The Noctambule

Literally “sleepwalker” or “nightwalker” or perhaps “night crawler” in French – referring to those who like to ramble in the city at night, hence “noctambulism.” The Noctambule is a venerable tradition in French Gothic arts, music and literature that had its heyday back in the 19th century when it referred mainly to vampires. It lingered into the 20th with the likes of novelist Henry Miller who liked to prowl Montmartre at night and avant-garde artists seeking ways to protest the perceived horrors of modern life. Nowadays it pretty much covers everything from websites for amateur astronomers and party-goers, to high-end lamps and Givenchy perfumes and Louis Vuitton bags (black of course).