I’m not as concerned with clothes during the day, we went to Iceland and London the last 2 vacations and I think I was fine. No one will mistake me for some chic Parisian no matter what I wear. What do they tend to wear to nice restaurants for dinner?
Which brings up another point–pack as light as you can.
We were in France last summer and I highly recommend a trip to the Loire Valley if you can fit in the time, was easy to take train from Paris to St. Pierre Des Corps and rent a car to get around. There are several car rental locations right at the station, just don’t plan to arrive or drop off on Sunday as the car rental locations are closed. I enjoyed any of the the Loire Valley Chateaux so much more than the day we spent at Versailles! My favorite was Chenonceau. We stayed in Amboise and used that as our base.
Yes to all the wonderful ideas from other posters but I would like to offer a word of caution. There are groups of children (often immigrants) that wander the city in search of tourists. Their method of operation is to surround you, jabber at you to confuse you, and hold a piece of cardboard beneath your eyeline. As this is going on, one will pick your pocket or cut your purse off you. I was cornered on a bridge and a local saved me by beating them with her shopping bags. Just be aware if you see a group of kids coming your way. Also,make a point to go off the tourist path and do something local such as a neighborhood celebration . I even got my haircut at a salon and it was the best haircut I have ever had in my life…and the guy did it while on rollerskates!
We stayed at the Renaissance by the Arch. We never took any public transportation! Walking was just as entertaining as going to a museum. 
And being a fashion geek, I paid a pilgrimage to 31 Rue Cambon. You know what? Those Chanel ballet flats that I never liked at home did amazingly well on cobblestones.
Speaking of clothes, we brought nicer jeans and polos for Mister and cute tops for me for everyday walking. I packed my trusted RL dress that survives travel well even when balled up and one long sleeve shirt and a sports coat for Mr. We wore those to our grand finale boat cruise dinner, and the waiter was impressed so much that we dressed up a notch above other tourists that we got absolutely stellar attention and service (and an upgrade to a window table).
62, +1 but with caution that car rentals are sparser and a lot more expensive if you can't drive a stick shift.
You can’t just show up at St. Pierre Des Corps and expect an automatic transmission car to be sitting there waiting for you to rent. It probably won’t be. You need to arrange for it in advance, and then they’ll get it for you from one of their Paris branches, or wherever.
Personally I view this as a “second-timer+” trip, as there’s a lot to occupy oneself in Paris for the first go round.
But that’s me.
Not sure there is enough time in a 1 week trip to carve out a visit to Loire Valley because that needs at least 2 days. I personally think re-learning my stick shift skills are half the fun of car rentals in Europe.
"Speaking of clothes… I packed my trusted RL dress that survives travel well even when balled up "
I call those my “wash and wad” clothes. The “go to” travel pieces.
Bonus points for super quick dry after a quick rinse in the shower. And no bulk. Especially socks and underwear.
With the right clothes you can do light carry-on easily for more than 3 weeks–I’ve done it.
Microfiber, polyester everything, no-iron anything.
I actually found eating out in Paris LESS expensive than major cities in the US, but we primarily ate at smaller local places, and not as interested in the fine dining. No tax. Little tip expected (just round up).
First Timer Must-do List
- Sail a toy boat in the Tuileries Garden fountain near the Lourve
- Take in a marionette show in the Luxembourg Gardens after watching a game of bocce ball
- Send yourself a postcard from the post office on the first floor of the Eiffel Tower
- Order Berthillon gelato in French - Une petite glace s'il vous plait
- Light a candle in Notre Dame Cathedral
- Enjoy a molten hot chocolate at Angelina, 226 Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris.
- Window shop at Printemps
- Have a visual translator app on your phone - uses camera to image a sign/menu/brochure and magically translate!
I say take sneakers. They make great ones now and parisians do wear them.
Honestly, there are so many tourists in spring/summer, even if you stood out no one would notice. Your feet will thank you.
Go up in Galleries Lafayette and you can see all over from the upper floors.
Printemps has an amazing place to rest and get a drink. Huge stained glass dome overhead.
Do more crowded things on Monday/Tuesday to see less lines/waiting.
I have a question while we are on the subject of Paris. I’m interested in going up to the rooftop of Galeries Lafayette or Printemps but I cannot remember which one has the rooftop and which one has the cafeteria. I think Galeries Lafayette has the cafeteria.
My next visit will be in late November and it will be cold, so not necessarily looking to eat outside, but I think one of them has bubble enclosures on the roof
GL has the cafeteria. It’s a good place for a quick lunch or respite from walking.
I love walking through their food department on the lowest floor. There are places to stop and eat (and drink champagne) there as well.
We had lunch at the GL cafeteria and it was delightful. Gorgeous store!
Okay… you guys have convinced me. Going to Paris for D2’s spring break next year. D1 will be on the tail end of her honeymoon in Europe and will join us for a couple of days. First time there for me and D2.
@intparent, I hope you have a terrific time!
This thread has had me in conversations with a friend. We are trying to schedule a trip - it would be her first time to Paris. I get to be tour guide which is fine with me!! Paris is addictive!
I haven’t read all the replies, but IMHO this is too much. Spend the entire week in Paris with a day trip to Versailles.
I’m no expert, but I will say that I have been to Paris 9 times, one time for over 7 months.
My recommendation for a first timer is to do all of the “touristy” things. They are touristy for a reason: they are fantastic. If you come back, yeah, go to some of the off the beaten path things. But the top 10s and such ARE must sees in my opinion.
Wow…we have a full on Rick Steves or Trip Advisor Paris travel forum going on here!!