Get Lost, Find Yourself

Paris can be rather overwhelming at times, but there is a way to be immersed in this city without being absorbed by it. The best way to find yourself is by getting lost. Ironically, it’s while I sit with my legs draped over the edge of the Seine, streaks of sunlight peeking through the clouds, that I see a peculiar word written on a wall—flâneur.

A flâneur is the observant wanderer aimlessly exploring the labyrinthine that is Paris. They are the passionate voyager, a timeless figure removed from the rush of social obligation, disassociated from their surroundings. They embrace the luster of getting lost. Ambling the streets, the flâneur comes across delightful, quaint sites. These gems offer a glimpse into decadent oases in the fast-pasted city.

I took to the streets, allowing my inner flâneuse to manifest. As an aesthetic voyager, I began to enjoy the city in a new light as I sought to capture the essence of everyday moments, empathetic towards the picturesque qualities that embody an environment. The next time you find yourself in a hurry for any particular reason, slow down and take a moment to observe the charm in the streets around you. You might be surprised.