One of my favourite words in french just happens to be flâner. Perhaps the most Parisian of all french words, the term was coined in the 19th century as the art of leisurely strolling the streets of Paris, with no destination in mind, simply for the pleasure of taking in its beauty.
Art is everywhere you look in Paris. Meander through any avenue, park or side street and something is bound to catch your eye. So next time you find yourself in the world capital of flâneurs, do as the flâneurs do and take a tour of the open-air exhibits - for free!
Many of the green spaces within the city feature art. From Jardin des Tuileries to Jardin du Luxembourg, there are wonderful outdoor exhibitions in Paris parks and gardens. You can even find over thirty modern sculptures along the banks of the Seine as part of the Musée de la Sculpture en Plein Air, or the Open Air Sculpture Museum.
Place Igor Stravinski, Photo credit: art_inthecity
If street art is something that interests you there are a few places you can go to admire it.
Along the Canal de l’Ourcq and Canal St-Denis, in the Northeast side of Paris, there is a range of lovely colourful street art celebrating the diversity and culture of the city that gets added to every year.
You’ll find art scattered randomly around the historic Marais neighbourhood as well as some larger-scale works including the mural of Salvador Dali located in the Place Igor Stravinksy. You can also enjoy sitting by the fountain animated colourful sculptures, by Jean Tinguely and Niki de Saint Phalle that spin and spurt jets of water. It’s located beside the Pompidou Centre, 2 Rue Brisemiche, 75004 which is worth a visit in itself.
The 6th arrondissement of Paris pays homage to the celebrated songwriter and composer Serge Gainsbourg, 5 bis Rue de Verneuil. Just outside of his home, where he lived until his death, a large scale portrait of the musician alongside endless messages covers the walls.
Stop by le mur Oberkampf in the 11th arrondissements to see the latest artist featured on the dedicated, association-coordinated wall. As with all street art, it will be eventually replaced and typically a new artist is invited to transform the wall every few weeks.
In the 10th and 11th arrondissements, the 2 km long street rue Saint-Maur is perfect for exploring. One of Paris’ well known female street artists, Kashink, currently has some recent work on display.
Rue Saint Maur, Photo credit Jeanne Menjoulet
Check out these ongoing outdoor exhibitions
The famous sculptor, Michel Bassompierre, has just installed five animals within the Jardin des Plantes to be discovered during your stroll. Currently on display, the “Fragiles colossus” exposition will be available until August 30, 2021.
Paris’ La Defense is the business district and comprises an open-air museum with sixty-nine monumental pieces included in its collection. From June 24 until October 3, 2021 head over to see the fourth edition of “Les Extatiques” with featured artists to be released soon.
Walk around the construction fences surrounding Notre Dame and find over 50 children’s drawings on display. Submitted in response to the “Dessine-moi Notre Dame”, which literally translated is “Draw me Notre Dame” initiative, the drawings are personal depictions of the emotions the children felt after the fire that broke out in the cathedral.