I know that I should not plan to wear t-shirts and shorts in Paris but what about Bordeaux and the Dordogne Valley?
John - assume you are traveling in summer? We were in the Dordogne a few summers ago and it was VERY hot. It is a very rugged area with lots of castle ruins and other outdoor activities - i.e canoeing down the river. My husband & son wore shorts and athletic teva-type sandals. You'll have your long pants from Paris to go out to dinner - the food there was fantastic.