Radio Mercure

Radio Mercure does French radio right. No relentless chatter, just music, a broad sweep of chanson, pop, and rock that actually feels curated. You'll hear classic Gainsbourg next to a newer Belgian indie act, and it never jars. The playlist has a certain Gallic cool: lots of accordion? Hardly. More like well-chosen tracks that could soundtrack a Parisian evening, not a tourist brochure. The mixing is crisp, stream it at 256kbps and you'll hear why. Presenters speak French, but their voices stay out of the way. Late night gets quieter, intimate even. It's the kind of station you leave on for ho…