Théodore Botrel, born Jean-Baptiste-Théodore-Marie Botrel on September 14, 1868, in Dinan, Brittany, France, was a renowned French singer-songwriter, poet, and playwright. He passed away on July 28, 1925, in Pont-Aven, Brittany, France. Botrel is celebrated for his songs that vividly capture the essence of Brittany, with "La Paimpolaise" being his most famous piece. This song, a poignant ballad about a Breton sailor's tragic love story, became his signature work.

Raised by his grandmother in Saint-Méen-le-Grand while his parents resided in Paris, Botrel joined them in the capital at the age of seven. His early exposure to amateur theatricals sparked his interest in performing and songwriting. Although his first song, "Le Petit Biniou," did not achieve success, his perseverance led to a breakthrough in 1895 with "La Paimpolaise," which he performed to great acclaim.

Botrel's career spanned from 1895 to 1925, during which he also served as France's official "Bard of the Armies" in World War I. His songs, primarily in standard French despite his Gallo dialect upbringing, often idealized Breton culture and landscapes. Botrel's legacy is marked by his ability to magnify the image of Brittany through his music, leaving a lasting impact on French chanson.