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First trip to France! What to pack?

Boof

My husband and I are going to France Oct. 7th-17th. This will be my first trip to Europe! The thought of trying to pack for 10 days of travel without doing laundry is a daunting task! We'll be in Paris for about 3 day and then on to stay at a friend's house in Normandy. Here's my plan:

Shoes: Comfy, brown Keen shoes - I can walk in them forever, and they look good with boot-cut jeans. When they peek out, they look like flat boots.
grey Converse
chestnut Star-Ling slouchy boots
Me Too Sunset Wedges in burgundy patent - I question whether we'll ever get that dressed up.
ballet flats: Should I bother? If it's cold enough to need socks, I'll never wear them.

Daily wear: bootcut or straight jeans with a top and cardigan. I figure I can layer if it's chilly, and lose the sweater if I need to. I will accessorize with scarves, etc. This will pretty much be my uniform.

I'm more concerned about packing if the weather is too warm for jeans, shirts, and sweaters. Should I bother to pack denim clams or my denim pencil skirt?

I have a couple of dresses that I can wear with leggings to mix things up a bit.

I plan to take one knit dress, either black or purple to wear in case we do something dressy (wear with the burgundy wedges).

Should I take a coat? I have a red wool coat, brown quilted jacket, and a black trench.

Bag: Pewter patent cross-body bag and possibly a clutch

Any suggestions/opinions are greatly appreciated! :o)

Dressing

21 replies

Latest reply was from

rute

Veteran

It's difficult the forecast the weather for october, but it has been in Paris:
Partly Cloudy, about 60/68ºF

So, I guess you wont need denin clams.

RoseandJoan

Veteran

How exciting,

number one I would definitely take a coat, your black trench sounds perfect for taking you from arrondissement to cafe and back. I would also pack an umbrella for that time of year.

I think the denim pencil skirt is a good option, you could always add opaque tights to make this item work whatever the weather.

A sweater dress sounds very versataile so I would definatly pack that, would you wear it in the day with ballet flats,opaque tights and your trench?

Your day time uniform sounds great.

Ellen

It sounds like you have a good mix of options. I'd second the point that a denim pencil skirt is an excellent piece to have. If it is comfortable for you, then you have an option to wear when you need to go from casual to dressy, or if you are not sure of the level of dress required.

Do you have a pair of ballet flats that are comfortable but that would work well with a dress? Wedges seem like a large-ish item to take if you're not sure you'll even wear them, but even if you don't get dressed up you can use the ballet flats with jeans if you hit a patch of warmer weather.

Black trenches are extremely versatile - but I would take the coat that works with the biggest number of your outfits. You probably want to wear this on the plane.

And from what I hear, if you wear scarves a lot, you will fit in in France! Leave yourself some room to pick up a few choice French scarves to wear and bring home!!!

ENJOY! I'm more than a wee bit jealous.

Louise

Veteran

I'd also take a scarf aswell just in case it turns cold x

Anonymous

Fantastic! You are so lucky.
Get one of those pillows that lays around your neck for the flight. Also a nice wide wool pashmina makes a nice little blankie on the plane.

Louise

Veteran

Great idea on the pashmina san that would double as a scarf save on packing space x

Boof

Great ideas! I will definitely take my denim pencil skirt to wear with leggings, tights, etc. I'm on the hunt for super-comfy ballet flats...none of mine have enough support for major walking.

San- I am planning to take my neck pillow! The wool pashmina is a great idea! I have a huge one in varying shades of purple that will work great! I'm sure I will freeze on the plane.

I'm ridiculously excited about shopping for scarves in Paris!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

How fun, Boof! Where will you be going in France? We used to live there and know it quite well :0)

You will not need anything remotely Summery unless the sky falls down. If anything, the weather can turn to cold in October. Also, remember that France is about being on the streets 24/7 so it gets cold walking around at night outside.

I’d bring my boots and would not be without trench and an assortment of scarves and sweet jackets. Have fun!

