Oh ya... if you are a student, remember to get your Int'l Student ID card from STA... very useful for student rates and discounts at museums etc. Many museums also have "free entry" days on certain days or half pricing (eg Louvre after 3pm...ok only if you don't plan to spend more time pretending to examine every crack of the Egyptian collection).
Personally speaking, only visit the museums/cathedrals you are truly interested in (eg Parc de Princes, Roland Garros, Stade de France...you may encounter some sports stars practising there
). The city has so many "free" interesting things to see and do that spending most of your visit indoors is a waste.
Archi buffs may look to the traditional Napoleanic ones and the newer ones like the massive National Library, the Pompidou, the Arab Institute, the new downtown at the Defence Arch, the new Bastille etc. The Seine from the Arab Institute to the Notre Dame has artists and their works on work/sale as well, and provides great human interest pics during the day. Flea mkts may also be interesting where you can find antiques, WW1/2 etc helmets, medals etc... someone's old knik-knaks going for a couple of francs/euros can become an interesting conversation piece in your living room.
Families may consider the EuroDisney day trip as well, which is usually great for kids but a $$$ waster for adults... Versailles is a much better day-trip.
Nighttime photography is great (City of Lights etc) but be more weary for "over-friendly" gypsy-types if away from the public tourist areas, though its not as bad as warmer places like Spain, Turkey or Italy. There are huge numbers of illegal immigrants etc scouring the streets to mug tourists etc... many are from East Europe as well.
Keep your backpack/pouch in front, though the pouch clip will be behind, it is more difficult for a snatch-thief to escape with the loot than if he/she used the slash-fish-n-disappear mtd. A windbreaker/jacket covering your bag etc is a good camouflage and obstacle to a thief on the lookout. A tripod is a dead giveaway so try not to advertise your status as mugging-target too much when of the safer tourist areas. If you or someone in your party has a cheapo P+S, use it when asking a stranger to take your group photo.. easier for the stranger to use and less risk of losing your $$$$ Ultracam.
If you can try the Eurostar... TRY IT!! 3 hrs Paris to London in a 300kph bullet train through French countryside and the Chunnel(Mission Impossible siah). Travelling by train through Europe is highly recommended, especially shiok through the Alps via Switzerland-Austria... machiam Sound of Music
Wear comfortable walking shoes or even black/darkbrown sports shoes that can be acceptable when entering good restaurants etc. Walk...you cant take too many good photos from a moving tour bus.
Those on a budget may buy their food from supermkts or the local butchers (cooked food, roast chicken etc) and avoid having to budget for tips as well. (or you can sell out by eating at "Royale-with-Cheese" outlets
). Having some bars of chocolate and drinking water can also provide some emergency energy should hunger/weakness strike at awkward times.
Travel tip that most guide books don't mention... ear plugs. Your NS-issue ones are good enough and are VERY useful for long flights, train rides etc when you need a good sleep... also if your room-mate/s snore
Wah.. sorry if I got too carried away
