One Free night in Paris

Yours is a question with 10,000 answers. Are you looking for just a dinner, or sight seeing? Do you want to eat with the local Parisians or at a 5 star restaurant? Do you want to skip the meal and just find fun little out of the way places? Where are you staying in Paris? Do you speak any French? Even a little will open doors for you. What age group are you traveling with? I think you have come to the right place with your question, but you need to be a little more specific.

Good point...I would like to eat and explore a place of Paris where I can just take in the local atmosphere amd beauty of Paris. I am a young teacher so I don't have much cash to spend. I am looking more for a slice of life experience than an expensive memory. We are staying at the Mercure Paris Porte de Versailles Expo on the Rue du Moulin. Unfortunately I do not speak any french.

For me, I would walk down the main street through Ile Saint Louis, across the pedestrian bridge towards Notre Dame, past ND and along the Seine river going west to Place de la Concorde then go left across the bridge and walk east along the river back to Notre Dame. Lots to see and enjoy. That's my idea of the perfect thing to do at night in Paris. Whatever you end up doing, I hope you have a great time!

Add to your list a concert in one of the churches. St Chapelle often has evening concerts. The really old church across from Notre Dame in the 5th often has concerts. Ever taken a Segway tour? That's another way to enjoy Paris.

It seems like you already are heavy on tours, but I really do enjoy the river cruises at night, though touristy. You might want to consider one before or after dinner, combined with a nice evening stroll.