Boof

Thanks, Angie! I'm glad to hear that the weather will likely be on the cool side. I'll get to wear my sweaters, jackets, and scarves! Yay! Can't wait to wear my skinny jeans and boots!

We're flying into Paris and will stay there for about 3 days. Then we're driving to Normandy. A friend of my husband's has offered us his vacation home there. It's impossible to turn down a free house in France!

I appreciate all of the help on the forum so much! I feel so much more confident about what to take with me!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Brilliant! Normandy is by the water, so definitely cooler along the coast. This trip will change your outlook on life :0)

Bring a dictionary! No one in Normandy speaks English.

Boof

I will definitely bring a dictionary! My high school and college French is quite rusty. My husband just told me that the house is in Vattetot-sous-Beaumont. Can't wait!

Kari

Veteran

Oh, Boof, that is so exciting!

I have only been to France once and it was as a teenager during mid-summer, so I don't have any weather-appropriate suggestions for you, but definitely suggest broken-in and extremely comfortable shoes, particularly for Paris. I hope you have a marvelous time! Will we get to see pictures after you return?

Anonymous

How exciting! You have many great suggestions. You may want to start listening to French language CDs in the car and as much as possible between now and when you leave to get some of your skills back. The public library will have some you can check out.

trix

How fun -- especially the free house in France bit! Sounds like a great trip.

You've gotten a lot of excellent clothing advice already -- I guess the only thing I would have to add comes from the perspective of someone who always tries to pack light (carry-on only, unless I'm going for several weeks or am doing a lot of gear-heavy activities). I find that shoes are often the bulkiest part of my luggage, so I often try to get by with two or three pairs, unless it's summer and I'm bringing slides/sandals. That's basically two pairs of shoes that are good for a lot of walking, and one pair of dressier shoes if I'm likely to be going out at all.

You've mentioned five pairs of shoes that you're thinking of bringing. If you're looking to save space, I would ask whether the Keens can serve for all the occasions when you would have considered the Converse sneakers. Seconding Ellen on the wedges, I'd also wonder if you have dressy shoes that take up less packing space than the wedges. Sounds like between the chilly weather and the walking, you're already reconsidering the ballet flats anyway.

Have a wonderful trip!!

rute

Veteran

Great have fun! My husband lived in France (Paris) many years and he always says that it is one of the most beutiful European cities.
Normandie is much cooler, boots, a trench coat, an umbrella, scarfs and you'll be fine.
We want to see photos!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Boof

I'm sure I'll have lots of photos to share when we return! I definitely won't be taking 5 pairs of shoes. The cons will stay home. I'll likely take my scrunchy boots, which will also work with a day dress or my denim pencil skirt, the Keens, and a pair of dress shoes. The Me Too wedges have a low heel and aren't much bulkier than a pair of flats. They are ridiculously comfortable.

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/30.....rchresults

Thanks so much for the advice, everyone! :o)

bella

(website)

Veteran

What a great trip! I visited Normandy coast years ago and it is to this day one of the most memorable trips I have taken. My trip was towards the end of the summer and I remember the gorgeous blue color of the sea in contrast to the white rock formations and the beach in Etretat. I have to say, though, even at the end of summer, it was pretty windy and cool.
I just googled your location and you are well-situated to visit a great many attractions. I would definitely visit Etretat and Honfleur. If I remember correctly there is a monumental bridge, Normandy bridge between Le Havre and Honfleur, very impressive. Mont St Michel is a bit to the southwest bit definitely worth the trip. Don't forget to taste the excellent mouton (lamb) of the country!

Dawn

(website)

Enjoy France, Boof! I'm going to Paris myself in a few weeks so this thread is also quite useful to me as well.

Anonymous

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Here are some indepth packing posts that Audi recently put on her site.

Boof

Fantastic, San! I will have to study these. So helpful! Love your new picture!

Anonymous

Thanks Boof. I put a different one up for awhile but it was a direct face shot and I felt a bit insecure about it, so thought I'd put up something with a bit more character. I'm glad you like it. My husband and I were goofing off at the Alamo. I have a picture of him doing the same thing.