France, May 16 -- As one of the "Big Five", France automatically qualifies for the final of Eurovision in Basel on Saturday and yet it hasn't won the competition since 1977. Could this be the year? Hopes are resting on 28-year-old Louane - a former The Voice finalist with an epic ballad in tribute to her late mum, performed in a fake sandstorm.

Enthusiasm for Eurovision is growing in France. A poll published on Friday showed that 56 percent of people had a positive image of the competition and 40 percent planned on watching Saturday's final in the Swiss city of Basel.

Two-thirds said they like this year's entry Maman by Louane, and more than a third think it could win. Although they would do, wouldn't they?

The bookies have put the Fre...