Appropriate attire for Provence
 

My wife and I will be in Avignon and Nice for a week in mid-September and the weather will be warm. I am just wondering if walking shorts or cargo shorts are appropriate apparel for men in their 50s in warm weather in Provence? Daytime sightseeing, not evening for dinner of course.

We were in Italy (Florence, Venice, Rome) this spring and despite what the travel books say dress was more casual than we expected, so I thought I’d ask for some advice for France. Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

It may be warmer in Nice, but we were in Avignon, Arles and Aix last year in mid-September. It was very nice, but cool enough that we did not want shorts at all and used jackets some days and most evenings.

I think they're fine as one choice. But definitely have regular pants in case you get chillier weather with rain some days.

The travel books are full of it, with the exception of Fodors. No one cares what you wear during the day (unless you're trying to go into a church). Besides, if you have the chops for it, why not wear the shorts?

We are in Toulouse right now, and I have noticed that DH is the only male of any age wandering around in shorts. Most men are wearing long pants, or casual cropped below the knee style.

I haven't mentioned this to DH, and as he seems completely oblivious and comfortable, why worry? We haven't been refused entry anywhere at all. Di

As a general rule, French men wear shorts when their feet are in sand; not necessarily otherwise. You should wear whatever you like but I think it would be a little cool for them in mid September.

In Provence, you will find all of the locals out in the countryside dressed in all manner of shapeless shorts and ratty t-shirts at all ages. In the cities you will see it a bit less, but that is just because quite a few of the locals are at work and need to be presentable. Just compare weekday attire with what you will see on the weekend, and the difference can be amazing.

Here are some pictures showing what people wear in towns during the day:
http://www.residence-melody.com//ima..._image_035.jpg
http://jroaman.com/blog/assets_c/201...1555-4806.html

Local men of your age would likely to be wearing something between long pants and shorts like these guys:
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cistoHKP6o...0/100_0923.jpg

Often a lot of the people here will try to make you believe that people dress better just because they would like everybody to dress nicely, but those 3 photos are quite accurate.

I would also say that the first two photos could have been taken anywhere in Europe, if it wasn't for the type of market stalls and the architecture. That type of clothing can be found everywhere in fine summer weather.

However, I would also guess the woman in the foreground wearing a dress and with sunglasses on her head is British.

We'll be visiting Toulouse at the end of September, and weather history indicates temps can be up around 30.

DH will for certain be in shorts for daytime walking around. I've learned from experience that we're happier when dressed comfortably for long days walking, than making a fashion statement. Regrettably I did the latter in Venice!