fuzzbucket

Ennvierges - that was the second Temple I was referring to.
Couldn't remember if it was on rue Pavee or not.

fuzzbucket

Envierges - but you still can't go inside that Temple.

Keep your gadgets - including your cellphones - inside a deep pocket or in your purse, not in your hand, as most Parisiens are wont to do. I've seen more go missing from the Metro that way.

You don't need any special purses - a long strap that goes over your body and a flap with a zipper underneath will be fine. I wouldn't advise backpacks.

denisea

I use a safety pin through the zipper as extra "safety" with my purse that I use when traveling. It is flat and can easily fit under my jkt.

I look for Banque Populaire (spelling??) ATMs in Paris. These give smaller bills, in my experience, than some of the other bank ATMs. I always had some trouble breaking 50 euro bills that I got from ATMs (never try to buy a 3-4 euro crepe with a 50 euro bill)!��

scdreamer

fuzz - a purse with "a long strap that goes over your body and a flap with a zipper underneath" - That's commonly known as a cross-body.

Thought of one more thing - since the OP says she has not traveled internationally before - Be sure to call or go online to inform your credit card companies and your bank (debit card) that you will be traveling. They will want dates and places. Otherwise your card may be denied, and it can be a big fat hassle to get in touch with them to let them know once you're already traveling.

fuzzbucket

You can normally choose denominations at any ATMs in Paris.
Vendors are now used to making change for 50 EU notes.
You'll have so much change that you won't know what to do with it all.

"Cross body bag" might not have been familiar to the OP. That's why I used the description.

denisea

I guess the last thing for someone who has not traveled much internationally would be sending a copy of your passport(s) to yourself on email. I also take a paper copy with me in case my passport is lost/stolen.

I also register with the State department (on their website) in case there is an issue while you are there. At least they know you are there...have never needed that but it won't hurt.

fuzzbucket

Keep your actual passports in the hotel safe, keep extra debit/credit cards, and extra cash and your plane tickets there too.

You can make copies of passports and carry them with you - they are proper for ID. It's a real pain if they go "missing".

If you want to use audio guides in museums, bring your drivers' licenses.

fuzzbucket

You can go to ParisByMouth's website - for gastronomical tours or to look for restaurants in any arrondissement.
Be advised that the tours sell out quickly.

Tulips

Book; you've probably read this already or saw the movie; 'Her name was Sarah'.

Not much to add to all these Paris experts (which I am not) but our kids liked the Georges restaurant on top of Centre Pompidou - nice view of the Eiffel tower too.
For a classic and beautiful brasserie: Bouillon Racine.