The Through the Lens series offers insight to some of the best destinations in the world from the perspective of some of our favorite photographers.

While all eyes were on Paris for the Olympics this summer, Parisian photographer Julie Glassberg was capturing the unseen. Previously she documented underground, rebel bicycle clubs in Minnesota and persisting Dekotara subculture trucks throughout Japan. Now, she follows France's fringe, including the dancing, non-traditional seniors of Eastern France. Her photography has appeared in The New York Times, The New York Times Magazine and Le Monde, and has earned numerous awards from prestigious organizations including a shortlist from Paris Photo/Aperture for her first published book, an anthology of Dekotora design and characters.

So how else to navigate one of the most tourist-ridden cities in the world than ask a local who loves an underground scene? After residencies in the U.S., Japan, and China, Glassberg back in France and ready to give us a quick snapshot of home. Glassberg’s authentic view of Paris means skipping a coffeeshop and savoring a late night meal at a hot dog stand. Want to the whole thing? Here’s Julie Glassberg's Paris, through the lens.

Favorite Cocktail

I like to explore multiple places for cocktails. I don’t go often, but when I do, I want to drink a good cocktail. I try a new place almost each time. It can be in some trendy speakeasy, but a nice hotel bar is also quite pleasant.

I don’t have a favorite, it depends on the mood and who I’m with. Bar 1802 for rum for example, or Moonshiner, but it can get crowded depending on the night and hour.

Favorite Quick Bite

The hot dog stand near the Rue du Roi de Sicile. Otherwise, French people like to take their time to eat, spending a long time at a table to continue talking.

The hot dog stand is where I go to with friends when we have a drink nearby. If I’m alone and need a quick bite for lunch, I go to a good boulangerie and get a sandwich.

Best Sunset

Sun is not quite a regular haha, but when it's out, I would say the Seine riverbank is quite neat.

Favorite Spot for a Night Out

Again, I try to vary, but the 1 1th arrondissement is a district with lots of my favorite options.

Favorite Spot for a Show

National theaters like the Théâtre national de Chaillot for a play or a dance performance, or some dive bar for a concert.

Favorite Tourist Trap

The Paris Catacombs. It’s surprisingly fun to visit. So are the sewers.

Why Paris?

Out of all the neighborhoods, my favorite remains the one I grew up in, the 18th arrondissement. I like the blend of cultures, the popular cafes where you see all kinds of social classes, the beautiful streets. It has a lot of charm and history that I relate to.