Gonna have a free afternoon in Paris next week, never been before. Could do with a good itinerary to make the most of it. I’ll be free from about 11am and my Eurostar leaves at 17:15. Be good to briefly take in the sights and maybe have jaunt up the Eiffel, but generally prefer to swerve the too touristy stuff? Reckon I might do a swift circuit on a tour bus but then I’d prefer to wander down some more authentic Parisian rues, markets & squares. Get a nice meal somewhere and probably a few bars / cafés too?

Any advice? Cheers

Just walk along the west-bank, seeing the sights, diving down little side-streets, eating and drinking as you go. Get some quality people-watching time in.

Sounds good that like but can you be a bit more specific? You mean the Rive Gauche?

Did this trip last month. Had an amazing, no too crammed day which went something like this;
Metro to Eiffel Tower, sat underneath it eating a baggette for lunch (if you want to go up it you are better off re booking – queues are horrendous).
Walk over to join a River Boat trip – no pre booking required. Many companies offering very simular trips (purchase ice cream before boarding)!
Walked up to Arc De Triomphe. Admire.
Metro to The Marais area for a cafe style bite to eat.
Taxi back to Gare de North.
Simples.
Have fun.

Thanks, sounds grand. Just spotted the other Paris thread too so plenty to go at.