Will I need boots for Sept & Oct in France?

Do you mean rubber rain boots, or leather boots? Leather boots are extremely popular, so you might want to think about bringing a pair. I know I would.

no to leather boots!!

I wore mine in Ireland last week (in the rain) and practically ate the sidewalk. The cobblestones are slippery and my Anne Taylor boots did not have as good of traction as my sneakers.

I ended up going to Marks & Spencers to get a pair of rubber sole shoes because I was too scared to walk on the cobblestones in the rain.

(I'm the original poster). I was thinking of bringing a low heeled, synthetic sole (w. good tread) pair of short leather boots that can be waterproofed. I don't want to bring them if they would be too hot and if leather walking shoes would be enough for the level of rain I can expect.

Robin, take the leather boots and water proof them. I think the parts of France you will visit will have less rain than Victoria in October, but this is worrying you so make room for the boots in your luggage and be ready for any eventually. There, problem solved.

September in Paris,, no boots, I find it can still be nice and Indian Summer in Paris. Robin,, my honest thought is as a Victorian you will find the weather in Paris very similar to ours.
I guess I am such a light packer that I would nix the boots just because they are one more pair of shoes to lug around that will not be that practical most of the time. Sounds like you have a lovely long trip planned, lucky you!!

Norma, I'd say yes to the leather boots ONLY if the bottom have good traction. Mine have the finish of dress shoes, and with cobblestones, I practically fell with the slick surface.

i Was not worried about the boots itself.. more like my safety.

I don't think the slipping has anything to do with the fact that you're wearing boots--any footwear can have a slick surface that makes slipping easy (I have sandals like this). Knee high leather boots have been THE thing to wear in France for a few years now (not sure if it will still be this fall), and I've worn mine with no issue.

I live in Seattle and have never even considered wearing rubber boots here or in Europe, so that isn't something I'd bring. I've visited Paris in Sept and Oct and never wished I'd brought special rainewear.

I have frequently been in these areas in September/October. I have never needed boots. In fact, I can only remember one big rain storm in Provence and it was at night.

I would stick with a good solid pair of sneakers.