When I ask a lot of French people what they like to do here for fun, there is a response that arises again and again. Walk. Marcher. Flaneur. People like to walk, not as a means of transportation to get to point A from B, as a way to hit 10,000 steps, or to engage in exercise. They walk simply for the pleasure of walking.
This reminds me of the Jane Austen days, when people would take turns about the grand estates or gardens. Outside of going to the fancy ball, the local market, or working on skills to impress others (instruments, singing, reading) there was nothing to do. And so they walked.
We live in a world of distractions. Non-stop entertainment on endless devices. The French engage in these activities too, along with the rest of the world. But the Parisians also like to walk. This brings joy to me. As over the years, I have found I take pleasure in walking.
In my Midwestern hometown, the only people seen walking are children or those who have gotten a DUI (driving under the influence). Nobody would be caught dead walking. Most of the time one will drive from one shopping plaza to another for the sheer convenience of it. But here that wouldn’t be an option.
I was speaking with my friend the other day, and noted the French do not count their calories. It is not listed on menus, or boards where one orders food. Nobody seems to be calculating how many carbs were eaten or fat consumed. But perhaps they do not have to. They walk it off. This is part of life.
Walking does not cost any money. All it requires is good walking shoes. One may wear out their shoes more easily, but view it as an investment. There’s no need for a gym membership or gas money. Let your feet take you there.
“After a day’s walk, everything has twice its usual value.”
-G.M. Trevelyan.
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