Forgive my ignorance, but it will be my first time in Paris on April 29th, and I need help understanding how the system works. And I don't want to embarrass myself unecessaryly.;-)
First, if I call a restaurant to make a reservation, what do I say? "Je voudrais faire une reserve/reservation"? And when I get to the restaurant, what do I say? My name and "J'ai une reserve pour ce soir", or something like that?
Second, I will be escorted to my table, right?
And third, I understand the menu prices already include taxes and 15% for the tip. So, when the "addition" comes, there will be no surprises, right? And I heard one is expected to leave 1 or 2 extra euros anyway; is that correct?
Thanks.

Americans tend to leave something, my Parisian friends leave nothing.

Claudia - have you chosen your restaurant; do they have a web site for reservations? Many restaurants in Paris have someone who speaks English. I would try to make the reservation in English. Even if you have a script with the words to use to ask for a reservation you will probably not be able to understand the responses, especially on the phone which is more difficult than in person. If you go to the resto about 7:30 or so (after your macaroon) I would not worry about a reservation; it will still be early enough to get a table.

Look for the "service compris" stamp on the bill. That will tell you that the tip is included. Round up the bill to the next Euro or two for an extra tip (optional).

1. What you have is good. Another possibility: <<Je voudrais réserver>>.

2. Most likely the first thing that is said when you enter a restaurant is <<Avez-vous réserver?>>. You shouldn't need to do more than give your name.

3. Correct

The last few times we were in Paris and staying in hotels, I just asked the hotel front desk to call the restaurant to make a reservation for me. Another time we just walked into the restaurant to make a reservation for a later night. Most of them have someone who do speak English anyway. (I don't speak any French except the basic courtesy words, and we had no trouble at all.)

You will probably get many variations to your question, some more accurate than mine.

But, here's what works for me. Always begin by saying Bonjour Monsieur or Bonjour Madam, depending on who answers the phone.

Then say, Je voudrais faire une reservation (or couvert) and you should also add "pour ___ personnes".

Practice times because they will ask you when you would like to come or will propose a time and it's usually using the 24-hour clock.

When you get to the restaurant, repeat the Bonjour M or Me and say j'ai une reservation a ____ heures pour M. Smith.

Service will be included (service compris)and you aren't obligated to add anything but some people add one or two Euros per number of people dining (not added to the bill but left on the small tray your change or credit card slip is returned on).

Many restaurants now do bookings on line or if you are staying in a hotel, they can book for you, but try out your French, it will be appreciated, and is probably better than mine!

You can always ask if they speak English? Vous parlez anglais?
If the person who answered the phone doesn't I found that many times they would get someone who did. Always was helpful for me to know the day and time in French. I always found everyone to be very nice and tolerant of my mangled French!

In my admittedly limited experience, once I start speaking my "French," whoever is on the other end of the line immediately begins to speak English. But yes, I do try.

Thank you all for input.
I do speak French (although rusty), and I would really like to make the reservation myself, but I didn't know the right terminology. But I'll do it on line if the restaurant I choose - if I'll ever decide on one, has that option. But I've read that some restaurants want you to re-confirm your on line reservation over the phone anyway. Just in case that happens, now I know what to do. Merci!

Je voudrais réserver une table pour une personne pour la nuit de 29 avril à ___ heures, SVP.

When you arrive, "Bonsoir, Monsieur/Madame. C'est pour une réservation sous le nom de ____ à ____heures. Merci."

To reconfirm: "Bonjour/bonsoir. Je voudrais reconfirmer une réservation sous le nom de ___ à ____ heures pour le 29 avril, SVP."