Tips and Tricks:

Shopping: Politeness counts - remember Bonjour and Merci. Though souvenirs are more expensive near landmarks, don't assume you'll find an item elsewhere cheaper. Don't miss BHV for housewares, Camaïeu for women's clothes and Monoprix for just about anything. And while the conversion rate wasn't exactly favorable, why waste precious Parisian time fussing about it?

Packing: Layers were indispensable for Paris' unpredictable early spring weather. I recommend packing a warm, thin layer to wear under your clothes if needed. My big, lightweight scarf came in handy, as did cushy shoe inserts, a compact umbrella and space-saving travel accessories. And while you may have heard that jeans and sneakers will peg you as an instant foreigner, both were very common on Parisians, especially those 35 and younger.