ([ʃɑ̃sɔ̃ davɑ̃tyʁ], English: song of adventure) is a genre of medieval poetry originating in France, but which had a substantial influence on poetry in Middle English.
The chanson d'aventure (plural chansons d'aventure) is essentially a framing device, where the singer (or poet) wanders into a wild or rural setting and has a chance encounter, usually in the form of a dialogue; it originates in Old French lyrics usually with an erotic or amorous theme.
[1] Sometimes, the chanson may focus on an overheard dialogue, or lover's complaint.
[2] Poets in Middle English adopted the trope for themes other than love, often making the debate's focus a moral or devotional one.
The genre shares many common features with the dream vision, although with the important distinction that the poet does not fall asleep.