Rain, rain, rain. But don't pack your umbrella. Buy one there! There are wonderful shops selling ALL types of fabulous umbrellas in all prices ranges. <BR> <BR>So, don't pack yours, buy a new one. <BR> <BR>We had one with us and were caught in a rainstorm on St. Germain Blvd, stopped in a shop, very tiny, where people were waiting our the door to make a purchase and the little old French shopkeeper was quite charming!

Lu, hi again! I already thought you would tell us the big and never ending rain was over for some time! <BR>Well, they ideed annouce some spring weather to come! <BR>That would be even better than a fabulous umbrella purchased in Paris, right?

Just back from a week of rain in Paris...used umbrellas most days, although the wind was too strong on a few occassions. My husband and I wore Gore-tex hats with big brims that worked well, too. I want to know how the Parisians avoid looking like wet rags with all this rain!

I noticed that they sold umbrellas that had a "cord" attached from the handle to the edge of the umbrella to keep it from turning inside out. <BR> <BR>Yes, plenty of rain, but also lots of green and beautiful flowers already. It did inhibit some walking at times. So, then, we did the naturally best alternative. Sat in a cafe and drank bordeaux! <BR> <BR>As for the wet rag look, hmmm, don't know, though I bought a fabulous wide brimmed hat from a hatmaker on Rue Dauphine. It helped, but I didn't look like a Parisienne! ;-)

Last May I lost my expensive American-made umbrella somewhere in Ghent, Belgium. At the same time I realized it was gone, right across the square I spied an umbrella shop. A whole store selling the highest quality umbrellas at very good prices. I paid about half what I paid in the states, for a lighter, more compact, sturdier, more fashionable model. <BR> <BR>I won't be losing this one. Or I guess I'd have to go back. Hmmm.

you know, I NEVER pack an umbrella. ever. <BR> <BR>I look at it like this: <BR> <BR>1. another thing to pack <BR>2. I always lose them anyway - here, there, everywhere. so I may as well buy one there & bring it home. I won't have it more than 3 months anyway. just in time for another jaunt. <BR>3. if I DO need it, I buy one - another reminder of my trip. <BR>4. maybe not having one makes you lucky in the rain dept. I've spent month long trips in the UK, and always managed to be a day ahead of the rain. (ok, so this is a stretch)