Recently I caught up with Jonathan Charpentier, a photographer who lives just to the south of Paris. We chatted about his favorite aspects of Paris and “must dos” for potential tourists.

Thanks for taking the time to share your experience with EuropeUpClose.com readers. In what city do you live?
Gentilly, touching the south of Paris (after the ‘Porte d’Italie’ and ‘Porte de Gentilly’).

Have you always lived here? If not, how long have you been living there? What brought you to the city?
I lived in Combs-la-Ville (in Seine-et-Marne, Parisian suburbs) for 20 years. Also, I lived in Amsterdam for 1 year in 2008. I’ve been in Gentilly for one year. I chose this city because it is close to Paris and less expensive. The public transportation is very efficient and user-friendly so I don’t need a car.

What are your favorite restaurants/bars in Paris?
Lao Sayam (161 Avenue de Choisy – 75013 Paris). It is a small Thai restaurant where the food is really yummy!

You’ll find really cool bars especially in the center of Paris, next to “Les Halles” but I don’t have a favorite. The neighbourhood of Montmartre next to the Sacré Coeur is pretty cool too. It really is a “must do”.

If you want something “classier” there is always the “Champs Elysées” of course. The restaurants are pretty expensive but I advise you to go to “Clément” because it is the only French restaurant I have been to there and it was a good experience.

Paris is a big city with really awesome food. Be curious and explore its streets!

What is your favorite season in the city? Why?
My favorite season is summer, of course, because everyone is happier than usual and people really “conquer” the streets! The energy is good and it is awesome to stroll along the river La Seine or in Montmartre, near Sacré Coeur.

What is a place, activity, etc. that is a “must see/must do” that most tourists might miss?
I advise you to explore the hill of Montmartre and its little streets. It is very charming. Did you know they make wine there? Yes there is a little vineyard where you can take a tour and purchase bottles of wine.

At the top of ‘les Champs Elysées’ there is ‘l’Arc de Triomphe.’ There is a stunning view from the top of it, which is better on a sunny day, of course. During rainy days you can still visit really great museums like ‘Le Petit Palais’ and ‘Le Grand Palais’ (metro George Clemenceau, line 1 of the metro) and of course Le Louvre. Do not forget the ‘Centre Pompidou’ in the center of Paris. I recommend a walk in the 4th ‘arrondissement’ (section) of Paris then because of its small streets and unique atmosphere. Also the ‘Parc Monceau’ garden is pretty amazing, especially in the hot season.

What are some of your most memorable moments in the city?
My most memorable moments in Paris are the days I have spent with my girlfriend there.
We went on a boat on the La Seine (we had strawberries while drifting down the river), ate ice cream in Saint-Michel, and had a later dinner in ‘La Butte Montmartre’…
Paris really is a city for lovers. Enjoy and take your time discovering it.

An Insider’s View of Paris, France