Even though I only lived the first years of my life near Paris, it took me a while as an adult to learn how to appreciate this city and understand why so many overseas tourists exclaim: "Paris, je t'aime, mon amour, ouhlala!"

Is it easier to appreciate your own nation's capital when you look at it through the eyes of a visitor?

From the tourist point of view, no one can deny it: Paris is rich in historic monuments and buildings (Tour Eiffel, Champs Elysées, Notre-Dame, The Louvre Museum...), so there is very little chance for you to get bored!

To get around the city, forget the car... try the vélib' (see below). Alternatively, the famous Parisian Metro (pictured) and the RER will allow you to travel in each corner of the city and its suburbs (also called the "banlieue"). Other than the peak and rush hours typical of the big capitals, the biggest disadvantage in some metro stations is the lack (or absence) of escalators... while we may be tall, strong and brave, climbing and descending stairs with a backpack and a 20 kg suitcase is far from being a pleasant experience!

You may ask me: what about the gastronomy? As in everywhere in France, you'll have a great choice of restaurants and brasseries in Paris... it's up to you to find your 5 stars' restaurant. Thanks to the influence of the social media, the legendary surliness and rudeness associated with dining in Paris has been replaced with politeness and high quality customer service... However, we may still have to wait for several years in order to see a change in the image of rude and impolite shop owners.

I'm visiting Paris almost every year, this is why I am now inviting you to discover a few photos taken during my trips there.