I’ve only been to France in the summer before (in July) but the weather was quite variable. It could be 62F and rainy, or it could be 85F and not a cloud in the sky. I’d say the average was probably about 75F and partly sunny with some clouds though. This is in the Paris area mostly but also the weekend I was in Strasbourg it was pleasant warm weather too. I’ve not been to the Riviera area where I would expect it to be quite a bit warmer than that.

I would bring one pair of long pants that aren’t jeans (something lightweight like linen or cotton). From what I’ve gathered, people in Europe really don’t wear shorts much. In Italy and Greece, they’ll come in handy, particularly for the beach or hiking, but otherwise long lightweight pants or skirts are the way to go. I think a light cardigan would be fine in general for warmth but I would definitely make sure to bring that rain jacket as well (get a lightweight one, preferably one that’ll fold into its own pocket for easy carrying around) and keep abreast of the weather forecast (so you aren’t carrying it around when it’s sunny, but you have it when there are scattered showers).

Thanks for the response! Good to know about the weather in France; that’s one of the countries I don’t really know what to expect weather-wise (I know it’ll be super hot in Italy). I was hoping a light cardigan would be fine, so I’ll plan on bringing that along. I’ll also definitely bring the rain jacket along, it is a lightweight one too plus has a bunch of little pockets on the inside so that will come in handy keeping things dry.

I’m still not sure about bringing another pair of pants other than my capri khakis… If it’s hot out, there’s not way I’m wearing pants- I’d rather be comfortable in shorts (which are linen and are an appropriate length- no cutoff jean shorts for me!). Of course, I’m bringing 2-3 skirts and at least 1 dress as well.

if anyone else has any advice about packing specifically for these climates, please advise! (especially about footwear!)

Haha, well this is just coming from me, I’m from Alabama so I wear pants even when it’s like 95F out here (which it is, for most of July and August). You’re right that jeans are uncomfortable in the heat, but lightweight pants to me are more comfortable than skirts in the same heat (no chafing) and they cover you up which helps with not getting sunburned (I have really fair skin).

Anyway, I just think a pair of light pants would go a long way in France for you.

haha wow I would never wear pants in 95 degree weather- but I’m a New England girl and freeze all winter so once the sun comes out I am ready to bring out my dresses, skirts, and shorts for the summer! This past week we got a heat wave (95 degrees with ridiculou humidity) and i was dying in my tanks and shorts. My ancestry is Italian, so I tan very well and don’t have to worry much about burning.
Anyways, I def will consider a light pair of pants. I agree jeans are not comfortable when its hot out (I am bringing them to wear out at night, though.) and if its cooler i will want to be comfortable.

I wear shorts in Mississippi’s 95 degree weather. Kayling must have had heat stroke from wearing those long pants.

haha. I mean, I do wear shorts and capris in the summer too. Also bear in mind that during July for the past two years I haven’t actually been in Alabama, I was in France in 08 and Fiji (during southern hemisphere winter) last year… so who knows, I might live in shorts all summer this year. Also, I’m not in school anymore and that was a big factor in wearing of the jeans too (even if it’s 95 outside, it’s bound to be 65 in all the classrooms on campus because they are blasting the AC).

I didn’t take any long pants with me to the beach last week (Pensacola, FL) though. Also, I get bug-bitten on my ankles and feet ALOT in the summertime so that is another reason I like to wear pants also (I live kinda in the woods).

AH, I HATE THIS. Seriously, last week we got a heat wave. it was 95 degrees out. It was 85+ in my non-AC dorm room. but it was 60 in all the classrooms, how do you dress for this?? I was lugging layers around just to be comfy, haha.

Anyways, question- do you guys bring stuff like shampoo/conditioner, body wash, shave gel, etc. with you when you leave, or do you just buy them there? I was thinking of bringing small travel size to start with and then replacing as I need. Is this a good plan?

any tips on what to bring and what not to bring would be appreciated!

I usually bring travel sizes of shampoo, body wash, and shaving cream. (I don’t use conditioner) I’ve never been gone longer than a month, but I never ran out of the 3 oz bottles during that time. My travel deodorant did run out after 3.5 weeks in France (with about 4 days to go) though so I am probably gonna bring a normal sized one next time (I use solid, so no worry about the size). I hate French deodorant because it’s ALL the roll-on liquid kind. I’m also particular about what I use because I have sort of sensitive skin, so I like to bring my own.

We just got back from our Europe trip and I thought I’d weigh in on the shorts issue. We did see people wearing shorts but they were usually tourists, runners or cyclists.

If you are planning on visiting churches you’ll need to be careful with shorts or shorter skirts. I saw women turned away from churches more than once because they were either wearing shorter skirts, shorts or sleeveless tops. My wife brought along a couple of pairs of leggings that worked perfectly for her. In fact that looked to be a pretty common piece of clothing for locals and tourists.

Thanks for the response, revyd. I do know about dressing restrictions for certain churches and will be sure to dress appropriately. As I stated, I am bringing several (probably 3) skirts and at least 1 dress and all of them reach my knees so I know I will be fine. I hate leggings so that’s a “no” for me, but thanks for the idea- I’ll pass it along to my female friend traveling with me.

I hope you had a great trip!