Train from airport/Uber/boutique/restaurant questions

It is really easy to take a TAXI from CDG. Just look for TAXI signs as you leave passport control. Not cheap, though. To the Marais I think the set rate is 55 Euro. It is trickier to find the train but the RER can be taken into Paris with a transfer at maybe Gare du Nord to the Metro (all on one 15 Euro ticket). At CDG, to find RER follow signs. Ask for directions if necessary. Al lot of walking may be involved! I've started taking taxis a lot.

The train to Paris is easy to find; you follow signs that say 'Paris trains'. The cost is 10.30 and you get tickets from machines at the RER train station. Be sure you hold onto the ticket until you exit the system. Your hotel will indicate your metro stop so you can plan your trip in.

If you want to take a taxi, it is 50 flat fee to the Marais for up to 4 people and luggage; no tip needed. Have your address on a piece of paper to give the cabbie; have 50 Euro written on the same paper and make sure the meter is set at 50 Euro when you take off. No add on fees; tips not necessary.

Go to L'As de Felafel on rue des Rosiers. Everybody loves it.

No Lyft in France, but Uber is great, using your US app. However, you cannot use Uber from CDG. Taxis are handy, and for a first timer I would think it makes the most sense. Hauling a suitcase through the metro system is problematic even if you are familiar with the route.

For restaurants in Paris, my first stop is the web site for Paris by Mouth. They are American expats.

If you set your Google map while you have wifi connection, you can continue the walk with using data. However, you will use up a crazy amount of data using Google maps on cellular. Also, you and use navmii and other great apps about Paris.

I have not done this myself but google maps works offline. Just download the maps while on wifi.

What is the hotel budget? I have no idea what not crazy expensive means to you? Some good hotels in Les Marais are Hotel Caron, Hotel Caron de Beaumarchais (super chintzy and not my favorite from a style perspective but if you love little antique chairs and floral prints, it's the place for you) and Hotel Les Tournelles.

For #2, I'd get a good map instead of sucking up a huge amount of data.
You can get the little blue book "Paris, L'Indispensable" - about 6 EU at any newsstand.
Has all the streets, Metro and Bus listings and Velib' locations.

Or, print out your itinerary ahead of time using Mappy or GoogleMaps.

1. After you get off the plane and get through immigration, there is an automated tram that takes you to the different terminals and parking. One of the stops is the RER B that takes you into Paris. One way to get to Marais is to get off at Gare du Nord and transfer to a Metro to the Marais. The best combination depends on where you are staying. If you have a smartphone, there is an app (Next Stop Paris) that gives you the best stops, connections and walking maps to get to your destination. There are WiFi spots in the airport so you can get the information before you leave the airport if you don't have data available.

2. My phone doesn't need any data to use GPS. It will use data to refine my position if I forget to turn it off. The biggest drain is on your battery. If you use it regularly (as well as Next Stop Paris, camera, etc.), having a backup battery charger can really come in handy.

3. I'm not a foody, I normally get a sandwich (avialable at virtually any boulangerie or charcuterie) or a crepe for light meals on the go. My rule for restaurants is to take advantage of fixed price menus and look for something with a local following.

4. I haven't seen anything I'd consider low priced clothing in France. The price is generally high but so is the quality. There's a big shopping mall not far from Pompidou center that you might want to check out - it draws giant crowds of locals but it's not really the boutique you're looking for.

The Marais is an area full of wonderful, unique clothing and jewelry shops. Just walking around, you will come upon many interesting places to shop at. One store I like a lot for reasonable, stylish clothes is COS on rue des Rosiers, just down from L'as du Falafel restaurant, which I agree you should also try.

I agree that for your first time in Paris, you should take a taxi from the airport to your hotel. Don't put yourself through negotiating the RER, Gare du Nord and other metro stations (that have a lot of stairs), with luggage, just coming off an international flight.