SINGAPORE, Nov 12 — The French excel at many things. For centuries, our fine European friends have been known for their poetry, their exquisite taste in fashion, their outstanding pastries, and for turning strikes into a national pastime.

But if there is something the French have not been given enough credit for, it is for teaching the rest of the world how to people-watch. Indeed, the practise is more than mere sport — it is an art, a craft that can only be acquired with years of dedicated practise, and must be cultivated and undertaken with a spirit determined to be unproductive.

It was also German philosopher Walter Benjamin who highlighted the figure of French poet Charles Baudelaire’s flaneur, or the idle, strolling man of leisure, as a symbol of modernism and urbanism, and the writer Victor Fournel who argued that the art of flanerie allowed one to understand the "rich variety of the city landscape”.

Some would say that we Singaporeans have a long way to go before we can truly master the art of flanerie, even though our cityscapes and dwellings offer much to study. After all, many of us would rather spend our free time napping or queuing for anything Michelin-starred. Even those among us who could endure sitting for an hour or two in a cafe probably would not last five minutes before they whip their smartphones out.

But with the annual French Film Festival starting this weekend, there really is no better time to practise the art. To do it right, first lock your mobile phone away and banish all notions of productivity. Next, select a comfortable spot at a cafe with airy outdoor seating or well-situated windows — it is Singapore, after all, and we enjoy our air-conditioning. Finally, settle in with un verre (a glass of wine), let your mind relax, and your eyes wander and rest where they may.

Here are some of our favourite flaneur-friendly spots to start this weekend:

O Batignolles

This charming Parisian wine bar and bistro on Club Street is an excellent spot for flaneurs of all skill levels, not only because it serves French food and wine at fairly reasonable prices, but also because it is a watering hole for young executives of all nationalities to chill out after a week’s worth of hard work. If that does not strike your fancy, drop by during the weekdays, especially on Wednesdays — where groups of four ladies get a complimentary bottle of French bubbly. That should provide plenty of fun watching people toast with champers.

Atlas Coffeehouse

Run by the team behind Assembly Coffee, Atlas Coffeehouse at Duke Road is known among its regulars for its breakfast and brunch offerings. Order a flat white, its famous butterscotch banana pancake, grab one of the seats at the window and watch the world and hipsters of every stripe go by.

Little Island Brewing Co

Nestled in Changi Village, Little Island Brewing Co isn’t the best place to ruminate over modernity’s effects on our city, but it is a great place to relax and watch Singaporean families walk their dogs or spend time with their children. The sea breeze and wide selection of beers and ciders do not hurt, either.

Kith Cafe At Sentosa Cove

Kith Cafe at Sentosa Cove is a great place to people-watch over the weekend, when the place teems with families and holiday-makers in a jubliant mood. What’s interesting is the eatery takes on an entirely different vibe on weekends, when it is quiet, and offers enough respite for the entry-level flaneur. Plus, the boats are always nice to look at. — TODAY