I need some help - we only have 3 nights to spend in Paris - what area should we stay in and what should we put on our to-do-list ??

I would suggest you read the Paris Superthread.
A fine compilation of Paris information.
After that, you might be better able to narrow down your questions.

To answer this question one would have to know what are your interests: are they cultural, i.e. museums; concerts or tourist-oriented, i.e. Eiffel Tower; cruises on the Seine; or restaurants or nightlife, etc.

Hi, the Paris Superthread that Kate2 suggests is here:

http://www.fodors.com/forums/pgMessa...p;tid=34519236

The most basic answers to your very general questions are:
1. stay in arrondissements 1-7; most people like 3,4 5,6th the best
2. print off the "Destinations" guide for Paris from either/both Fodors & Frommers websites.
3. or use a suggested itinerary for "if you have 3 days" found in most guidebooks, ie. Rick Steves' Paris, etc.

It will be much more meaningful for you to choose the sights YOU want to see. If you want to list them here with the dates you are visiting, then someone may help further by giving updates or making suggestions. But you need to start it.

In addition to the superthread, which is great, you can look at the Fodor's "Best in 3 Days" on the Paris page.
For areas to stay in, we like the 6th Arrondisement because it is centrally located and provides easy walking access to most of central Paris.

I'm traveling to Paris May 29-June 1. It will be my first time. Here's what I've planned to do so far . . . (concentration on what *I* want to do and what interests me. A combo of museums/monuments and culture/Parisian way of life).

HOTEL: Le Clos Medicis

Louvre
Musee Marmottan
Notre Dame & Towers
Sainte Chapelle
Eiffel Tower
Seine River Cruise
Buci Market
3 Bistro dinners
People watching

Vivienleigh, the parks will be beautiful...sure you don't want to add a couple to your list?
Jardin de Luxembourg
Jardin de Tuileries
Parc Monceau