Shorts for women?

In general, they wear skirts. Capris may be more versatile than shorts, however: if you wear shorts, you may well be denied entry to some churches.

When are you going? While it can be very hot in summer, generally women do not go around wearing shorts like they would in the US. I was in Alsace last July and it was so hot I wished that I had brought a pair of shorts! Ended up buying a super light top and very short capris type pants (below the knee). I was not the only one doing this, and we were not heading to a church.

capris are fine but no shorts

Definitely NO shorts in Paris, even if it's scorching hot!

I think sundresses and skirts are cooler in heat then shorts anyways. Tourist do wear shorts in Paris, mostly younger folks,, if I was going to wear shorts( which I rarely do even at home, unless at beach/lake) I would wear the longer walking short,, the ones that look a bit dressier. BUT that is personal taste. The fashion police will not arrest you for looking like a visiting American tourist if you are in fact one!

Janet, there is definitely an exception to the "no shorts in Paris" rule, and that is what fashionistas call "the city short." Yes, "short." Basically it's either a very high-cut almost short-short paired with slouchy boots, or patterned hose and super-on-trend shoes, or a longer pair of almost walking shorts, in sophisticated suiting fabric, worn with heels and very chic accessories. If you can get hold of a pair of really NICE cotton/linen/tropic-weight-wool-blend knee-length shorts, and you wear them with fashionable shoes with a heel, and a lightweight but on-trend top, then YES, you can wear shorts in Paris. Needless to say, none of the above pieces of clothing are necessarily things the average traveler is going to pack. I have actually "gotten away with" a pair of black polished cotton walking shorts, paired with wedge espadrilles in faux patent leather. The key is to get the most fashionable pair you can - sports shorts, anything stretch, or anything like a workout or yoga pant is a NO NO. Also - cargo shorts are anathema. :-) Capris work, too.

I am a middle aged woman too. I won't wear shorts when traveling in cities....I wear capri pants, or a skirt. Skirts are so much cooler in the heat of summer, and look more stylish. Someone mentioned sundresses, that would be nice to wear as well with a nice scarf to accessorize, or to cover shoulders for churches, or when cooler temps prevail. It could be cool in Ireland, England, Scotland, capri pants make more sense. Women in Europe are not as casual as we are in the US. It's not that you need to fit in, but it shows respect if you are a bit more covered up. Shorts are for the beach, not for touring Paris sites, IMO. So, my vote is No for shorts...while in the country. Maybe on the boat, they would be OK....

James, that goes for men, too! :-)