The French participating broadcaster, Radiodiffusion-Télévision Française (RTF), selected its entry through a national final.

For 1961, Radiodiffusion-Télévision Française (RTF) opted to hold a national final, which took place on 18 February at 21:20 CET (20:20 UTC).

[1] The winner was chosen by votes from members of the public who were telephoned by RTF's regional studios.

[1] On the night of the final Mauric performed 9th in the running order, following Germany and preceding Switzerland.

At the close of the voting "Printemps, avril carillonne" had received 13 points, placing France 4th of the 16 competing entries.