In Diane Johnson's L'Affaire, the female protagonist is very conscious of being an American with no history or homemaking skills, so she takes a tablecloth class in France. So why not an ironing class? It would give insight into French culture.

I take taxis in Paris, when the mood or fatigue strikes.
This sort of thing always comes down to decisions we all make about how we choose to spend our money, or where to make compromises. I get laundry done by the hotel when I need to, and I take taxis when the hour is late or I'm too tired to deal with the metro.

Another thing I avoid in Paris--Pizza Pino. The worst meal I've ever had in Paris over many years. That's related to avoiding most restaurants on the Champs Elysees north of the rond-point.

Don't pee on any walls, they have enough of that already.

amarena-

I'm sorry the construction got you down, because I too love the Rodin garden, but weren't the mini forklifts and other mini construction vehicles cute? I love those Parisian mini versions of big diggers and things.

My best advice would be DON'T feel that you have to see the entire Louvre, especially if you aren't a museum junkie. I think a marathon Louvre expedition killed Paris for my parents- now they will never go back.

And yes, I would love to have so much time in Paris that an ironing class would sound interesting!

Don't go to the Lido, Crazy Horse, Moulin Rouge...but, realizing some people must...don't eat there...these are expensive evenings, and mostly geared for a tourist market.
Don't eat at any of those restaurants near St Michel where there is a guy inviting you in...
Don't order Coke/other soft drinks with your meal...expensive, and why not eat like the locals...wine, mineral water...
Don't overplan...allow time every day for doing "nothing"
Don't ever expect it to be like home, it's not, that's what travel is all about.
Don't listen to the stories about rude people...these are urban myths...there are no more rude people in Paris than any other large city. Don't be surprised if people aren't always smiling at you, introducing themselves as 'Pierre your server', or not bringing you the bill promptly. It's a different culture, adjust...
Don't worry about not speaking French, you'll do fine.
Don't be afraid to splurge, life is too short to look back and say.. I wish we had...
Don't assume that the Louvre is "it", there are a lot of other large and small museums with 'good stuff'.
Don't miss out on some of the evening concerts at many of the local churches

>> I don't flame people for their transportation choices. I merely make information available for the benefit of those who may not be aware of all the alternatives.<<

Hmmm... I'll use the words of the Wizard from the Broadway musical -
"Elphaba, where I'm from, we believe all sorts of things that aren't true. We call it - "history".

Don't try to sneak into a self-cleaning toilet without paying. You'll be very sorry.

Er, starrsville -

huh?