Shorts for women in France & Spain

The deal with women and shorts in Europe is basically if you are a beach or country destination, yes ladies wear them, but in the cities, Rome and say Paris, you will not see many wearing them. Also in many churches etc shorts are not permitted ( unless they cover your knees completely, which basically makes them capris)
I would never take three pairs, one pair of shorts, one pair of capris , and at least one summery skirt. I like skirts for summer as they are cooler and you can go anywhere in one, plus you can dress it up or down for dinners etc. Sundresses are another favorite for hot weather wear, its an outfit in one piece , good walking sandals and you are set for the day. I also take a pair of slacks( as opposed to jeans) since slacks can be washed and dry in a day or two, jeans when dirty take DAYS to dry, and dry all stiff and hard,yuck, they are also heavy. If you plan on visiting a laundrmat then jeans are fine, mind they are heavy and bulky , but they are worn everywhere!

I'm hardcore into packing light. I never take 3 pairs of shorts. I usually only take one and wash them as needed. But I guess it depends alot on factors such as time of year, climate/weather and type of travel.

In which case I would take two pairs of shorts maximum and maybe one skirt with a split slip or leggings to help prevent chaffing.
There are some places that you don't too often see women wearing shorts, especially short shorts or after a certain age. You'd see them on the beaches but probably not so common to see short shorts in the city.

Ambrosia,

I lived in Italy for two years and found shorts for women were not uncommon for the travelers and backpackers in France and Italy. A lot of churches will not let folks in who are wearing shorts. So we often carried a pair of light nylon pants or light weight skirt which you could wrap around your waist for a visit inside.

Hope this helps!

Shorts--long ones, as in knee-length--are appropriate only at the beach or in resort or seaside places. On grown-ups of both genders, they're a bit too casual in those countries. Way back in the day, kids wore shorts and it was a sign of being an adult that you would get to wear long pants. And as far as shorts on women: I've found that capris work better--just seems more respectful, esp when visiting churches and other sacred places. Ironically, though, if you're wearing a skirt or a dress, an above-the-knee hemline is acceptable--not way up there short, but a couple of inches above the knee. Go figure! And I agree that three pair might be excessive--I was in France for 3.5 weeks last June and brought two pair of capris (black, khaki), one long (almost ankle length) black skirt, and one short black skort and had outfits to cover every occasion. Bon voyage!

You don't specify your age or planned activities- I would only take one pair of longish shorts and only if you are doing hiking or other "sporty" things. I don't so much worry about whether I look like a tourist as being respectful within the culture as well as comfortable. That's why I've taken to wearing skirts more- you're always set to duck into a church, and they are so much cooler in warm climates. Travel or outdoor stores and the catalogs have styles with lots of cargo pockets, including some that are passport- sized and hidden in the seam or waistband. This past trip I even hiked in my knee-length khaki skirt several times. It's liberating to not have to worry about a purse. I also like jersey- weight tank dresses (choose your length)- while not quick to dry, I can wear mine several times and just air it inside-out between wearings instead of washing it. With a cardigan or wrap in your day bag you'll be ready for anything!