Burles was born in Marseille, France, and as a child was taken to see opera by his father, an amateur musician and clown who worked on the local tram system.
In the ensuing years, after national service, he sang mainly in Marseille expanding his repertory,[2] with a few guest appearances in Lyon, Turin, and Venice.
His roles at these two houses included: Lindoro, Nemorino, Ernesto, George Brown, Chapelou (which he also sang in many theatres around France),[3] Vincent, Nadir, Gérard, Tonio, Arturo, etc.
[2] He created roles in Goya by Aubin (Lille, 1974), and L'Annonce faite à Marie (Paris, 1970) by Rossellini (1970).
[3] A stylish singer, with a light and attractive voice, he can be heard on several recordings of French opera and operetta released by EMI France, often partnering with Mady Mesplé, the most famous being Lakmé, under Alain Lombard, in 1970, in which he sings the role of Gérald.