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Loire to S. of France – September: Wardrobe?

I promise this isn’t a “how do I blend in and not look like a tourist” question! It’s more about having the right clothes for the weather.

I’m on RS’s Loire to the South of France tour in the second half of September, with a few days into October. I’m crossing fingers that the weather will still be warm and pleasant and, since we’ll be traveling south the whole time, that it will stay pretty consistent for the whole trip. Rick’s France does offer some averages for Paris and for Nice, but there’s an awful lot in between! If anyone has a favorite website that shows historical weather data, let me know.

So for tops, I’m planning to take short-sleeved shirts, a lightweight cardigan that has served me well on trips since 1998, and a light rain jacket, and probably a light scarf as well. I might throw in an undershirt, as I understand the cave day can get quite cold. As for pants, however, I’m wondering if the weather/temps will likely be such that capris and a pair of sturdy Keen sandals would be perfectly comfortable, or is it more likely to be long pants and proper shoes weather? (Even if I take capris, I’ll still take a pair of jeans or something.)

Any advice appreciated. Thanks!

Posted by
2161 posts

Hi Teresa, I'd take the Keen sandals as a second pair of shoes if you have room. There's a canoe trip (weather permitting) and at least 1 boat ride on this tour. You may also want to walk on the rocky beach in Nice. I'd also take a light fleece to wear as an outer layer or extra layer if it's really cool or rainy one day. I did this tour in May, really fun!

Posted by
797 posts

Hi Teresa, I use wunderground's travel planner to look at the last 10 years of weather on the dates I will be travelling, to give me a general idea. http://www.wunderground.com/travelplanner/index.asp

Last year I stayed in Villefranche-sur-Mer, 5 km from Nice, for a week ending September 28 and it was very warm, at least 25 C. I had one skort, which I wore frequently during the day, and capris in the evening. I did have a pair of pants for the plane ride.

I always pack scarves with me. I use a thick scarf as a blanket wrap on the plane, and thinner scarves for everyday warmth. I suggest packing in layers. A fleece and a raincoat are a good idea.