I will be taking the family to Paris over Thanksgiving. Since you have a limited time, do all the tourist things. See the Effel Tower (and go to the top), Visit the Arc de Tromphe, Walk the Champs de Elysees (poor spelling). One nice thing to do to get an overall view of the city and its flavor, is to try one of the tourist busses. I forget the name of it, but it is an unlimited on/off tour. You can get off at a place you like, and get on on the next bus. Walk along the Left Bank. Have coffee in a streetside cafe.

Don't drive. Take the Metro or the RER. Cheaper and less stressful. Get an 3 or 4 day Metro pass. Unlimited trips on the Metro for several days.

I have been to Paris numerous times, and have always heard about the rudness of the French. I have NEVER had a problem. A couple of words of advice: try and learn several important phrases such as good morning/day; good evening; good night; please; thank you; and most importantly, "may I have a glass of wine please?" With these few phrases, I have never had a problem with the French. Don't be afraid to ask them to correct your efforts at French, or ask how to say something. Laugh and enjoy yourself.

IMHO
Scott (KB0FHP)