Eric Mézan is founder and director of the consultancy Art Process, which works with many French companies to help businesses and brands integrate artistic creation into their business strategy. It also publishes the art, business and economy newsletter Iconomix. Based in the Bastille, it fosters a network of experts in London, New York, Berlin, Tokyo and Madrid.

Where in Paris do you live and why?

I live near the Panthéon in the 5th arrondissement. It’s a district that is central and very lively—the Sorbonne welcomes numerous students, Universal has its offices here and rue Mouffetard is just steps away. In all seasons, I cross the Jardins du Luxembourg towards Montparnasse, which is a way for me to stay in contact with nature.

What advice would you give a tourist? Any must-dos?

The 'must’ is to discover Paris by bike and to let yourself be guided by your instinct and curiosity. Another thing I like about Paris is the possibility of going swimming in pretty much all the arrondissements. The municipal pools are very accessible—it’s a way of feeling Parisian very quickly. There’s nothing better than experiencing a city physically to get to know it.

What advice would you give a visiting businessperson?

Sign a lot of contracts and spend part of the money on buying artworks and fashion creations. For that a shopping trip is essential at Colette, APC and the galleries Agnès b and Anne de Villepoix. For business travel, I’d recommend the hotel decorated by Christian Lacroix, the Hôtel du Petit Moulin, in the Marais, or 3 rue de Moussy, the new hotel opened by fashion stylist Azzedine Alaïa.

What and where have been your most memorable meals?

Without doubt Chez Kenji. It is a very discrete Japanese restaurant at the top of the Montagne Sainte Geneviève. The chef, Kenji, has worked with the greatest chefs around today. He has created a hybrid Japanese-Western cuisine that is a great art. Expect to pay around €50 for Omakasse and let the chef decide your menu.

Where would you take a client to wow them?

I’d take them to discover the Fondation Cartier, with its remarkable architecture by Jean Nouvel and excellent artistic programme.

I’d also take them to avenue Montaigne with all the big brands of the Triangle d’Or. Paris is really a jewel, with luxury around every corner and contemporary art also.

What do you miss about Paris when you’re away? Crossing the Seine to go from the Left Bank to the Right Bank in the morning—and the reverse in the evening!