8th

I would not call to order a van from the airport, as there is a taxi line and you won’t have to arrange to meet a van, let them know when you arrive, etc. Getting to the airport from Paris when you return, calling a van can be a good idea though. I definitely think with five people a taxi is the way to go, as public transportation will end up being more expensive as well as more inconvenient.

The boat rides on the Seine are all about an hour. Some leave from the Île de la Cité , and some, including the Bateaux Mouches, leave from near the Tour Eiffel. The Bateaux Mouches, as I understand it, have recorded commentary and the others have a live guide doing commentary.

There are still lots of small shops in St-Germain des Pres, they are not all designer brands and chain stores. Also in the Marais. These areas are both very touristed, but many of the small, independent shops are found in touristed areas because tourists like them. The Champs Elysées has lots of large chains stores though, and less charm. I am not sure what might be comparable to Anthropologie, maybe somebody here knows, but that sounds like a large chain store.

Ok. Very good info. Thank you everyone.
So-- is it worth it to go to the top of the Tour Eiffel? I see you cannot buy tickets for May right now. I know weather is unpredictable but any guess what time of day would be good to go up at the end of May? Perhaps before sunset? Thank you.
Also, any restaurants around the 8th arrond. This is where we will stay.
Anything to avoid in Paris?
What is the weather like at the end of May? I have been every other month to Paris-- but not May.
Thanks.

I am one of those Parisians who almost always eats at home, and when I do go out, I try not to spend more than 30 euros for a meal. This is almost never possible with most of the people I know, who seem to think that 40 or 50 euros is normal. I therefore decline most proposed outings. But if you want an excellent 8 euro thali, I can tell you where to go.

In my own price range, I tend to eat at Chinese or Indian restaurants, but I have found that for some reason most tourists are looking for French food.

It’s interesting how “living like a local” seems to give way to “living like a Queen” when it comes to food.
For some people. No one here though.

Give me a Warsaw milk bar any day.

Edited for gender sensitivity and to rephrase in a more “food for thought” style.

Droll, Kerouac. I, too, in the good ol' U S of A can get an excellent $10 thali. But good French food, not so much.

We took the Canal St Martin boat tour last spring and enjoyed it quite a bit. We planned to walk back to our hotel near Parc Luxembourg but I think we ended up on a bus about half way back. We have taken the Vedettes but liked this more.

No, not worth it, imo
Loads of restaurants, check google maps and check out what comes up? Or wander around and look at the menus and when you see something you fancy, go in.
What is it you usually avoid? Avoid that.
Check world meteo and dress sensibly.

You're welcome

For May, based on my experience, plan for coolish (50s, low 60s) weather with overcast skies and rain often a threat, but be able to enjoy the sun if you see it (it does happen -- once, in 2011, for an entire week!).

Ahh, Anthropologie, it was interesting to see that the famed and humongous Galeries Lafayette has a pop-up Anthro store in its flagship location, but really why look there, when it can be found in abundance here. You would like the shop: Mes Demoiselles, which store I found in St. Germain de Pres, and whose clothing can be found at Anthropologie. It is near or on Rue de Vieux Colombier or Rue des Saints, but believe they have other Paris locations. Also check out the edgier Zadig & Voltaire also in the 6th Arr. Check out the book: Riches of Paris: Shopping & Touring Guide by Clemente. Also dont miss the oldest dept store Bon Marche. By all means, stay in the 8th, and get over to the 6th off the Boulevard onto the smaller shops for sure!

aliced-- love all of your information. Yes- I have been to Galeries Lafayette- -ha about Anthro in it. I have found all the things I have bought- or most of the things I bought in Paris have been timeless. I love all your descriptions and will def have to go to these places. Yes- Bon Marche- thanks for that.