Early March trip--I overpacked for Paris. What I used & what I didn't

Before you read this, take into account your own lifestyle and activities. We rented an apartment, ate some meals out in bistro type places, walked a lot, visited museums, did a tad of shopping, went to church concerts etc. No ultra fancy places or stuff for us.

I ended up wearing the same things over and over again. I took 2 coats--one a microfiber type shell, calf length raincoat to layer over other things. The other was a calf length, light poly fill quilted silk coat. I switched depending on the day's forecast. Was glad to have both. I always wore a winter weight neck scarf to keep warm. I had 2 pairs of gloves--lighter weight for more finger dexterity and a heavier pair. Glad to have both. Wore a hat nearly all the time and never went anywhere without my umbrella.

I ended up wearing my ankle high, Gore-tex lined leather boots all the time (these aren't hiking boots but more like regular shoes). The other regular casual shoes I brought never got worn, and the one day I did try my feet got wet from the rain.

My dressier poly mix slacks were too cool for most days, so I ended up wearing a pair of black knit lacks nearly every day. I had two crewneck sweaters I wore a lot along with a silk neck scarf. I had several lightweight turtleneck sweaters but only wore the one with the looser neck; the tight necks were way too hot after walking and when I went into warmer places.

I had a quilted vest with me that I could layer under coats for really cold days, and I was glad I had it. I also had a boiled wool type jacket that was a little dressier that I could layer, and this was a nice option for certain days.

What I didn't wear at all: the skirt and dressier blouse I thought I'd wear if we went to a concert (it was just too cold), the blazer type jacket I thought it would be nice to have to wear alone for a nicer day (I don't think it would ever be nice enough for this at this time of year), the tight necked turtleneck sweaters (too hot inside), the dressier flats. Just thought I'd pass this along before you pack.

I had silk long underwear along but never felt the need to wear it because I had calf length coats; you'll probably want it if you wear very light slacks or shorter coats.

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kagoo on Mar 15, 06 at 12:37 PM

Aren't you a kind and thoughtful person to post this message! We are leaving for an almost-three-week trip to France (including 9 days in Paris) on April 6, with the same kinds of activities as yours, and my biggest fret at this point is the unpredictability of the weather at this time of year. [Coat? Raincoat? Jacket? Light, heavy, medium...? Layer, layer, layer for sure.] Your sharing of your experience is both timely and helpful! Thanks.
opaldog on Mar 15, 06 at 12:56 PM

Enjoyed your information. We leave on March 30th. We are also spending one night in Reykjavik. I am debating how to pack. I like to pack light and carryon if possible. We don't do anything dressy, so that eliminates the need for more formal clothing. I wear my heavier clothes on the plane, such as leather jacket, turtleneck sweater. I plan to bring 2 long sleeved shirts with v neck and 2 turtleneck; one light, one heavier. We are also renting an apartment which will allow me to wash (if I can figure out the machine)I bring 2 pairs of dark pants, black or dark gray and wear a pair. Shoes, I'm not sure what I'll be doing with that and the coat is a question mark also. I guess I will have to wait and see what the weather is like. I have to get a couple of neck scarves and of course bring gloves and umbrella.

julies on Mar 15, 06 at 01:00 PM

Forgot the other item I wore a lot. I had a slightly dressier than what you normally think of as fleece zip front sweater/jacket. This also got a lot of use.

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Early March trip--I overpacked for Paris. What I used & what I didn't

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