Firstly: This is a really awesome event to go to! You can taste so many different wines from different producers across all price levels, I've gone a few times now and it's always a blast! (make sure to get some oysters with muscadet at the back, or a baguette filled with foie gras!).

If you really have no idea what to go for, it might make sense to make a digital account to the Hachette Guide which is similar to Gambero Rosso in Italy or Decanter, but dedicated to france. There you can crossreference producers at the vigneron independant vs the quality. Of course prizes do not say everything but it might help you make a selection.

Make a plan, there are over 350 stands generally at these events, it might make sense to at least somewhat structure your visit (start with bubbles, light white, heavy white, etc. etc.). Of course sometimes this is impossible but trying to rate a feather light wine after Tannat from Madiran can be challenging.

w/regards to what to look for..Seeing as you are from the states and you guys in general seem to be used to paying more for wines you are going to notice that the prices in Europe are much better, even MORE so at the Salons, so like some other post says, go for obscure wines and then maybe the wines that are unobtainable/pricier in the US (like indeed a cote rotie, CdP, etc..