travel to Paris from Amsterdam

The Thayls express train is the most efficient method, if not necessarily the cheapest. It goes from central Amsterdam to central Paris in a little under 3 1/2 hours. http://www.thalys.com/be/en/ However, I urge you to reconsider. You will spend a good deal of your scarce time on that train, leaving only enough to be overcome by Paris in nothing but a postcard-sized experience. Been there, done that, like a checklist.
Instead, the train fare money you save will allow you to enjoy a feast in Amsterdam, a city that will repay all the time you spend there. I like the elaborate, upscale Indonesian buffet restaurants.

An important addendum to Southam's reply: The Thalys uses "airline style" pricing. In other words, if you book in advance and accept a non-refundable fare, it's much cheaper. If you buy at the last minute, it's MUCH more expensive, and some runs can sell out. To see the difference, look at tickets for tomorrow and then for your travel dates. Unless this is your only chance ever to go to Paris (and for me, this would only apply in the case of a terminal disease), I'd see places closer to Amsterdam. If you stay within the Netherlands, you have the advantage of not only shorter travel time, but train tickets that don't require advance purchase. If you need some ideas for trips within the Netherlands, look at Rick Steves Amsterdam, Bruges & Brussels; he has LOTS of suggestions from rural to small town to urban, complete with detailed travel directions.

If you decide to stay near Amsterdam, I'd recommend Utrecht. It's an adorable town - like a mini-version of Amsterdam without all the big city negatives (busy, touristy, loud). I spent 4 days there and I felt like I stepped back in time. You can see it in one, however.

Thanks