I had a 7 hour layover in CDG and we managed to make use of the time. Got a bite to eat, people watched, saw some of the new double-decker planes... was a little boring toward the end, but it wasn't terrible.
Since you're there for longer and I'm guessing you haven't seen Paris, I HIGHLY recommend going into the city. Take the RER (B) from the Airport to Saint Michel - Notre Dame and go check out the cathedral. Maybe take a walk along the Seine up past Les Invalides and walk through the Champs de Mars to see the Eiffel Tower. It's a hefty walk, but on a nice day, it's gorgeous.
Last time I was there it was 10.70 Euro (I think) into the city... just either use the machine to buy a single ticket to Ile-de-France or go up to a counter and ask for a ticket into the city. The trains run fairly often so you should be fine and will have plenty of time to explore.
Ugh, so ppl werent kidding when they said this airport was horrible. I figure nothing could be worst than Atlanta, I hate that place. So god damn crowded!!!!
Stupid question but would I need a visa? I hate security and would like to avoid being hassle by them if possible. I would be pissed if we came back to the airport and security gives us crap for whatever reason. I would love to avoid the metro due to pick pocketers in tight quarters.
As long as you're a US citizen you won't need one. Security and immigration is actually REALLY easy to get through in Europe compared to the US. And don't let anyone scare you about the Paris metro. It's probably one of the safest in the world. I took it every day and the worst that happens is the French guys/gals come on and serenade you with an accordion / violin from time to time. Take in the culture.
<-- lived in Paris for 2 months.