The French participating broadcaster, Radiodiffusion-Télévision Française (RTF), held a national final to select its entry.

In addition, RTF was also the host broadcaster and staged the event at the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès in Cannes, after winning the previous edition with the song "Dors, mon amour" by André Claveau.

[1] Radiodiffusion-Télévision Française (RTF) used a format called Grand Prix de la chanson to determine its song.

[2] Semi-final broadcasts were aired on radio France II daily (except Sundays) between 5 and 19 January 1959.

[3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10] The final was held on 28 January 1959 at 21:15 CET (20:15 UTC) and was broadcast on RTF as well as on France II and Radio Monte Carlo[a].