I notice a couple of days spent in what appears to be chillier regions, Day 5 in the foothills of the Vosges Mountains, and days 8-9 in the French Alps. We will be going in late September, and I'm debating whether to include a couple of wooly sweaters and maybe some 32 Degree long johns. We will, of course, check the temperatures right before we go and pack accordingly, but those of you who have taken this tour, did you notice quite a big temperature change on those days? We are from Washington State, so not as sensitive to the cold as a Floridian, perhaps. But still, I like to be warm.
Posted by
New Orleans
93 posts
Late September in Vosges is like the Northeast of the USA. Chilly but not freezing. Gerardmer area has excellent hiking and some beautiful hotels and cabins for rent. As not many tourists here not a lot of people speak English well. It's really beautiful and reminds me of Maine. The Alps is far more developed in terms of tourism but really depends where you go. Temps can be colder due to higher altitude but Sept wont be so bad...I think a fleece/rain jacket with and back some baselayers in case...
Posted by
6 posts
I am going on the tour as well - see you soon, northwestcoyote! I was wondering about this also and appreciate the tips. I am also still not sure which shoes to bring. My trail running shoes are very comfortable, but quite casual (brightly colored, too). My hiking shoes are a bit heavy. Don't want to take both - 2nd pair will probably be Keens sandals. Thoughts? Merci d'avance
Posted by
Used to be Steilacoom, now it’s Las Vegas
2296 posts
We did this tour last August/early September. I was concerned about the Chamonix portion, but decided to risk it. In your situation, I’d throw in the 32 degree stuff. When we were there in 2017 the RS guidebook mentioned an outdoor store in town than had very reasonable prices. The guidebook advice was spot on, so if we had needed something we wouldn’t have had to fork over major bucks. Check and see if it’s still there - it was an easy walk from the hotel near the laundromat (which we also used). We were fine just layering what we were already traveling with. I always have a merino wool cardigan and that usually covers every situation.
Posted by
seattle
2136 posts
I always travel with a merlino wool cardigan. It is not too bulky and offers great warmth on chilly nights as well as under a raincoat as needed. I have taken my favorite sweater on all my trips March through November. Incase it gets colder, consider silk long underwear. It tends to be lightweight and east to tuck away in a suitcase cornet.
Posted by
6 posts
After-trip report: we packed right. I could have left out the wool vest, but we had warmer-than-usual weather. I also had a toboggan cap and glove liners that were not needed. My Alta Lone Peak running shoes were just right. I got a new pair just a week before the trip, but they were fine.
And I would highly recommend the Eastern France tour.