bardo1 - if you haven't read it on Fodors, don't believe it!! Never trust a jealous coworker.... :)

Thanks for all of the advise! Sorry I did not have much time for research as I was invited on this trip by my Aunt only 2 weeks before departure. That is why a friend who travels extensively recommended this site. Leaving Sept. 18th will spend 3 days in London and 4 days in Paris. Wasn't sure if a day trip to another country was feasible, we'll save that for another time. Will absolutely get a guide book but thought nothing was as good as first hand advise. Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts!!!

One dining suggestion--if you are out-and-about and see a restaurant you like (and many moderate-priced, not-in-the-guide-book ones are just fine) consider going there for the prix fixe (often 3-course) or formule (2 course) selection AT LUNCH rather than at dinner. You should get a fairly comparable expperience for 2/3 the cost. Then eat cheap (crepes, sandwiches, cafe food, etc.) for dinner.

A day trip to Germany or Switzerland is a non-starter: but if you want to see something other than Paris, how about Dijon (1h 30 by TGV) or Orleans, or Chartres, under an hour, for a view of France-outside-Paris The fastest foreign capital from Paris is Brussels in 1hr 25.

As for Paris on a budget, check out the Paris pages on http://about-france.com, for a list of free visits and ways to spin out your bucks