If you are addicted to diet coke (like I am), then go to Champion or another supermarche where you can get a two liter bottle of generic (store brand) diet coke (really coca cola light in France) for as little as 0.39 Euros.

You can also purchase chocolate, mustard, and other inexpensive food items to take home as gifts. The generic nutella is less than 1.0 Euro.

One great supermarche that is out-of-the-way but easy to get to is the Champion at Place de Italie. It is huge and stocked with every item that you would need (even batteries and stuff). It is located in the basement of the mall that is located at the Place de Italie metro station.

On our last three trips to Paris, we stayed at the Citadines Apart'Hotel at Place de Italie. It is on the outskirts of Paris; however, we have paid as little as 65 Euros for a studio with kitchenette. It is on three metro lines and you can travel to most of the major attractions with no or just one transfer.

We prefer an apartment type hotel with a kitchenette because of dietary restrictions (semi-vegetarian and extremely low-fat); it is easier to cook than to eat out. The Champion has a huge assortment of fresh vegetables.