I actually don't mind driving (or cycling) in Paris - I find it quite smooth-flowing. As long as you remember that a certain fluidity as regards rules and lanes is expected, that when it doubt it's priorite a droite and to respect the space immediately in front of other vehicles, then you'll get on just fine.

However, to navigate, you really need to view the city as a series of landmarks and squares, with a fast route along the river. If you don't know the layout of the landmarks, you'll get stuck.

That said, I never drive a car in a city if I can avoid it.