The word flaneur, from the French noun flaneur, means leisure, curiosity, and attention to detail. www.flaneurlife.com The word flaneur describes a person who is absorbed by urban life and wanders through the streets of a city with an open mind. The 19th century Parisian idea has been adapted to reflect urban exploration and wanderlust around the world.
The flaneur is a street-connoisseur who finds beauty and poetry in everyday life, as well as narratives in hidden city murmurs. The person who is a flaneur enjoys the energy of a crowd, but takes some time to observe, reflect, and soak up city life. Flaneurs engage with city life in an intimate yet detached way.
Flanerie, as an art, celebrates observation, slowness and the ability to make everyday life extraordinary. In this art form, the focus is on surrendering to a city's pace, enjoying its unexpectedness, and letting the city direct your senses. The technique creates a stronger connection to the surrounding environment. It generates a feeling of belonging, and knowledge that goes beyond mere physical presence.
Modern flaneurs travel outside Paris' ancient boulevards. Flanerie can be found in any urban setting, including Tokyo's neon lit streets and Rome's medieval laneways. A flaneur's connection to the city is more important than where they live. The approach is open to anyone with a curious mind who wishes to learn more about the world.
It has become easier to be a flaneur thanks to the technology. Modern travelers are able to capture their journeys on digital cameras or cellphones, and then share these with others around the globe. However, true flanerie is the ability to disconnect, gaze beyond the screen, and perceive the world through one's own eyes.
Flaneurs are the embodiment of vibrancy, complexity, and diversity in a city. They discover the history, culture, and human interaction that define urban life through their journeys. Self-discovery is the goal of this journey. The story behind each stroll tells about the wanderer as well as the streets that they traverse.
Being a flaneur opens one up to unlimited possibilities. Slowing down to appreciate fleeting moments and discovering magic within the urban chaos is encouraged. The flaneur reminds you that your journey may be the most important thing.