As for shopping. . .do not pass up Monoprix!

The "Target" of Paris. Great stuff at excellent prices.
Rue deCler market on Saturday is also enjoyable (in the 7th) for those looking for chocolates they have a JosBruges store there.
And for the women who can't get enough cosmetics/skin products, Caudalie is 1/2 the price in Paris as it is here in the States.