Hey all,
Packing for my trip to Paris/Loire Valley next week. Weather looks quite nice right now according to weather.com, though I know predicting too far out isn't always accurate. How necessary is a pair of jeans in April? I mainly travel in skirts and dresses, and will throw in a pair of capris for biking in the Loire Valley. Jeans take up so much space, and I'm only taking a small backpack. Do I really need them? I've never been to France so I'm not entirely sure what to expect regarding weather, especially at this time of year. Thanks!
Posted by
OP
Minneapolis/St. Paul
134 posts
Thanks for the replies, everyone. Spring is just difficult to pack for. I'm going to Paris so I'll be outside even if it's cold and rainy! @Bobbie, I actually am American (originally from the Midwest), but I'm teaching English abroad in a town southwest of Krakow right now. So I'm not travelling terribly far and I don't have to deal with luggage on an international flight this time, which makes things slightly easier :-)
Thanks again, everybody!
Posted by
Ann Arbor, Mi
3696 posts
I travel with mostly dress and skirts also. I don't care to travel with jeans. Have a few times, but not worth it to me. In my trips during cooler weather I bring a pair or two of leggings to throw on under my skirt if the weather turns chilly. They can roll up small enough to stay in my purse if I am out for the day and need them.
Posted by
Dreaming of my next trip to Europe
273 posts
Jeans are too heavy to travel with. I like to be able to wash in the sink and dry overnight. I have a pair of winter silk leggings with lace at the bottom for colder days/nights.
Posted by
San Francisco/Marin County
9436 posts
Bring what you would wear at home if it were cold and/or raining out.
Posted by
Park Ridge, IL
524 posts
Linnae
My experience with spring (and fall) in Europe is that it is just like the US. Maybe 5 to 7 degrees warmer overall. But that means it could be 45 and rainy or 65 with the sun. And it is a problem packing. I would take/buy a black pair of medium weight wash/wear pants. I like the ideas above about taking leggings, too. Dresses and skirts will fit in fine with the stylish Parisian women. However, remember you will be walking everywhere in Paris and much more out in the weather than at home. And also early mornings and evenings may be considerably cooler. Mostly the young women wear jeans in Paris. If you are biking in the Loire, try to find a light weight pair of jeans (the knit ones are great!) or wear the black pants. I don't think the capris are the best option and are not flexible enough. Are you bringing a zip out liner jacket/rain coat? That covers all kinds of weather. The last time I was in Paris it was mid April and very chilly with grey skies the 4 days we were there. This all makes it difficult to pack, especially in a small backpack. The purchases you may have to make to be sure you are comfortable in variable weather are still flexible and will be useful in Krakow as well. Oops, I probably should have looked at where you were from before I wrote the email. My response was really meant for an American woman. You know about walking all over, etc. Oh well, maybe some of it will help. I wish you blue skies, warm sun, and 60 degree temperatures.