flaneur (plural flaneurs) One who wanders aimlessly, who roams, who travels at a lounging pace. quotations ▼synonyms ▲ Synonyms: ambler, saunterer, stroller, wanderer. An idler, a loafer.

France is a country with a rich and diverse history, dating back to the Middle Ages. The earliest known inhabitants of the area were the Gauls, who were conquered by the Roman Empire in the 1st century BC. After the fall of the Roman Empire, the Franks, a Germanic tribe, took control of the region and established the Merovingian dynasty. This dynasty was eventually replaced by the Carolingian dynasty, which lasted until the 10th century. During this time, France experienced a period of great cultural and artistic development. In the 11th century, the Capetian dynasty was established and the country began to expand its borders. In the 14th century, the Hundred Years' War began, which saw France at odds with England. In the 16th century, the French Wars of Religion occurred, which pitted Catholics against Protestants. In the 17th century, France experienced a period of great economic growth and the Age of Enlightenment began. In the 18th century, the French Revolution occurred, which saw the overthrow of the monarchy and the establishment of a republic. In the 19th century, France was involved in a number of wars and experienced a period of industrialization. In the 20th century, France was a major participant in both World War I and World War II. After World War II, France became a major player in international politics and was a founding member of the European Union. Today, France is a major global power and is one of the most visited countries in the world.