Hello all,
For this time of year, and going to some average to nice Parisian restaurants, and the normal mix of museums, cathedrals, and a blues club and philharmonic, do we need to plan to be very dressed up? Business casual dressed up? Or are jeans and a flannel shirt acceptable?
Also, for the museums, are small backpacks normally allowed in so that we could bring a change of clothes for a full day out and about before we go to dinner and/or a show?
Thanks all!!!
Assuming you had tickets, I doubt very seriously that the philharmonic would turn you away if you are dressed as you describe. On the other hand, a restaurant or club might have a dress code that is either advertised or not.
Re: backpacks, it is my understanding that they are not permitted and must be checked (usually for free). The bigger question is where would you change your clothes? I, for one, prefer to return to my accommodation to freshen up before heading out in the evening.
There is no dress code for museus and cathedrals and for most clubs jeans are fine. I don't know about flannel shirts because I have none but I have been to many music clubs in Paris in jeans and a sweater or regular top without any issues. It depends on the restaurant but I have only been to a few with a dress code and they were extremely high end places -- for example, Guy Savoy when it was in 17th had a no jeans policy. As to the philharmonic and the opera, I have seen a range of looks there ranging from extremely casual to quite dressed up. Last time I was at the philharmonic, I saw 2 young couples in tuxedos and evening dresses -- a young person sitting near me told me the couples were being "ironic." Luckily I have a 26-year-old daughter so I knew what that meant. You probably will not need to change clothes if you wear something decent and comfortable initially each day. Plus, where will you change? Are you going to put clean clothes in a tiny toilette in a museum after being out and about all day?
