I was just curious as to the acceptability of shorts for men in France. I'm a 40 something male if that makes any sort of difference. I lived in Switzerland for many years and for the most part shorts were something your wore hiking or if you were hanging out by a lake. Not something you'd wear otherwise. However, for France I've heard a slew of different answers. For what its worth it'll be late May and we'll be spending a good amount of time in Provence and the Dordogne.
Posted by
Lake Oswego, Oregon
1329 posts
Yes, shorts are fine.
Posted by
San Francisco/Marin County
9436 posts
I agree with Grier... shorts are fine especially in Provence and the Dordogne.
Posted by
Michigan, United States
703 posts
Are shorts ok for men in Paris or no? We will be there the end of May. Thanks.
Posted by
Lake Oswego, Oregon
1329 posts
Just my opinion, but I think shorts are fine for sightseeing just about anywhere if it's hot but for dinner, unless a very casual place, I think long pants are appropriate.
Posted by
Chicago
8550 posts
It is not hot in Paris in May and shorts will look quite out of place on a grown man. Can you wear them? Of course; there is no wardrobe police. But they are neither very practical in Paris in May nor the sort of thing that allows you to blend in. Jeans on the other hand -- everyone is wearing those.
Posted by
Olympia, WA, USA
6713 posts
Janet is right, shorts will make it harder to pose as a Frenchman. ;) But they'll have you nailed anyway, even if you wear jeans like the other Europeans! I wouldn't want shorts in May, but everyone is different. Wear what makes you comfortable but bring some long pants for sit-down dinners and/or churches/cathedrals.
Posted by
Long Beach, California, USA
3398 posts
Don't worry about it! Lots of tourists in Europe wear shorts. It might still be on the chilly side so you may not want to but it's fine if you choose to. Don't go too casual but as long as they look nice it's fine. I would avoid athletic shorts + t-shirt as it always seems a little disrespectful of places tourists might visit like churches and museums.
Posted by
Auburn, Washington, USA
515 posts
When I was in Paris in June of 2012 I saw lots of men wearing shorts including my father and myself. I hate to admit it, I even saw girls wearing tube tops and mini skirts walking inside the Notre Dame. There was even one girl wearing a mini skirt and what looked like a fish net shirt with her bra completely exposed waiting in line for church. If that is allowed in Paris. shorts definitely are.
Posted by
San Francisco/Marin County
9436 posts
Just don't wear socks with sandals... ; )
Posted by
Vancouver, WA
15 posts
Khaki zip offs, then you can decide in real time. . .
Posted by
L'Occitanie, France
10621 posts
Dress has become more casual in recent years. No problem nowadays.
Posted by
L'Occitanie, France
10621 posts
Dress has become more casual in recent years. No problem nowadays.
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area
79 posts
Happy Easter everyone! Interesting topic... I will be packing shorts as well as jeans and a pair of khaki's for my upcoming trip to France in May. If you watch many of the RS travel videos, there are lots of people wearing shorts!